Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, California (Photo: Erica Szlosek/USFWS)Opportunities for outdoor recreation draw millions of people each year to national wildlife refuges, boosting local economies. Many visitors take part in heritage sports such as hunting and fishing. Others enjoy hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing or nature photography. All these activities offer visitors a chance to unplug from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with their natural surroundings.
By the Numbers
- 59.7 million annual visits
- 42.1 million birders and wildlife observers
- 3 million nature program attendees
- 2.4 million annual hunting visits
- 7.1 million annual fishing visits
- 2,100 miles of public walking trails and boardwalks
- 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
-
Fishing
is available
at 270+ national wildlife refuges. -
Wildlife Viewing,
photography and birding
attract millions of visitors. -
Hunting
is available
at 370+ national wildlife refuges.
Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia (Bill O’Brian/USFWS)