Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

06/01/2026

You never know what you are going to see on the refuge. This morning, we had not one but two adult bald eagles flying near Goose Pen Pond.

Video: Bald Eagle flying near Goose Pen Pond.

05/14/2026

Within the boundaries of the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge lies the Tishomingo Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). The 3,170-acre unit was established on November 19, 1957 as a cooperative agreement between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) through the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The cooperative management of the unit is based upon the objectives and responsibilities of each agency. Creating quality hunting and fishing opportunities is the main objective for ODWC; therefore, game management, including public hunting and fishing programs, are their primary responsibility. Habitat enhancement and restoration for a diversity of species are the main objectives and responsibilities of the USFWS. The two complement each other in managing the WMU for quality habitat, cooperatively contributing staff and equipment, and jointly sharing law enforcement responsibilities. The joint management by the two agencies contributes to the success of the hunting program and habitat conservation.

05/08/2026

The Barred Owl's hooting call, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?" is a classic sound heard throughout the refuge. Take a walk down the Craven Nature Trail or a drive down West Road around dawn or dusk and you will likely hear their call. You may even be lucky enough to see one, like this juvenile barred owl spotted at Sandy Creek by Tarina Brewer.

Photos courtesy of Tarina Brewer.

05/04/2026

It's that time of the year when baby birds are attempting to leave the nest. Turtles are on the move and your chance of finding a baby animal by itself has increased.

If you find an injured, orphaned, or distressed wild animal, remain calm and avoid handling it unless absolutely necessary. First, observe the situation and determine if the animal truly needs help, Sometimes animals, like fawns, appear abandoned but are actually being cared for by their parents. If you're certain help is needed, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or state wildlife agency.

When you contact the rehabilitator, be prepared to provide details including the species, condition, exact location, and any actions you've already taken. Follow their instructions carefully, as improper handling can harm the animal or put your safety at risk. Remember, wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who can best asses and care for these animals.

You can find a wildlife rehabilitator on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website at https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/rehabilitator-list.

ODWC does not rehabilitate wildlife. Check this list to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your county and a list of the species they accept.

04/22/2026

Gary Wayne Deaton Sr. served 33 years as a maintenance worker for the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. He played a vital role in preserving and maintaining the refuge. His skills as a taxidermist can be seen in some of the mounts located in the Tishomingo NWR Visitor Center. Even after retirement, Gary continued to be an asset and a friend to the refuge. Whether it was teaching trapping techniques to staff and interns or helping to locate the waterline at the Wash*ta Farm, he was there to share his knowledge. Our hearts go out to his friends and family.

04/15/2026

If you like to fish, check out this opportunity with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) to show off your catch and get a cool sticker as part of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail Grand Slam Challenge. Remember, the refuge is part of Lake Texoma, so grab your fishing pole and see if you can catch a bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and one other species.

Don't miss out on the Oklahoma Fishing Trail Grand Slam Challenge! Just catch a bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and one additional species!

Upload pictures of your catches at the link in the comments and you'll receive an exclusive decal. Get more information about where to catch each species at the Oklahoma Fishing Trail website.

04/09/2026

This showy plant is Wild Blue Indigo (Baptista australis). It is a long-lived, drought tolerant perennial with beautiful showy blue flowers. It supports beneficial pollinators, such as bumblebees, and acts as a caterpillar host plant for various butterflies like the Wild Indigo Duskywing.

Wild Blue Indigo has been used in ornamental gardening, herbal medicines, as a natural dye, and to make rattles for children.

Photos: Wild Blue Indigo blooming at the refuge headquarters. USFWS/K.Bell

04/07/2026

It's easy to tell that the sand bass are on the move by the number of vehicles parked at Big Sandy. Big Sandy has historically been a fishing hot spot.

Earl Craven wrote in the 1952 Annual Narrative: "During the latter part of the period, a small rise brought the lake up and Big Sandy was invaded with sand bass and fishermen alike. On April 23 and 24 it is believed that 5,000 sand bass were caught in this stream. The lake dropped sharply on the 25th and the fishing fell off, but several nice strings were taken over the weekend. Needless to say, as word was spread, fishermen came from every direction and at times there were fifty cars parked at Big Sandy bridge alone."

Photos: USFWS

03/30/2026

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone that came out to celebrate our 80th Anniversary on Saturday. It was a very busy day filled with all kinds of activities. It was great to see Junior Duck Stamp winners and participants, former refuge employees and their families, and future conservationists.

This event would not have been possible without the support of the refuge staff, volunteers, and partners that gave up their Saturday. Buckhorn Archery LLC with the 3-D Archery Course and Regalia International Birds of Prey stole the day. The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), The Chickasaw Nation, Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, Beekeepers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Johnston County Historical Society all helped to make this event great.

I didn't have the opportunity to take many pictures. If you are willing to share your photos and experience with us, please tag us or share on this post. Thank you again for your support. We hope to see you at our next event.

Katie Bell
Refuge Manager

Photos Courtesy of Robert Jemison