The Ten Thousand Islands NWR protects habitat for some of the most unique species on the continent, including endangered manatees, wood storks and sea turtles. This interesting habitat, consisting of small islands interlaced with small coastal waters also draws blue-winged teal, mottled ducks, ring-necked ducks, and other species each fall. About 4,000 acres are open to hunting, hunt areas are accessible from three water trails (Trail 1, 3 and 4) off the South side of US 41. Canoes or johnboats with a 25-horsepoer or less motor provide the best access to hunting locations. Taking time to learn the refuge is important for success as only a small number of ducks use the hunting areas.
Upwards of 50% of the historical marshes that once occurred in the Ten Thousand Islands Region have been lost in the last 75 years (mainly due to mangrove forest expansion), and hunter numbers have significantly increased since the Refuge was first established.
