Facility Activities

Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge offers many different opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, or wildlife observation, the refuge offers activities for every age and interest.

Hunting

Refuge staff has been working to improve habitat on the impoundments on Grand Cote NWR. As a result, more ducks have been using the refuge, and the hunting has been getting better each year. Hunters can apply in advance for lottery hunts or choose to hunt a general-access area. A youth-only hunt...

Fishing

Fishing season is year-round. Available species include catfish, bowfin, alligator gar, freshwater drum and crawfish. Recreational crawfishing is permitted in designated areas, April 1-May 31, with harvest limited to 100 pounds per permit per day.

Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.
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.
Hiking
The Refuge System offers hundreds of 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.