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Drone Rules for Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

Puxico, Missouri (MO) • United States
24279 MO-51, Puxico, MO 63960, USA
Lat: 36.9695 • Lng: -90.1507
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Mingo NWR. The Bootheel wetland complex is a remnant of the original Big Swamp of southeastern Missouri and a primary wintering site for Canada geese on the Mississippi Flyway.

Drone Rules - Mingo NWR, Missouri

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 21,676-acre bottomland hardwood swamp; up to 200,000 Canada geese winter here in November-December
  • American alligator reaches its northern range limit in the Missouri Bootheel; refuge alligator population is managed as a heritage species
  • Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI) Class D is ~50 NM north; Sikeston Memorial (SIK) Class G is ~20 NM west

Key Rules

  • Canada goose hunting season (adjacent lands): drone use near the refuge during open season has caused conflicts with waterfowl hunters on adjacent Conservation lands
  • Alligator sunning areas (May-September) on dike levees: USFWS recommends no approaches closer than 100 yards
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; research applications go to USFWS Missouri Prairie Wetlands Complex

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