General Information

Major objectives of the Refuge are to provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and nongame migratory birds, wintering and production habitat for wood ducks, and habitat for the natural diversity of wildlife native to the area. Management objectives also emphasize opportunities for environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife recreation such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and photography.

Visitors can explore the bottomlands on an elevated boardwalk that offers close encounters with age-old hardwood trees, and a variety of wildlife. Additional walking trails are available, along with opportunities for hunting, fishing, and environmental education.

Almost 9,000 acres have been acquired. Additional land will be purchased from willing sellers as funds are available. Public use maps are provided to guide visitors to the areas open for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. The Refuge will eventually encompass over 18,000 acres. Currently, a checkerboard ownership of public and privately-held tracts exists within the proposed Refuge boundary. Hunters, fishermen and other visitors to the Refuge are not authorized to trespass on private land; private property rights should be respected at all times.

In the field, the Refuge boundary is indicated by white fiberglass posts marked with boundary stickers and/or 11 X 14-inch metal boundary signs. By law, national wildlife refuges are closed to all public use activities unless expressly permitted. Hunting, fishing and certain other public uses are permitted on most areas of the Refuge. Our regulations supplement the general regulations that govern public use on national wildlife refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations.

When permitted, hunting, fishing, and other public uses will be in accordance with applicable State laws unless otherwise listed.

General Regulations

Weapons
Carrying, possessing, or discharging firearms, fireworks, or explosives on national wildlife refuges is prohibited unless specifically authorized.

Motorized Vehicles
All vehicles must remain on existing County roads or in designated parking areas. Blocking gates or roadways is prohibited. All terrain vehicles (ATVs and ATCs) are prohibited, except by individuals with a disability who possess a Refuge special use permit.

Boats
Boats used for any recreational activity; i.e., hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, must be removed from the Refuge daily. Boats must comply with all State regulations.

Accessibility
People with a disability are encouraged to participate in Refuge activities. Contact the Refuge manager for guidelines to obtain special use access.

Animals/Pets
Pet owners must maintain control of pets at all times. Riding horses and mules is not allowed.

Closed Areas
Designated areas will be closed to public entry (see map for specific locations and closures). Other areas may be closed for special management or safety reasons. All Refuge access is prohibited after dark unless specifically authorized by the Refuge manager.

Camping and Fires
Camping and fires are prohibited on the Refuge. The nearest campground is located at Okmulgee/Dripping Springs State Park, west of Okmulgee along Highway 56.

Refuge/Cultural Resources
All government property including natural, historic, and archaeological features are protected by federal law. Searching for or removal of objects of antiquity or other value is strictly prohibited.

Alcohol Use
Alcohol use is prohibited in Refuge parking lots, on roads, trails and boardwalk.

Wildlife and Plants
Disturbance or removal of wildlife or plants is prohibited.