Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Rising above the plains of Oklahoma, the Wichita Mountains are a testament to the strength of ancient granite mountains. This unconquerable stone defeated the plow, protecting one of the last remnants of the mixed grass prairie and providing habitat for bison, elk, white-tailed deer, and a variety of other mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. From birding and biking to hiking and hunting, the diversity of the landscape within the Public Use Area offers ample opportunities for recreation. Wichita Mountains is one of the oldest national wildlife refuges in America. Set aside in 1901 as a forest reserve, it was redesignated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 as the Wichita Forest and Game Preserve, created for the protection of game animals and birds. Of its 59,020 acres — about 90 square miles — the refuge manages 22,400 acres for public use and 8,570 acres of Wilderness. Wichita Mountains, and all refuges across the country, are closed to all uses unless specifically permitted. Help protect this priceless ecological treasure by following established rules and regulations.