Facility Activities

Hunting, birding, and photography are some of the many ways to enjoy the refuge.

Archery
Archery demonstrations and lessons may be a part of local site programming. Some refuges and hatcheries permit bow-hunting with other hunting. This activity is typically limited. Check locally for how to apply.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Hunting

Optima NWR is known for the healthy mixed grass prairie on its 4,200 acres, where there are often abundant quail populations. At this refuge, hunters will find bobwhite quail, a popular species still found in good numbers in Oklahoma, as well as scaled quail, which can only be hunted in a few...

Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.