Established in 1988, Cameron Prairie NWR was once a series of commercial rice fields. Hunting opportunities include snipe, deer/archery and limited permit youth waterfowl hunting. Successful applicants to the waterfowl lottery hunt are assigned a blind, which can be used by one adult and two youths. All are allowed to hunt. Decoys are provided by the refuge. Held on Saturdays and school holidays, the hunt provides a quality public opportunity to introduce youth to the sport. The refuge is also known by a core group of hunters who brave marshy habitat, biting insects and thick cover to bowhunt deer on the refuge. Many visit the refuge daily during the season. The lack of hunting pressure makes up for the inconveniences of hunting this refuge, managed for moist soil habitat.
