Welcome Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) sits along the lower 17 miles of the Hatchie River in western Tennessee. Unlike most Mississippi River tributaries that have been straightened and levees constructed for flood control, the Hatchie River remains the longest continuous stretch of naturally meandering river in the lower Mississippi River Valley. In result, wildlife and fisheries thrive in its almost pristine watershed ecosystems. The refuge helps protect and enhance the ever diminishing bottomland hardwood forests, along with other important habitats within the Hatchie River watershed. The refuge currently comprises 9,451 acres.

Getting There . . .

Lower Hatchie NWR is located north of Memphis between Covington and Ripley, west of Highway 51N on Highway 87W. The refuge headquarters is located approximately 18 miles down Highway 87W on the left (sign will read Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge) just before the Mississippi River.

Sunk Lake PUNA is located off Highway 87W; take Sunk Lake Road to the right after passing Woodard's Grocery. The main entrance (i.e. look for the sign and gate) to the southern unit is approximately 4 miles down Sunk Lake Road on the right.

NOTICE

Deer Hunt Dates for Lower Hatchie and Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuges are incorrect on the 2009-2010 Public Use Regulations brochure. The white-tailed deer Gun / Muzzle Loader / Archery Season in the current hunt brochures state "Two Hunts. Dec. 1-6, 2009. Dec. 19-Jan.10,2010". The first hunt is being changed to Nov. 21-Dec. 6th, while the second hunt remains the same. Sorry for the inconvenience.

This change will also be posted on the front of the 2009-2010 Public Use Regulations brochure.