Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • FamilyFishingDerby2-Millsxrotate

    Ducks Unlimited Fishing Derby

    Every year in September Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and Ducks Unlimited put on a fishing event that is fun for the whole family.

    Learn More

  • MINWRRoad-GlennonxRotate

    Open Roads Days

    "Open Roads Days" events are held throughout the year to provide opportunities to fish and observe wildlife.

    2020 Mackay Island Calendar of Events

  • SunsetSwan-USFWSxRotate

    Wings Over Water

    Wings Over Water occurs every year in the fall and offers an assortment of ways to experience the wildness and uniqueness of the area.

    Wings Over Water

  • Mexico Monarchs AnnMarie Krmpotich/USFWS

    Monarchs On the Move

    The monarchs have left their wintering grounds in Mexico. Future generations of monarchs will make their way back to us this spring.

    Track their progress.

Featured Wildlife

American Black Duck

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American black ducks migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds in eastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February.

Learn More

Snow Goose

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Snow geese migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds on the tundra in northeastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February. They reside in the moist soil units and marshes on the refuge and in the Bay and River surrounding the refuge.

Learn More
NEWS

Proposed 2021-22 Hunt Program Changes

Draft Waterfowl Hunt, Deer Hunt Expansion, and Incidental Take of Coyote and Feral Hog Hunting Plan and Environmental Assessment April 2021.

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Proposes Changes to Hunting Program

About the Complex

North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online