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Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge U.S

Wichita Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 32 Refuge Headquarters Indiahoma, 73552 580/429-3222 Wichita 580/429-9323 Fax www.fws.gov/refuge/Wichita_Mountains/ Mountains U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service www.fws.gov Wildlife Refuge Visit us on our social media websites U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southwest Region www.fws.gov/southwest

For information on the National Wildlife Refuge System 1 800/344- WILD

Oklahoma State Relay System 1 800/722-0353

American Bison. Ryan Hagerty / USFWS

August 2013 . Elise Smith/USFWS Refuge Visitor Center. Welcome The Wildlife USFWS to the Wichitas Refuge – wild, rugged, and Visitor Center The Refuge Visitor Center is located at weathered – is a symbol of the old the junction of State Highways 115 and west standing at the threshold of C 49. Dioramas and hands-on exhibits modern times. For centuries, this complement fine art, sculptures, and remarkable land was the province exquisite taxidermy. The four major of a few nomadic hunters and food habitat types, rocklands, aquatic, gatherers. Today the refuge serves mixed-grass prairie, and cross timbers, everyone by conserving part of are highlighted. A night exhibit reveals America’s national wildlife heritage. the sounds after dark, while a history rail overlooks scenery from The natural attractions of the refuge picture windows. The auditorium are many and varied. In addition to presents programs throughout the day. viewing and photographing wildlife in There is no fee for visiting the center. their natural setting, visitors find the Maps, books, pamphlets, and other lakes, streams, canyons, mountains, information on wildlife and wildlands and grasslands ideal for hiking, are available in the center’s bookstore/ fishing, and other outdoor activities. gift shop.

Refuge Headquarters are located 25 miles The America the Beautiful Pass can Headquarters northwest of Lawton, Oklahoma, and be obtained from the Visitor Center. serve as administrative offices on weekdays. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 Visitor Center Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. pm, Monday through Friday. Hours Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. A 24–hour emergency telephone is located at the rear of the refuge Picnicking Boulder, Lost Lake, Sunset, and Mt. headquarters office along with an Scott provide visitors with a variety of accessible entrance. Q settings for picnicking. Picnic hours are posted at area entrances. Help keep the refuge beautiful by putting all trash in convenient dumpsters located at each area. For group picnics (20 to 60 people), the Boulder Cabin area may be reserved by contacting the Visitor Center. Accessible sites and restrooms are available at Boulder and Sunset picnic areas.

Joys of hiking. © George Bishop

Trails and Hiking The refuge has 15 miles of designated hiking trails that offer the novice E and the seasoned hiker a rewarding Doris Campground. experience. The trails wind through USFWS scrub oak forest, across rocky mountains, and over grassy prairie. General Camping Doris Campground, west of the Wildlife abounds along these trails. Visitor Center, is fully developed with k water, fire grills, fire grates, picnic The Dog Run Hollow Trail System, a tables, sanitary dump station, shower/ part of the National Recreation Trail restroom facility, tent sites, limited System, has trailheads at French electrical hookups, and trailer spaces. Lake, Boulder, Lost Lake, and the Three group camp sites are available Dog Run Hollow parking areas. Using by reservation through the Visitor the French Lake trailhead, visitors Center. Sites are first come – first may choose among a 1-, 2-, or 4-hour served. This is a fee area. The hike through some of the more unique America the Beautiful Senior Pass areas of the refuge. (62+) and Access Pass (disabled) are honored for a 50% camping discount. The Congressionally designated Charons Garden Wilderness Area The Fawn Creek Youth Campground offers hikers an opportunity to test offers 4 group camp sites for their skills in challenging terrain. organized youth groups including In keeping with the wilderness universities. The primitive camp sites designation, the trails are primitive can accommodate up to 30 people and are frequently confused with game each, and can be reserved through the trails. Be prepared before entering Visitor Center. the Wilderness Area. Carry adequate water, wear sturdy shoes, allow Backcountry Backcountry camping in the Charons extra time for the rugged and often Camping Garden Wilderness Area is by confusing conditions. Trails lead to reservation/permit only. To protect the summit of Elk Mountain, connect the area, it is necessary to limit the Post Oak Lake and Sunset Lake, and number of permits at one time to 10. lead into the backcountry camping and Length of stay is two nights/three Twin Rocks/Crab Eyes area. Consult days. Reservations can be made a trail map or discuss plans with a through the Visitor Center. Refuge staff person before traveling. Numerous other trails are available Accessible fishing piers are available including the Little Baldy Trail, which near the Environmental Education leads from the Lake Center and Lake Elmer Thomas. dam to the summit of Little Baldy Mountain. A side trail from the Doris Hunting Annual controlled hunts for white- Campground joins this trail on the tailed deer and elk are conducted. western edge of the lake. H The application process and random drawings are administrated through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Applications must be submitted in April. For all regulations, contact the Refuge.

