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

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining 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

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St. Vincent Island hunting opportunities

St. Vincent Island offers some of the most unique hunting opportunities found on any wildlife refuge.

Hunting Regulations and More

NEWS

Refuge Update

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Update on the St. Vincent NWR wildlife: Red Wolves: We do have a 2019 litter of red wolf pups this season resulting in a multigenerational pack of American red wolves. Turtles: As of the 4th of July, we have 54 loggerhead sea turtle nests and 3 green sea turtle nests. More to come! Birds: The wading bird rookery on Lake 5 is doing very well after the Hurricane with Snowy and Great Egrets, Tricolor and Little Blue Herons, Anhinga, and Glossy Ibis nesting among others. This season we have already documented Snowy Plover nesting on Refuge beaches (3 fledged chicks so far), two American Oystercatcher nests, two Least Tern ground nesting colonies, and for the very first time, Black Skimmer nesting on the Refuge south of Thom's Pond. Bats: A survey was conducted on July 28th using an Anabat recorder, and after our data is analyzed we will have a greater understanding of which bat species are present on the island. Fishing: Fishing is open in Refuge lakes following state license and limits. Hunts: Permits for the October 31-November 2 public archery hunt go on sale online on July 11 at myfwc.com/hunting. Plants: We're continuing to work on removing invasive plants, and any interest in volunteering to eliminate nuisance species would be both extremely helpful and appreciated. We have reports of several areas sporting new growth Gulf Coast Lupine (Lupianus Westianus), a FWC red listed plant.

eBird Tracker

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Find out what birds are being seen at the refuge, including the most recent sightings.

eBird Tracker

Friends of St. Vincent NWR

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We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to helping the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge in all aspects of its mission. Learn more about us and other partners.

Partnerships
Featured Stories

New Refuge Office

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The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has purchased the historic Fry-Conter home, which will now become the new office and Visitor Center for the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. The St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge offices and Visitor Center were formerly housed inside the Harbormaster’s House at Scipio Creek. The offices should be open by the end of 2016; however the visitor center will take much longer.

About the Complex

North Florida Refuges Complex

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Florida 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
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