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Drone Rules for Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

Mayville, Wisconsin (WI) • United States
W4279 Headquarters Rd, Mayville, WI 53050, USA
Lat: 43.5703 • Lng: -88.6087
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Horicon NWR. The 21,000-acre cattail marsh is one of the most important inland waterfowl staging areas in North America, hosting up to 500,000 Canada geese each October.

Drone Rules - Horicon NWR, Wisconsin

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210; adjacent Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area (WI DNR) also prohibits UAS.

Airspace / Site Context

  • 500,000 Canada geese staging in October creates extreme mid-air collision risk for small UAS; goose flocks frequently move at 150-200 ft AGL
  • Dodge County Airport (UNU) Class G; Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) Class C is ~55 NM south
  • The combined 33,000-acre refuge-state wildlife area complex is surrounded by active agricultural fields that are not restricted

Key Rules

  • October Canada goose staging: USFWS and WI DNR actively coordinate to intercept drone operators at the main parking areas
  • Launching from the Wisconsin DNR portion still violates state rules; USFWS boundary begins immediately east of the state area
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required for research; goose season applications require US Fish & Wildlife Service-Midwest Regional Office approval

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