Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge officials warn visitors after bison incidents

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Officials from the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge are warning visitors against disturbing animals after a video of a man taunting a bison surfaced over the weekend. Park Ranger Quinton Smith said they’ve seen incidents like these happen over the years. “If we come out and we disturb that scarce resource, then all we’re doing is…

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EE Trail Cleanup

FOW Volunteers - EE Trail Cleanup - Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - Helen Riley photographer

Please check out the Environmental Education Center Trail, the one that goes from the Environmental Education Center to the bridge that crosses Quanah Parker Lake. It is a shady trail lined with cobblestones and is in the process of being cleaned up after years of neglect. Each Saturday, staff member Randy Hale has been guiding…

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Need Event Volunteers

NEEF National Public Lands Day

Saturday, September 28 – National Public Lands Day. We need volunteers to do assorted jobs (mostly of a nonphysical nature). Please let me know immediately if you are available. September 27-29 – Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Wildlife Expo, Guthrie Held in Guthrie at the Lazy E Arena, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have a…

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Litter Pickup Tues. June 5th at 8 am

Did you know that the First Tuesday of every month we designate as “Litter Pick-Up Day” on The Refuge. We meet at the Visitors Center at 9:00 AM ( 8:00 AM during the Hot Summer) and pick up litter till around noon and then adjourn to Ann’s for lunch. You don’t have to be a…

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Stars Over The Wichitas: Nov. 17th, 18th

Programs are Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are taken on the preceding Monday at 580-429-2197. View the night sky with telescope or binoculars. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will be conducting “Stars Over The Wichitas” and the public is invited. Participants will search and locate major constellations and other heavenly bodies with assistance from an amateur…

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2017 "Fall Foliage Walks" reservations open November 6th

  Fall Foliage Walks will be here soon.  This popular walking tour will include spots in the “Special Use Area” where you will be able to see up close the radiant colors of fall foliage in the Refuge at it’s very best.  Reservation open as above for 3 tours scheduled in November. Call 580-429-2197 for reservations. See…

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Longhorn Auction Thursday Sept 21st

Time for the Annual Longhorn Auction at The Refuge!  You won’t want to miss this great event, it is always a fun time! Come on out and get up close and personal by working with the refuge staff or help with FOW booth. Enjoy a great burger luncheon and visit with everybody. Contact Helen at volunteer@friendsofthewichitas.org…

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Wildlife Tours June 10, 17, and 24, 2017

Reservations beginning June 5, 2017 at 580-429-2197. A perfect opportunity to view wildlife on a bus tour of Pinchot Loop in the Special Use Area. A unique feature of this season is the young buffalo and longhorn calves. *Tours except the June 17th tour will be in the afternoon, departing from the Visitor Center promptly at…

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Wildflower Walk May 13, 20 and 27, 2017

Yellow flowers on the Wichita Mountains

Reservations open beginning 4/10/17. Interpreters from the Association of the Friends of the Wichitas will be conducting interpretive “Wildflower Walks”. These tours will be offered on Saturday mornings. Reservations are required and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis by telephoning (580) 429-2197 beginning on the reservation date between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The…

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Historical Sites of the Wichitas Tours

Ferguson House

Reservations open February 27, 2017. Tours on March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017. Visit various locations throughout the Refuge as guides discuss the establishment and purpose of the Refuge, contributions by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the origin of the Refuge herds of American bison, elk, and Texas longhorn cattle. While the tour will…

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