Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where can I obtain a refuge permit and current regulations?
A. All refuge permits are sold from the headquarters of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Permits may be purchased in person or through the mail. Hunting and fishing annual regulations are available in August of each year and may be obtained at any refuge office in the Complex or on the internet at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/TR_complex_hunt.pdf.
Q. Why did you change the Yazoo Refuge name?
A. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge’s name has not changed since its authorization in 1936.
Q. What is the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex?
A. In January 2004, the Consolidated Appropriations Act changed the name of the Central Mississippi Refuges Complex to Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Two additional refuges were added to the five-refuge Complex: Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge and Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge. The Complex name change reflects Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy as Father of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The two new refuges were named to honor President Roosevelt and the legendary African-American sportsman and hunting guide, Holt Collier. Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex now includes seven refuges: Hillside, Holt Collier, Mathews Brake, Morgan Brake, Panther Swamp, Theodore Roosevelt and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges.
Q. Where is Holt Collier buried?
A. Mr. Collier was buried at Live Oak Cemetery on South Main Street in Greenville, Mississippi following his death in August, 1936. His grave was not marked at that time and remained unmarked for nearly 68 years. In February, 2004, a Confederate Headstone was placed at his gravesite, acquired from the Veterans Administration.
Q. Where can I learn more about Holt Collier?
A. Several websites are available that provide information about Holt Collier. Please be aware that some of the websites provide differing information. Go to one or more of the following websites to read about Holt and see his picture:
http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trcanebrakes.html
http://newdeal.feri.org/asn/asn03.htm
http://www.civilwarstudies.org/trivia-answers.htm
Q. Where can I learn more about the National Wildlife Refuge System?
A. The NWRS is the largest network of federal lands set aside specifically and primarily for wildlife where wildlife comes first. Visit a national wildlife refuge today, or go to http://www.fws.gov and visit a refuge on-line.
Q. Is the new refuge boundary posted at Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge?
A. The refuge currently consists of several separate tracts of lands which have posted boundaries. Plans are underway to erect a refuge entrance sign, and construct other refuge facilities to enhance visitor use and protect refuge property.
Q. How big is Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge?
A. Comprising over 38,697 acres in Yazoo and Humphreys Counties, Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest refuges in the state of Mississippi. Its expansive bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo sloughs, and meandering bayous represent some of the best remaining examples of the historically predominant habitat types that once characterized the entire Mississippi floodplain. With its close proximity to the state capitol, Jackson, the refuge provides a variety of recreational opportunities and a positive economic impact to local communities.