Government Shutdown Closes Popular National Refuges to Hunters and Anglers in Vermont

 The federal government shutdown has some Vermont hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers looking for alternative venues to enjoy their favorite fall activities. At the Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, both the Nulhegan Basin Division and Putney Mountain Unit have been closed to the public. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge has also curtailed operations.
 
Visitors to the headquarters of these federal lands will find shut gates leading into the properties have been closed, and access to public activities such as hunting and fishing have been suspended. A federal agent patrolling the Conte refuge is warning hunters against trespass.
 
"The federal shutdown hits Vermont during one of the state's busiest seasons for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing," said Patrick Berry, Fish & Wildlife commissioner. "This is a time when rural communities across Vermont really count on the local revenues generated by hunting and fishing activities."
 
Berry encouraged those whose plans are being compromised by the closures to check the department website WMA Maps… for other wildlife management areas and public lands that offer comparable resources.