Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Nature Store

Don’t let your day hike turn in to a nightmare. In the last week, staff responded to multiple search and rescue operations at or near sunset. When hiking in th...e refuge, you should always plan to hike out before sunset. If you become lost at anytime, you should stay where you are and wait for help to arrive. Lost hikers often panic as night approaches, but stumbling through the woods or along granite cliffs in the dark really isn’t your best course of action. Hunker down and wait. Continuing to move actually makes it more difficult for responders to find you and puts responders at greater risk. If you can make contact with emergency personnel do so, but know that if you are in no imminent danger that you will likely be roughing it until sunrise. #TakeAHike #PreventativeSearchAndRescue #WichitaMountains #USFWS USFWS photo. [Image description: Night approaches near Caddo Lake.]

UPDATE! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: July 24, 2020... Contact: Lynn Cartmell, Visitor Services Manager: 580-429-2128 Refuge to Re-open Narrows, Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, and Doris Campground Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is re-opening the Narrows, the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, and Doris Campground effective July 24 to the public. Acting out of an abundance of caution, the Refuge suspended these areas in March and April. While these areas are re-opening, public restrooms, shower houses, Refuge buildings and offices will remain closed. Doris Campground will reopen with a limited number of sites available. All camping will be by reservation only. Guests will be required to camp in RVs, travel trailers, or pop-ups with self-contained bathrooms. Tent camping will not be allowed at this time. Campsite check in will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. only. Available campsites are reservable at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10038733. We continue to urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and to follow Center for Disease Control guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Updates about Service’s response to coronavirus will posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html. Please check our website for updates and changes of operations or postponement of events and programs https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains/. Updates can also be found on Facebook @WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge.

Please be weather aware and practice safe hiking when visiting the refuge.

Woo Hump Day! We sure miss seeing all of our visitors, but safety is our top priority. How are you all staying busy? I’ll post how I am in the comments. Stay safe everyone!

Current as of July 6, 2020 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Campgrounds and Other Services Remain Suspended Oklahoma- The US Fish and Wildlife Service announce...d the temporary suspension of campground operations and other visitor services at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge on March 20. These suspensions and closures remain in effect. Managers at the Refuge are actively working to develop a phased approach to restore these services; however, the health and safety of our visitors and employees remains our number one priority. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. A reopening date has not been determined at this time and closures remain prudent under current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance. We will notify the public when we reopen these sites and provide updates on our website and social media channels. We continue to urge our visitors to do their part when visiting Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Updates about Service’s response to coronavirus will posted at https://www.fws.gov/home/public-health-update.html. Please check our website for updates and changes of operations or postponement of events and programs https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wichita_mountains/. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. USFWS photo [Image description: Refuge map showing Charon's Garden Wilderness Area and the Narrows area as closed.]