Fishing, hunting access unaffected by federal government shutdown

By KIRBY ROSS
Phillips County Review

KIRWIN — A little over five years ago when the U.S. government shut down due to political conflict relating to budgetary matters, the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge ended up having to close off public access, including to hunting and fishing.

Fast forward to January 2019 and we are again in the midst of yet another government shutdown due to political conflict relating to budgetary matters.

As a result of the current shutdown, there had been some question as to the public access status of the Kirwin Refuge — a question that the Phillips County Review is now able to clear up after a discussion of Refuge Manager Brad Krohn Monday morning.

According to Krohn, unlike during the 2013 shutdown Kirwin remains open to the general public. Krohn notes that while the headquarters office is closed and some employees have been furloughed, both he and Refuge officer Jeff Dunlap remain on duty.

Says Krohn, “There are no changes or closure of any kind for the public wanting to utilize the refuge during the furlough. People can continue to hunt, fish, bird watch, recreate, etc according to all set legal regulations. I ask that people be respectful and pack out what you pack in to keep things clean and free of litter and trash. Please note that the public can use the Refuge just like any other day.”

Unaffected by the federal government shutdown, state fish and game wardens also remain on duty around the Refuge, as usual.

— Republished with permission