Laguna Atascosa Refugewinter wildlife
Ducks: peak use of the refuge comes in November, when more than 250,000 ducks depend on it, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. No official report yet this season.
Right now in Laguna Atascosa Refuge · September
- Trails open year-round, sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year · Jan–Dec
33days to the next winter wildlife seasonIn November alone, when peak use occurs, local timing
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Trails open year-round, sunrise to sunset, 365 days a yearNowJan–Dec
- 2026-27 hunt dates, October 23, 2026 to April 4, 2027: some units close on hunt days; Lakeside Drive, Osprey Overlook, Mesquite Trail and the visitor center trails stay openOct–Apr
- Nov: Ducks: November is peak use, with more than 250,000 ducks depending on the refugeNov
Where to watch
- Lakeside DriveA 1.5-mile caliche route, open year-round, and the only trail on the refuge you can drive (or walk or bike); it leads to the 3,500-acre freshwater lake, which can hold more than 20 species of waterfowl during migration
- Lower West Lake TrailA difficult 6-mile dirt trail, open year-round, through coastal prairie along the lake's western shore and freshwater wetlands in wet years; a great place for water birds and raptors
Laguna Atascosa Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Rules and Policies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: 2026-2027 Hunt Season Unit Closures (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 Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Ducks: peak use of the refuge comes in November, when more than 250,000 ducks depend on it, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: In November alone, when peak use occurs. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 33 days (In November alone, when peak use occurs, local timing).
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes: $3 per vehicle per day for general visitors. Every vehicle needs a fee or pass, and you can pay or buy an annual pass on Recreation.gov.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is the refuge open?
Every day of the year, sunrise to sunset; overnight parking isn't allowed. As of September 2026 the visitor center is open Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. Restrooms are outside the visitor center.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are any areas closed during the 2026-27 hunts?
Yes, on scheduled hunt dates from October 23-25, 2026 to April 2-4, 2027, some hunt units close (Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive closes during the youth hunts). On every hunt on the main Laguna Atascosa unit, the visitor center trails, Mesquite Trail, Lakeside Drive and Osprey Overlook stay open to the public.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: 2026-2027 Hunt Season Unit Closures ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
It's hot and humid most of the year, so bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Check in at the visitor center before a hike, stay on designated trails and hike with a partner.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is wildlife most active?
In the morning, from daylight to 9:30 a.m., and in the late afternoon, from 4:30 p.m. to sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Laguna Atascosa NWR: Rules and Policies ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Lakeside Drive: a 1.5-mile caliche route, open year-round, and the only trail on the refuge you can drive (or walk or bike); it leads to the 3,500-acre freshwater lake, which can hold more than 20 species of waterfowl during migration; Lower West Lake Trail: a difficult 6-mile dirt trail, open year-round, through coastal prairie along the lake's western shore and freshwater wetlands in wet years; a great place for water birds and raptors.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
2026-27 hunt dates, October 23, 2026 to April 4, 2027: some units close on hunt days; Lakeside Drive, Osprey Overlook, Mesquite Trail and the visitor center trails stay open (Oct–Apr).
What is Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Ducks: November is peak use, with more than 250,000 ducks depending on the refuge (Nov), Trails open year-round, sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year (Jan–Dec) and 2026-27 hunt dates, October 23, 2026 to April 4, 2027: some units close on hunt days; Lakeside Drive, Osprey Overlook, Mesquite Trail and the visitor center trails stay open (Oct–Apr).