Refuge staff work to restore natural floodplain conditions, including bottomland forests and its associated wetlands for the benefit of wildlife. We strive to provide public access to all areas for wildlife dependent recreation including hunting and fishing.

Latest News

Aerial view of a small island with sand and green vegetation on it, surrounded by deep blue water
Get Involved
A Beginner’s Guide to the National Wildlife Refuge System
Not quite sure what the National Wildlife Refuge System is and all that it encompasses? This primer gives a quick overview.
A narrow portion of bay surrounded by forest on the far side and green wetland on the near side
History and Culture
National Wildlife Refuges Along the Lewis and Clark Trail
A couple dozen U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national wildlife refuges are situated roughly along the 1804-1805 westbound route of explorers Lewis and Clark. This story features a dozen refuges, in east-to-west order.
A spindly walking stick bug on a horizontal wooden rail looking out over a wooded flood plain
Recreation
Why I Took These Shots #8
This is one in a series of articles in which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff members reflect on favorite photos they have taken at national wildlife refuges. It features former wildlife biologist ASHLEY RIEDEL and Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Missouri.
Paddlers navigate rapids on Alaska’s Sheenjek River
Wildlife Wonders
Rivers: America’s Lifeblood
Rivers sustain you in many vital ways, even if you live far from one.
A pink and green humming bird with rapidly flapping wings pokes it's nose into a flower to collect nectar
Wildlife Wonders
Wings of Life
We owe most of our fruits, crops and flowers to insects and other animals that carry pollen from flower to flower, fertilizing them in the process.
A small pond surrounded by leafy green vegetation, a few standing dead trees and verdant forest
Wildlife Management
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully manages trapping activities on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations, and to protect refuge infrastructure. Trapping may be used as a wildlife management tool...
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Visit Us

To some it’s pursuing game during an open season or to others taking in the beauty of the change of season. Whatever brings you to the nature of the refuge we hope you will respect what it has to offer. Take only the allowed limit and leave only tracks. On this refuge you are sure to find the nature you deserve. Hover over the map icons below to discover nature near you.   

Location and Contact Information

      Chalk and Pastel drawing of Hooded Merganser Duck
      View the 2023 Missouri Junior Duck Stamp Entries

      The 2023 Missouri Junior Duck stamp entries are viewable online at The Lake Arts Council website.   Scroll down on the main page to see the artwork.  Click on each entry to see the duck species and artist.   

       

      Our Species

      The refuge provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Most wildlife found throughout the state of Missouri reside on the refuge. The Missouri river drives the floodplain and aquatic habitat of lesser-known but equally important wildlife that inhabit the refuge. The endangered pallid sturgeon swims in her waters and the refuge plays a vital role in providing shallow water habitat for survival of sturgeon young.