Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge

Water defines this 4,218 – acre refuge, covering roughly one-half of the refuge in creeks, sloughs, lakes, and backwaters of the Tombigbee River, which borders the refuge for 6.5 miles. These waters, and the hardwood bottomlands and open fields around them, draw a wealth of wildlife species, from American alligators to Anhingas.

Refuge managers provide habitat and protection for threatened and endangered species, like the Wood Stork and Bald Eagle, and promote wildlife diversity, wildlife-dependent recreation, habitat for wintering waterfowl, and Wood Duck production and banding. Managers have placed more than 400 artificial Wood Duck nesting boxes in the refuge’s wetlands to supplement natural cavities, and some 2500 Wood Ducks hatch in these boxes each year.

Though much of the refuge is accessible only by boat, roads traverse the north end, providing access to a variety of habitats. Visitors can hike, boat, view and photograph wildlife, fish, and hunt on the refuge. An interpretive kiosk provides information about the park’s natural history, and the cypress swamp overlook offers an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.

Managers have placed more than 400 artificial Wood Duck nesting boxes in the refuge’s wetlands to supplement natural cavities, and some 2500 Wood Ducks hatch in these boxes each year. Though much of the refuge is accessible only by boat, roads traverse the north end, providing access to a variety of habitats. Visitors can hike, boat, view and photograph wildlife, fish, and hunt on the refuge. An interpretive kiosk provides information about the park’s natural history, and the cypress swamp overlook offers an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. Additional details are provided on some of the pictures that are included.

Robert Dailey-Manager 251-843-5238 or choctaw@fws.gov

Call for Hours of Operation.

Location of Site: GPS Coordinates N31°50’41.4”W088°09’56.8”