Waubay National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage.  Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on Refuges,...

The primary fishing opportunities at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge include 2,500 acres of fishing for walleye, perch, and northern pike. 

Ice fishing, shore fishing and fishing from non-motorized boats are allowed on Waubay National Wildlife Refuge. Walleye, perch, and northern pike...

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and...

If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to Waubay National Wildlife Refuge! Spring (mid-April – May) and fall (Sep-Oct) migration are the peak times to observe large varieties and concentrations of birds. The Refuge offers novice and experienced birders...

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on National Wildlife Refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. At Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, great photography can happen almost anywhere on the trails or roads. Photographers should take care when stopping on roads and should not...

Every year Waubay NWR hosts about 200 first, second, and third graders from area schools for a day of learning we call 1-2-3 to the Refuge. This event was started in 2000 so the first grade students that attended back then have now graduated and hopefully continue to spend time outdoors. Is your...