Tours and Special Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Programs offers many unique programs and tours, some of which venture into the Special Use Area of the refuge. A current schedule of programs is available at the Visitor Center, on the Refuge website, or by visiting www.friendsofthewichitas.org. Environmental Fishing on Quanah Parker Lake. Education Elise Smith/USFWS Classes covering most natural Boating Hand powered boats are permitted on resource related Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, subjects can be DEF and French Lakes. Electric trolling scheduled by motors are permitted on boats 14’ and calling the Visitor less in length on these same lakes. Center. Any size boat or motor and sailboats are permitted on Lake Elmer Enjoy the Refuge Thomas, but there is a no–wake rule Safely across the entire surface of the lake. Wichita Operators of motorized boats must Mountains use designated boat ramps. Wildlife Refuge is a natural and Fishing Fishing, in accordance with state and wild area. Visitors federal regulations, is permitted in all must be prepared L of the refuge lakes in the public use to meet nature area (see map). Largemouth bass, on its terms. Due sunfish, bluegill, crappie, and catfish to open range can be found in refuge lakes. management, motorists must Fish may be taken only with poles drive defensively and lines or rods and reels. Anglers and be alert for may use tube type floaters, life Hollis Canyon. jackets, or buoyant vests. Wading is F. Bryce/USFWS hazards caused by wandering buffalo, permitted when fishing. Taking bait, longhorn, deer, and elk. Reduced frogs, or turtles from refuge waters night speed is enforced because of is prohibited. Fishing tournaments the difficulty of seeing wildlife on the allowed by permit only. roads at night. A Few Simple To protect wildlife, please observe ABC Show you care…Feeding wildlife is Rules posted speed limits. DEF prohibited. C Motorized vehicles are allowed only Bicycles are allowed only on paved on developed roads and parking C roads and on the Mt. Scott Bicycle areas. Driving on roads closed by sign Trail. Bicycles are prohibited on or barrier is prohibited. ATVs and other trails. UTVs are not allowed. Vehicles found parked in closed areas, or in any area The use of skates, skateboards, after the hours of authorized activity, longboards, lugeboards and other will be impounded. similar devices is prohibited. QO Picnicking and cooking fires are Camping is allowed only in designated allowed in designated areas only. areas and all campers must have a Fires must be built in grates and permit. grills and dead fallen timber may be gathered (no saws). Fires must Hiking is limited to daylight hours only. not be left unattended and must Nighttime use on the Refuge is be completely extinguished before restricted to fishing or permitted leaving the area. activities. X Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Persons possessing, transporting, should be a quiet place to enjoy or carrying firearms on National nature. Please leave radios and loud Wildlife Refuges must comply with sound equipment at home. Fireworks all provisions of state and local law. are prohibited. Persons may only use (discharge) Alcoholic beverages, drugs, and firearms in accordance with refuge UV drug paraphernalia prohibited. regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32). Help us protect wildlife MN habitat – swimming, snorkeling, Individuals that participate in hunting and wading are prohibited. and fishing activities or who have a special use permit for collection on Keep wild things wild – collection of the Refuge are subject to inspection PS rocks, animals, minerals, bones, and of all harvested resources, licenses, antlers is prohibited. permits, vehicles, containers, packs, bags etc., that are used in support of e Aircraft landings and take-offs are these permitted activities. prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: sail planes, hang-gliders, Special Use Permits are required hot air balloons, paragliders, and for all special events and commercial parasails. Kites and remote controlled activities. Some of the uses requiring a aircraft are also prohibited. permit include, but are not limited to: commercial photography, scuba diving Use of metal detectors or any instruction, fishing tournaments and activities that involve searching for, rock climbing classes. collecting or disturbing artifacts or treasures is prohibited. Keep your Buffalo and longhorn can be distance. dangerous! L Keep pets on a leash or consider leaving them at home. Wichita Mountains WR Facts 58 APACHE When was it The Refuge was first established in 54 established? 1901 as a Forest Reserve by President 115 William McKinley just prior to the

area being opened to settlement. In 44

1905, President Theodore Roosevelt 49 Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge 49 re-designated the area as the Wichita MEDICINE Forest and Game Preserve. Congress PARK SNYDER designated the Wichita Mountains as 115

a National Wildlife Refuge in 1936. 62 62

INDIAHOMA CACHE LAWTON/ How big is it? The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge includes 59,020 acres located ^ in Comanche County in Southwestern WMWR Oklahoma.

