Facility Activities

When visiting, whether by yourself, or with friends, family, or four-legged friends, you are sure to make an unexpected discovery. Try your hand at painting, photography, or birding. Be on the move by hiking, paddling or boating. If you are looking for the challenge of sport, try hunting, fishing, and crabbing. Find your nature here!   

Hunting

Flocks of ducks circling overhead, white-tailed bucks sneaking through thick cover, and alligators lurking at water's edge: Trinity River NWR offers the perfect place for outdoor adventure. The bottomland hardwood forest along the Trinity River provides ideal habitat for game species like duck,...

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.
Boating - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Dog walking
Many sites do not allow dogs because they can disturb wildlife. Refuges that do allow dogs generally require that they be leashed. Some sites allow hunters and sledders to bring dogs.
Fishing

Champion Lake is the refuge's largest and most popular year-round fishing spot. The most common species are largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and blue crab. Fishing by boat (10 hp motor or less) is allowed from a 150-foot pier or along a 3/4-mile-long levee. No fish, crawfish or crab traps or...

Hiking
Take your pick of 2,100 miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
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.