Facility Activities

Refuges are, first and foremost, for plants, fish, wildlife and their habitats, but refuges also offer wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy, such as hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, environmental education, and interpretation.   

Hatchie NWR offers multiple activities throughout year, such as the Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo, canoe trips, and hiking!  Field trips are enjoyed by many schools and groups as well.

Hunting

The bottomland hardwood forest and cropland of Hatchie NWR offer the best wildlife habitat in the area, and local hunters know this refuge holds good numbers of game species in its thick cover. The 11,500-acre refuge was created as a migratory bird refuge, and waterfowlers may hunt right along...

Fishing

Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Fishing is allowed in 10 oxbow lakes, four borrow pit lakes, three lakes, numerous sloughs and creeks, and the fishable waters along the Hatchie River, a Tennessee Scenic River. Fishing is...

Auto tour

Oneal Lake Wildlife Drive is 2.1 miles. It is open year round to the public.   

Birding

Hatchie bird fest is offered each spring, but birding can be enjoyed year round on the refuge.  Hatchie NWR is a great place to view waterfowl, resident and neotropical songbirds, woodpeckers, owls, and more.   

Boating - motorized

Many people enjoy boating in Oneal lake and oxbow lakes.  The Hatchie River is known to have 11 different species of catfish.   

Boating - non-motorized

Kayaking and Canoeing is a hobby that more and more people are becoming interested in!  You may paddle around Oneal lake or down the Hatchie River to view a variety of wildlife. 

Ranger-led programs

Throughout the year, Hatchie NWR is available for multiple programs.  From canoe trips on Oneal Lake, to collecting macro-invertebrates, Hatchie has a fun learning experience for you!  Call 731-538-2481, and ask for Refuge Ranger Tara Dowdy to request a field trip/...

Hiking

Many people enjoy walking the gravel road around Oneal Lake.  

Photography

Many people enjoy photography at the Hatchie NWR.  Beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be captured over Oneal Lake.