A smartphone snapping a photo of a bright yellow flower in a grassy field

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. That's not surprising, considering the popularity of the digital camera and the increasing photography abilities of cell phone. You don't need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors. Nearly 12 million people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and national wildlife refuges naturally are at the top of the list. Refuges provide enhanced opportunities to photograph wildlife in natural habitats by providing wildlife observation blinds, brochures, interpreters, viewing areas, and tour routes. Wildlife photography is a high-priority activity in the Refuge System. We welcome beginning and expert photographers alike to record their outdoor adventures on film, memory card or internal hard drive!

You can photograph refuge landscapes and wildlife from any area open to the public. Many photographers find success along the Auto Tour Route, the wildlife observation blinds, and for the more adventurous, on the many miles of trails.