Facility Activities

Recreational opportunities at Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge include hunting for deer and upland game birds (specific regulations apply), photography, and wildlife viewing.

From a distance, the cattails that grow throughout Lake Zahl look idyllic and easy to negotiate. However, hunters know that this cover is like walking through a jungle. This landscape provides great hiding spots for pheasant, and even deer, despite the fact that very few trees grow on this 3,700...

The Prairie Pothole Region produces 50 percent of North America’s waterfowl. All species of ducks common to the Prairie Pothole Region use Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge and the Crosby Wetland Management District. The primary breeders are mallards, gadwalls, and blue-winged teal. Green-...

In addition to abundant waterfowl and other migratory and resident birds, Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge is home to many mammal species. White-tailed and mule deer are abundant, and small herds of pronghorn are scattered throughout the surrounding area. Moose can be seen on occasion....

Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to take photos, whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens.

 A variety of attractive wildflowers can be found from spring to fall in many areas of the refuge, especially those that contain healthy native prairie. ...