Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Refuges use a wide range of land management tools based on the best science available. Some refuges use prescribed fires to mimic natural fires that would have cleared old vegetation from the land helping native plants regenerate and local wildlife to thrive. Other refuges contain Wilderness areas where land is largely managed passively. The management tools used are aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach where both wildlife and people will benefit. At this field station our conservation toolbox includes:  wildland fire management, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species monitoring and control, and controlled hunting. 

Fire Management 

Fire is an integral part of the Wichita Mountains ecosystem and an important management tool of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.  
 
The Oklahoma and North Texas Fire Management program is made up of professional wildland firefighters that are stationed at the refuge. These firefighters respond to wildfires on the refuge and elsewhere in the country as well as work with refuge staff to meet the management goals of the refuge. Fire once occurred naturally on this landscape but with the settlement of the area came suppression of wildfires. To mimic that historic natural burning pattern for the benefit of wildlife, the Fire Management program conducts prescribed burns under a very strict prescription with safety being the top priority. In addition, the fire program works with surrounding communities to help them protect themselves from wildfires. As the population grows and development expands where wildland and urban meet, the risk of wildfires is significantly increasing for those who chose to live near wildlands. The fire program strives to support communities in their effort to protect citizens and property from wildfires. 

Invasive Species 

Some plant and animal species are non-native, invasive, or both to the ecosystem they are found in. Their introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm, harm to human health and harm to native plant and animal species. Problem species can be plants, animals, or pathogens. Of particular concern at Wichita Mountains are feral hogs and a variety of plants like eastern red cedar, common mullein, sweet clover, and prickly lettuce. Refuge staff, volunteers, and contractors work to control invasive species through a variety of methods including monitoring which is often followed with manual removal or chemical application. 

Carrying Capacity and Controlled Hunting 

The habitats within the refuge can only support a certain number of animals. Since large predators, such as wolves, no longer exist as part of the larger landscape, hunting is used to manage animal populations and to ensure the healthiest animal herds possible. Refuge Biologists monitor the elk and deer numbers and adjust the number of tags issued accordingly. Bison and longhorn also have a maximum population size the refuge can support; however, their numbers are reduced through animal capture and transfer (bison) or through auction (longhorn).