Fed by snowmelt from the Warner Mountains, the Pit River creates a 7,000 acre oasis for wildlife in the high desert of northeastern California -- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge.
Now Accepting Public Comment On Draft Right-of-Way Compatibility Determination

Draft Right-of-Way Compatibility Determination

Available for public review and comment until July 10, 2026

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is evaluating the compatibility of permitting temporary construction along portions of County Road 56, 57, and 115 adjacent to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge to Frontier Communications. The draft Compatibility Determination (CD) is available for public review and comment.  Public comment will be accepted via emailing fw8plancomments@fws.gov until July 10, 2026 close of business.  Public comments will be reviewed and addressed in the final CD.

 The Draft Right-of-Way Compatibility Determination can be found in our website Library.

Visit Us

Kids and families walk along wetlands trail of Modoc NWR.
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Take advantage of the recreational opportunities provided by the National Wildlife Refuge System. Come visit us at the Modoc NWR!

Location and Contact Information

      Woman dressed warmly in camouflage and standing in marsh reeds aims a shotgun into the air
      Now Accepting Waterfowl Hunting Applications!

      If you are interested in applying for our Opening Weekend Lottery Waterfowl Hunting on October 3rd-4th, please read the instructions and fill out the application form. The Opening Weekend Hunt Application & Instructions for Modoc NWR can be found in our website Library. Applications must be received by July 31st to be considered.

      If you are interested in signing a minor up for our free Waterfowl Pre-Season Youth Hunt on September 19th-20th, please read the instruction and fill out the application form. The Modoc NWR's Youth Hunt Application & Instructions can be found in our website Library. Applications must be received by August 15th to be considered. 

      We hope to see you there!

      What We Do

      The Modoc NWR protects water for wildlife, enhances habitat, and engages the public in wetland conservation.

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      At the Modoc NWR, you can find a variety of wildlife including the Sandhill Crane, Snow Goose, Tundra Swan, Otter, and more!

      Our Library

      Explore documents related to refuge habitat, recreational opportunities, surveys and more.

      Draft Compatibility Determination for Frontier Communications Utility Right-of-Way at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge
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      Draft Compatibility Determination for Frontier Communications Utility Right-of-Way at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

      Draft Right-of-Way Compatibility Determination available for public review and comment until July 10, 2026.

      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is evaluating the compatibility of permitting temporary construction along portions of County Road 56, 57, and 115 adjacent to...

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      Opening Weekend Hunt Application & Instructions for Modoc NWR
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      Opening Weekend Hunt Application & Instructions for Modoc NWR

      This document contains instructions on how to apply for the opening weekend of waterfowl hunting season lottery at Modoc NWR. The document also contains the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form. 

      Applications must be received by July 31st to be considered. 

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      Modoc NWR's Youth Hunt Application & Instructions
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      Modoc NWR's Youth Hunt Application & Instructions

      This document contains instructions on how to apply for the Waterfowl Pre-Season Youth Hunt at Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. The document also contains the Waterfowl Pre-Season Youth Hunt Application Form. 

      Applications must be received by August 15th to be considered. 

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      Modoc NWR Westside Hunt Regulations and Map
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      Modoc NWR Westside Hunt Regulations and Map

      This document includes the Modoc NWR westside hunt regulations as well as a map of the westside hunting area. 

      The ADA hunt blinds on the westside hunt map are numbered south to north, with the southernmost blind as #1 and the northernmost blind as #3.

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      Grandma Tract Hunt Regulations and Map
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      Grandma Tract Hunt Regulations and Map

      This document includes hunting regulations and a hunt unit map for the Grandma Tract at Modoc NWR.

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      Get Involved

      FWS staff works with students to plant a tree at Modoc NWR.
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      Modoc NWR has many opportunities for volunteers and partners in wildlife, habitat and visitor use projects. 

      Projects and Research

      Learn more about research and projects at Modoc NWR.