LOCATION: Southwestern Oklahoma (near Lawton/Ft. Sill)   Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is a nature photographer's oasis. Nestled among huge and colorful massive granite boulders; pinion pines and scrub oaks, this mountainous area is believed to be more than 650 million years old. You will find wildlife in their own natural settings. Bison, antelope, elk, deer and longhorn cattle are among the residents of this 60,000 acre preserve.

Prairie Dog Town - At the refuge, a favorite stop are the numerous Prairie Dog villages. These candid creatures readily pose and interact with their visitors. Once thought to be an out of control nuisance, the Prairie Dog is actually a very important member of the area's eco-system.

A great Elk grazes freely in the many roaming acres of prairie land surrounded by a magnificent backdrop of mountain ridges that comprise the landscape of the refuge. Also commonly seen are the herds of buffalo and longed-horn cattle. Deer seem to welcome a visitor's presence.

Plant life includes a prairie grassland setting, wildflowers, scrub oaks and cedars and other decidious trees. Also the area is noted for its beautiful rocky formations, many of which are covered with colorful lichen and mosses.

Once hunted to near extinction, the American Bison roams and grazes freely at Wichita Mountain NWR.

The refuge also houses an extensive Visitor Center, where you will enjoy a wealth of information about the history of this special place and the many species of wildlife, birds and plants that call the refuge "home."

Many species of waterfowl also call the refuge home. The area abounds with several lakes and natural streams, giving shelter and food supply to a wide variety of waterfowl and birds. Predatory hawks and eagles are a common site in the refuge, among several species of birds, insects and reptiles.

When you go, please be sure to pack plenty of film, batteries, field glasses, etc and be prepared to do some great wildlife and nature shooting! -- Jeriann