5391491
Dike Gate Trail Closure Extended at Mackay Island NWR

Phase II of the Live Oak Point construction project is continuing. Due to construction traffic on narrow refuge dikes, the winter closure to all entry beyond the Dike Gate is extended through April. Staff anticipates that the project will be completed and the closure lifted by the end of April. This closure includes all entry on the Mackay Island, Live Oak Point, Cross Dike, Long Dike, and Hog Pen Point Trails. 

Congress established Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge on December 30, 1960, to protect migratory birds and their habitats and conserve endangered and threatened species. The refuge is located on Knotts Island in Currituck County, North Carolina, and includes lands in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The refuge attracts tens of thousands of mallards, teal, gadwall, and wood ducks during the winter. During the summer, a diversity of marsh birds can be found on the refuge. The refuge has recorded 187 species of birds, and is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Conservation agencies and organizations have listed many bird species found on the refuge as high priority or rare and of special concern, including king rail.
Front cover of a brochure reading "US Fish and Wildlife Service Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge" and an image of swans and ducks taking off from a marsh.
Refuge Brochure and Map
This brochure provides a map and an overview of the habitats, management, and visitor opportunities on the refuge.
A White Tailed Deer standing in the middle of a gravel road on the refuge.
Hunting Regulations
Public deer hunting is permitted on the Refuge on designated dates, locations, and with permitted equipment in these regulations.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Mackay Island NWR is perfect for nature photography, birding, hiking, biking, and wildlife observation, featuring concentrations of snow and Canada geese, ducks, warblers, osprey and other raptors, wading birds, and shorebirds, along with a variety of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. 

Location and Contact Information

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      Our Library

      Mackay Island NWR Brochure
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      Mackay Island NWR Brochure
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      Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Marsh Loss Information
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      Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge Marsh Loss Information
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      Mackay Island NWR Hunting Regulations
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      Mackay Island NWR Hunting Regulations
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      Calendar of Events at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
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      Calendar of Events at Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

      Events at Mackay Island include Open Roads Days, when roads normally closed to public vehicle access are opened for wildlife viewing and fishing access, and refuge deer hunts. The calendar of events is updated annually, typically in June.

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