With annual rainfall of less than four inches, it may come as a surprise that Cibola National Wildlife Refuge is a winter oasis for waterfowl. The refuge offers a first-rate hunting experience in the Sonoran Desert. Located along the lower Colorado River, the refuge hosts thousands of Canada and snow geese, ducks, coots and other aquatic birds from late fall to early spring. Refuge staff and partners work to improve or reestablish marshes and historic backwaters to provide more wildlife habitat. Invasive plant removal, prescribed burns, development of moist-soil units and mechanical manipulation are employed to benefit wildlife and provide for better hunting opportunities. Waterfowl hunting is available at several units on the refuge. The Unit 2 Hunt requires a permit issued via lottery; all other units do not require a special permit. The application for the Unit 2 Hunt lottery may be downloaded here. There are specific regulations for the hunt units, and all hunters should check with refuge headquarters for details.
