Optima National Wildlife Refuge

Optima National Wildlife Refuge protects 4,333 acres of mixed-grass prairie, mature cottonwood groves, and wooded bottomland along an arm of Optima Lake. The Coldwater Creek runs through the refuge and creates diverse habitats for wildlife and migratory birds.

The refuge was established in 1975 under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act as a protected area for resident wildlife and migratory birds. This creation marked the beginning of systematic conservation efforts for this landscape and its ecological functions.

The refuge allows traditional hunting methods using shotgun or archery for white-tailed deer, turkey, quail, and pheasant. Visitors can experience a long-standing way of engaging with the land that has roots in the region's heritage.

The refuge is located two miles north of Hardesty and nineteen miles east of Guymon on State Highway 3, with free entry and no developed facilities. Visitors should come prepared to be self-sufficient and explore the open landscape.

The refuge provides year-round habitat for diverse raptor species including Swainson's hawks, Mississippi kites, and both bald and golden eagles. This concentration of raptors makes it a special destination for birdwatchers throughout the seasons.