Optima National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge contains 4,333 acres of mixed-grass prairie, mature cottonwoods, and wooded bottomland along the Coldwater Creek arm of Optima Lake.

Established in 1975 under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the refuge became a protected area for resident wildlife and migratory birds.

The refuge maintains traditional hunting practices, allowing visitors to pursue white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, and pheasant using only shotgun or archery methods.

Located two miles north of Hardesty and nineteen miles east of Guymon on State Highway 3, the refuge offers free entry without facility structures.

The refuge serves as a year-round habitat for diverse raptor species, including Swainson's hawks, Mississippi kites, and both bald and golden eagles.

Location: Texas County

Inception: 1975

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/optima

GPS coordinates: 36.64540,-101.20900

Latest update: May 8, 2025 12:47