Stretching inland from the Gulf beaches into the bottomland forests of the Brazos and San Bernard River basins, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge provides vital habitat for migrating and wintering birds as well as resident wildlife. The refuge manages a diverse array of habitats across the landscape including salt marshes and saltwater lakes, coastal prairies, freshwater lakes and marshes, intermittent streams, and riparian and bottomland forests. The refuge has several recreation areas for people to enjoy the diverse habitats and populations of migratory and resident wildlife that call San Bernard home. The refuge supports a diversity of coastal wildlife, including more than 320 species of birds, 95 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 450 species of butterflies and dragonflies.
Northern Shovelers
Sargent Permit Waterfowl Hunts - 2024-2025

The Sargent Permit Hunt area will be opened for hunting during the regular season beginning November 2, 2024.  The refuge will accept lottery applications for the Sargent Permit Waterfowl Hunts September 1st-30th.  Applications received outside of this time frame will not be accepted.  These hunts are depending on water availability.  You must be 18 years or older to apply for a permit.

For more information on waterfowl hunting at San Bernard NWR and to download a lottery application for the Sargent Permit Waterfowl hunts, check out our page on Hunting, located here.

Visit Us

San Bernard is a very diverse national wildlife refuge, stretching inland from the Gulf coast across saline and freshwater marshes and up the Brazos and San Bernard river watersheds, protecting varied habitats ranging from coastal marshes and freshwater wetlands, to upland prairies and bottomland hardwood forests. Whether gazing out across saline marshes, or under a dense canopy of oak, pecan, and green ash trees, the refuge is reminiscent of what the American settlers to Texas experienced 200 years ago. With three recreation areas and 10 trails, San Bernard has a lot to explore.

Location and Contact Information

MarkerMarker
    America the Beautiful Passes

    America the Beautiful Interagency Passes are available at our Complex Office located at 2547 County Rd 316, Brazoria, TX 77422. Please call (979) 964-4011 in advance to ensure that staff are available to complete the transaction.

    Our Species

    San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diversity of migratory and resident wildlife.  From saline marshes supporting wintering waterfowl and water birds, to the inland bottomland forests supporting migrating Nearctic-neotropical songbirds and resident wildlife, the refuge is important for conservation of wildlife.