Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is a 48,000 acre National Wildlife Refuge located in the U.S. state of Mississippi, in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties. The refuge serves as a resting and feeding area for migratory birds and as example of proper land stewardship. Also, the refuge extensively manages land for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

History

Land for the Noxubee NWR was obtained in the 1930s through the Resettlement Administration. During the 1930s, the land was controlled by the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. In 1940, the land was established as a National Wildlife Refuge to ensure the wetlands would continue to be protected, providing migratory bird species and other animals a safe haven. Of the 48,000 acre of land, approximately 44,500 acre consists of bottomland and upland forest. A variety of species inhabit these lands including quail, deer, and turkey. Two major lakes, Bluff with 1200 acre and Loakfoma with 600 acre provide much of the wetlands within Noxubee. Additionally, there are four green tree reservoirs and sixteen smaller reservoirs which provide a habitat for wood stork, American alligator, bald eagle and other waterfowl. The refuge partners with nearby Mississippi State University in an extensive research program with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Forestry. Originally named the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, the refuge was renamed for Sam D. Hamilton, a former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, in February 2012.

Attractions

Goose Overlook

Goose Overlook is a 30 ft observation platform overlooking Bluff Lake. This area provides a wildlife viewing area for animals such as white-tailed deer and migrating Canada Geese.

Morgan Hill Overlook

Another observation on Morgan Hill provides a view of the 600 acre Loakfoma Lake.

Bluff Lake Boardwalk

This 1000 ft boardwalk provides access to an overlook at cypress island on Bluff Lake.

Trail networks

The refuge has a trail system providing access to wildlife observation points, visit the refuge website for more information on individual hiking trails and boardwalks.

Hunting

One major attraction of the refuge is hunting, which is allowed throughout the year with differing windows for different species. Licensed hunters can hunt game such as deer, turkey, rabbit, and squirrel.