Carolina Sandhills Refugewinter wildlife
Migrating ducks and geese begin to arrive in October and stay through early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Oct 1–Mar 10). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Carolina Sandhills Refuge · September
- Peak butterfly watching, April through October · Apr–Oct
- Fishing season at Martin's Lake (catch and release), March 1 to October 31 · Mar–Oct
2days to the next winter wildlife seasonOct 1–Mar 10, local timing
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Fishing season at Martin's Lake (catch and release), March 1 to October 31NowMar–Oct
- Peak butterfly watching, April through OctoberNowApr–Oct
- Red-cockaded woodpeckers nesting and foraging at the viewing area, April through JuneApr–Jun
- Bobwhite quail calling at Oxpen, May through JulyMay–Jul
- Migrating ducks and geese, October to early MarchOct–Mar
Where to watch
- Oxpen Recreation AreaWaterfowl, hawks, turkey and deer; an observation deck gives a scenic view near Oxpen Lake 1, reached by refuge roads
- Lake Bee Recreation AreaGood birding along the lake edge, with picnic shelters and restrooms; nearby Pool H and Triple Lakes host wood ducks and other waterfowl in season
Carolina Sandhills Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge?
Migrating ducks and geese begin to arrive in October and stay through early March, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 1–Mar 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 2 days (Oct 1–Mar 10, local timing).
When is the refuge open?
From one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset, except areas posted closed. The office and visitor center is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I drive around the refuge?
Yes. The paved Visitors Drive and about 140 miles of earthen and gravel roads are open to vehicles, except roads marked "Authorized Vehicles Only" or blocked. Please don't block refuge gates.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash or under voice command. Please clean up after your pet.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Insect repellent and drinking water. Camping, overnight parking, open fires and drones are not allowed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carolina Sandhills NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge?
Oxpen Recreation Area: waterfowl, hawks, turkey and deer; an observation deck gives a scenic view near Oxpen Lake 1, reached by refuge roads; Lake Bee Recreation Area: good birding along the lake edge, with picnic shelters and restrooms; nearby Pool H and Triple Lakes host wood ducks and other waterfowl in season.
What is Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Migrating ducks and geese, October to early March (Oct–Mar), Peak butterfly watching, April through October (Apr–Oct), Red-cockaded woodpeckers nesting and foraging at the viewing area, April through June (Apr–Jun), Bobwhite quail calling at Oxpen, May through July (May–Jul) and Fishing season at Martin's Lake (catch and release), March 1 to October 31 (Mar–Oct).