Wildlife photography is encouraged on all refuges in the Complex. Visitors must comply with existing laws, regulations, and policies concerning access and harassment of wildlife. Although occasional visitors stop by to observe wildlife and take a few pictures, most wildlife observation and photography is associated with hunting and fishing.
Each year several special use permits are issued to commercial photographers. Commercial photography can increase visitors' knowledge and appreciation of fish and wildlife on the refuge, and lead to greater understanding of the Refuge System’s public stewardship mission. Photographs taken on refuge lands, when provided to refuge staff for outreach and public use program enhancement, complement Service actions and enhance its ability to draw more visitors to the refuge.