Plan Your Visit

Wildlife Viewing Suggestions:

• Visit the refuge early in the morning or just before sunset. Animals are usually more active then, especially during the warmer times of the year, and can often be observed coming and going to feeding and resting areas.
• Watch for wildlife in areas where two habitats meet. Animals are attracted to the variety of food and shelter found in these transition zones.
• Stay in the car. Vehicles are an excellent observation and photographic blind. Animals have grown accustomed to seeing people in cars and are less threatened than by people on foot.
• Use binoculars and spotting scopes to get a closer look. The next visitor will appreciate animals not being scared into hiding.
• Human voices and sudden movements scare wildlife. When hiking or observing, minimize talking and move slowly.
• Study and learn more about wildlife. Many good identification books can assist in determining what species are present or common to the area.

Unfortunately, along with the advice we're giving you on visiting the refuge on this web site, we also need to include the "don't do's." Sorry, we're trying to protect wildlife and habitats; we can't help ourselves.

• The refuge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 1/2 hour after sunset.
• Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.
• Most areas of the refuge are very remote with no restroom or drinking water facilities. Refuge visitors should plan their trips accordingly.
• Littering is unlawful and can seriously injure wildlife. Help keep the refuge clean by removing all trash.
• Firearms, bows and arrows, and other weapons are prohibited on the refuge, except for legal weapons used as permitted during designated hunting season.
• The following are prohibited on the refuge—dogs off-leash, camping (except at Soda Lake Campground), swimming, off-road vehicles, and collection of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.

A couple words of caution:

• The western rattlesnake is regularly encountered on the refuge and might be found anywhere during warm weather. They are most abundant in rocky areas. Visitors should be alert for them, but must remember that they, like all other species of wildlife on the refuge, are protected.
• The refuge covers a variety of habitats including rough terrain, deep waters, dense stands of vegetation, stubble fields, and ditches. Access difficulty varies by area, and users should examine their own abilities and limitation before visiting the refuge. Contact the refuge office for suggestions on using the area safely.