Each year the refuge holds a managed Canada goose hunt. Hunters are invited to participate in a lottery drawing for a pre-set number of goose blinds that are available on the refuge. The goose hunt takes place in October and there is a $4 fee per person. Hunters are required to stop shooting at noon and check in by 1pm whether or not they were successful. The daily bag limit is two Canada geese per person per day. More information will be posted as the hunting season draws near.

White-tailed hunts are available on the refuge as well. Hunters may participate in archery, shotgun and muzzleloader hunts, fees may apply. The managed deer hunt is subject to Michigan state and refuge-specific regulations. More information will be posted as new regulations are being developed.
 

Fishing is allowed by boat from navigable waterways within the refuge. Boaters are not allowed to cross into marsh or pool units or anchor on any refuge dikes. Bank fishing is allowed on the Tittabawassee River at Green Point Environmental Learning Center and the Woodland Trail at Stroebel Road. Anglers must hike to both of these sites since neither are accessible by vehicle. Anglers may also want to try the Cass River Boat Launch and Fishing Access site off Highway M -13. 

Possible fish species include: walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, black bullhead, channel catfish, freshwater drum and white sucker.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge’s diverse habitats attract more than 270 species of migratory birds. Its four trails and seasonal auto tour route, the Wildlife Drive, offer visitors an opportunity to see many of these birds as well as a variety of other wildlife. The Ferguson Bayou Trail and Wildlife Drive offer three wildlife observation decks, two with spotting scopes.

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge annually sponsors a Kids Free Fishing Day in early June. The date typically falls during Michigan’s free fishing weekend.

The annual Refuge Open House is held during the month of September. During this weekend only, the entire refuge is open to hiking, bicycling and deer scouting during daylight hours.

Green Point Environmental Learning Center at 3010 Maple Street in Saginaw offers environmental education programs for students of all ages. During the summer months, children can borrow a fishing pole and practice catch and release fishing in Green Point’s pond. When there is enough snow on the ground, snowshoes are available to use on the trails. 

Two of the most photogenic species that visitors encounter are great egret and wood duck. Great egrets are common along the Wildlife Drive from May until October. However, July through September is when they are most abundant at the refuge when hundreds can be seen in a day. Wood ducks are best found along the Wildlife Drive and Ferguson Bayou Trail from May to October as well. Females with broods of ducklings can be spotted in June and July, but this species is most abundant from August through October.

A blind is located on the short spur on the way to the Grefe Tower off the Ferguson Bayou Trail. This one is open on a first come, first served basis, during daylight hours.