Optima National Wildlife Refuge

Optima NWR is known for the healthy mixed grass prairie on its 4,200 acres, where there are often abundant quail populations. At this refuge, hunters will find bobwhite quail, a popular species still found in good numbers in Oklahoma, as well as scaled quail, which can only be hunted in a few locations in the state. Many hunters come here to pursue this unusual game species, more often associated with the desert habitat of Arizona and New Mexico. The refuge also is home to a good pheasant population that can be hunted during quail season. It is recommended to hunt with pointing dogs as finding a game bird in the prairie is challenging.