Facility Activities

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National Wildlife Refuges are places where wildlife comes first. Although people are welcome, activities are regulated and monitored to ensure that impacts are minimal to the animals and plants that call the Refuge “home”.

There is no admission fee to visit Panther Swamp NWR; however, everyone sixteen years of age and older, hunting or fishing must have an Annual Public Use Permit in addition to state licenses. Please refer to current Refuge regulations and map for additional information. A Current Public Use Permit is required for access if you are participating in consumptive use such as but not limited to, hunting and angling. Click here to purchase or obtain your permit. For help with log-in or creating your account for purchasing or obtaining an annual public use permit please watch the video instructions.

Each activity listed below is permitted on Panther Swamp NWR and most can occur at any time of the year.

All other public activities on TR Complex are prohibited during firearm deer hunts and Limited Draw Hunts.

Hunting

Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge contains one of the largest blocks (21,000 acres) of bottomland forest in the lower Mississippi River alluvial floodplain. Where there are trees, there are many wildlife species, so this refuge offers some of the best opportunities in the Southeast for...

Fishing

Available species include catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, buffalo, carp, gar and bowfin. Waters between the East and West levees, the Landside Ditch, and the portion of Panther Creek adjacent to the West Levee are open year-round except during limited draw hunts. The Office Pond is...

Birding

Panther Swamp has many opportunities to observe birds. Checkout the East Levee Wetland and Rookery, plus enjoy birds from the picnic tables near the office. Be sure to grab our new Theodore Roosevelt NWR Complex Bird Checklist from our office!

Photography

Panther Swamp NWR is an excellent place for wildlife and picturesque shots. A Special Use Permit is required for any photos taken and used for monetary gain.

Trapping

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife Refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and...

Auto tour

While there is not a designated auto tour, visitors are welcome to drive improved roads and enjoy nature from the comfort of their vehicle.

Biking

Bicycling on the Refuge is allowed. E-bikes operated in the pedal assist mode shall be allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed.

Boating - motorized

Boats, canoes and kayaks are permitted throughout Refuge waters. There are boat ramps around the Refuge for public use. A Public Use Permit is required for each person over the age of 16 on the boat if the means for harvesting fish are present.  

Boating - non-motorized

Boats, canoes and kayaks are permitted throughout Refuge waters. There are boat ramps around the Refuge for public use. A Public Use Permit is required for each person over the age of 16 on the boat if the means for harvesting fish are present.  

Firewood cutting

A Special Use Permit is required, please contact the Refuge office for information.

Hiking

May participate any time at your own risk on the Refuge except during closure dates, check the current Public Use Regulations for more information.

Off-road vehicles

Off-road vehicles (ORVs) - ATV trails are well defined on hunt brochure maps and are open only from September 15 through February 28 each year for hunting and fishing access. ATVs are approved for use only at Hillside, Morgan Brake, and Panther...

Painting and drawing

Visitors are encouraged enjoy nature at its best through painting and drawing at any time during Refuge hours.

Picnicking

Visitors are encouraged enjoy nature at its best through picnicking at any time during Refuge hours. Tables are available outside the office. Be sure to keep your Refuges beautiful by using the Carry In, Carry Out rule!