How old are the The mountains were formed Mountains over 500 million years ago. Wildlife Watching Tips

Wildlife In 1907, 15 bison were brought back Dawn and dusk are hidden animals will Reintroductions? to the southern plains by railcar from the best times to see reappear once they American bison the New York Bronx Zoo. The refuge wildlife. think you are gone. bison herd is presently maintained at Walk quietly in 650 head. In warmer climates, designated areas. little is moving on hot Elk One bull elk was released on the summer afternoons or Be aware of Refuge in 1908. Twenty more cows and on windy days. sounds. Often you bulls were brought from the Jackson will hear more than Hole area in 1911 and 1912. About 700 Observe from the you will see. elk range on the Refuge today. sidelines. Leave “abandoned” young Teach children Texas longhorn In 1927, the Sixty-ninth Congress animals alone. A parent quiet observation. cattle appropriated funds to purchase 30 is probably close by Other wildlife longhorns. The herd now numbers waiting for you to leave. watchers will about 300 head. appreciate your Don’t offer snacks; your consideration. Facility The CCC (Civilian Conservation lunch could disrupt wild development Corps) were instrumental in the digestive systems. Look for animal 1930’s in constructing 15 concrete signs. Tracks, scat, dams for permanent water areas Cars make good feathers, and nests and most of the 8-foot high big game observation blinds. left behind often boundary fence. tell interesting Use binoculars or a long stories. Visitors The Refuge attracts over 1.5 million lens for a closer look. visitors each year. Try sitting quietly in one good location. Let wildlife get used to your presence. Many Trail Information Hiking Tips Distance Difficulty · Got water? You need 16 oz./hour in hot weather. No. Name One-way Rating · Got shoes? Snakes and cactus abound. 1. Mt. Scott Bike Trail 5.8 miles Easy · Know your route? Game trails can look like hiking 2. Jed Johnson Tower 0.5 miles Easy-Moderate trails. 3. Burma Road 8.0 miles Easy · Use common sense–budget plenty of time to get back 4. EE Center 0.1 miles Easy before dark. (accessible) · Be mindful—the Refuge is surprisingly rugged and 5. Quanah Parker Lake 0.4 miles Easy remote. Longhorn and bison can be dangerous. Help 6. Little Baldy Trail 0.8 miles Easy-Moderate is hours away. 7. Osage Lake 0.6 miles Easy · Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. 8. Burford Lake 0.5 miles Easy · Snakes, ticks, and poison ivy are common on the refuge. 9. The Narrows 0.8 miles Moderate · We allow hiking anywhere in the Public Use Area 10. Kite Trail 1.1 miles Easy during daylight hours only. 11. Bison Trail 6.0 miles Easy · For more information on hiking or backcountry 12. Longhorn Trail 1.5 miles Easy camping, call the Visitor Center at 580/429-2197 13. Elk Trail 0.7 miles Easy or visit our website at 14. Elk Mountain 1.1 miles Moderate-Difficult www.fws.gov/refuges/Wichita_Mountains 15. Charons Garden 2.4 miles Moderate-Difficult 16. Wilderness Camping Trail Leave No Trace (camp by reservation only) 1.0 miles Easy-Moderate Practice Leave No Trace principles: Carry out your trash and any other trash you see. Protect your public lands.

Warning The Charons Garden Wilderness Area is managed as a primitive unit. Be prepared. Trails are not signed or maintained, game trails crisscross the area, and you will encounter extremely rugged terrain. Medivac flights occur in Charons Garden every year.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers hiking opportunities for all ages. / USFWS Group hiking during Nature Quest. / USFWS WICHITA MOUNTAINS CO KANSAS MO

NM WILDLIFE REFUGE 35 44 LA INDIAHOMA, OKLAHOMA 40 40 Area 44 enlarged S 35 p e c i TEXAS a l U s e A r e 115 a To Meers 1

49 Visitor Center: provides refuge information, Cedar displays, current events and tours. Plantation Location: Intersection of State Hwy 115 and 49. Mt. From , take I-44 south to Medicine Rush Park/Hwy 49 exit, then go west 14 miles. If coming Holy Scott from Lawton, take US 62 west to Cache exit and Lake City go north 6 miles. ÆI Prairie 2 Sunset Dog Town To Medicine 16 French Lake Park 49 Jed Johnson Elmer Lake Lake Charons Garden 15 14 Env. Ed. Thomas Lake Elmer Thomas 8 Doris Fort Sill Wilderness Area 12 Center Recreational Area 13 5 Military (LETRA) Dog Run 11 4 Pan Reservation Hollow Trail ther C r eek 7 Lost System Lake Osage 6 Lake Quanah Refuge Boundary 10 Parker Crater Lake Lake Refuge Headquarters Q

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C Doris Public Campground

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e Treasure Lake s t Fawn Creek Campground (by reservation) C 3 a

Job Corps 3 c

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e Fort Sill e Military k 3 Boulder Cabin (by reservation) Reservation To Environmental Education Center Cache 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Trails (Numbers correspond to trail 115 chart on the following page)

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