Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge

Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering approximately 7,383 acres of bottomland forests and loess bluffs in the Mississippi Delta region. The landscape includes woodlands, wetlands, and open areas that support diverse wildlife populations throughout the year.

The refuge was established in 1977 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act to protect waterfowl migration routes and breeding habitats. Its creation reflected a national effort to preserve critical areas for birds moving across the continent.

The refuge serves as a gathering place for hunters and nature enthusiasts during seasonal activities, where local practices center on harvesting deer, ducks, and other game animals in designated areas. These traditions reflect how communities engage with the land as a source of food and recreation.

The refuge is accessible via U.S. Highway 49E north of Yazoo City, with access roads leading into the property from Thornton. Visiting conditions vary depending on the season, with waterfowl being most abundant during winter months.

Winter brings gatherings of over 100,000 ducks to the refuge, making it a major stopover point for migrating birds. The property provides habitat for roughly 250 bird species that visit or reside there throughout different seasons.