Established in 1940, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge manages habitat for the conservation of migratory birds. The refuge is located in three counties of Mississippi, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston. In 2012, the refuge was renamed Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in honor of Sam D. Hamilton, a former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service who grew up in this area.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Aside from hunting and fishing, the refuge is known for nature photography and birding.  The National Audubon Society has designated Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge as an Important Bird Area, one of five of global importance in Mississippi.  

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      What was once intensively farmed and over-grazed land, the refuge is now home to an array of wildlife and a healthy bottomland hardwood forest. The establishing purpose of the refuge was for the conservation of migratory birds, especially waterfowl, the refuge is also home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and many neotropical migratory bird species which benefit from the variety of habitats the refuge provides.

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, including the resource management tools used. At Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge tools such as moist soil and prescribed burning are used. 

      Our Species

      Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge was established with the purpose of being a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, but it is home to a variety of wildlife species associated with habitats managed on the refuge. 

      Our Library

      Visit our digital library to view brochures and other refuge documents.