Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Sheldon Refuge is open year-round for wildlife observation, photography, and fishing and during designated seasons for hunting. There are no entrance fees for visiting the refuge, but there are camping and driving restrictions. A variety of activities such as overnight camping, motorized travel, and horseback riding are allowed, but all recreation activities here are regulated to ensure wildlife is protected. Allowing recreation within the refuge depends upon your ability to know and follow refuge rules and regulations.

• Hunting
  Hunting is an important wildlife dependent public use that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage– In fact hunting organizations such as the Boone and Crockett Club were instrumental in the establishment of Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. Groups like the Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Nevada Muleys, and the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife continue to actively support and participate in management of refuge habitats which benefit not only game animals, but many other species of wildlife as well.
• Fishing
  In addition to the conservation of wildlife and habitat, the Refuge offers fishing opportunities for several warm water fish at the Dufurrena Ponds (with a floating dock at Dufurrena Pond 20), and for Lahontan cutthroat trout at Catnip Reservoir. These waters are open to non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors. Fishing opportunities are provided in cooperation with the Nevada Department and Wildlife, so be sure to check both Refuge and State regulations for seasons, gear restrictions, and license requirements, and additional rules.
• Wildlife Viewing
  If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge! From birding to big game, from viewing speedy pronghorn or soaring raptors, wildlife observation is the most popular.
• Interpretation
  Refuge interpretation programs provide opportunities for visitors to make their own connections to the natural world. Printed and virtual information is available on many topics, including plants and animals, seasonal migrations, habitats, refuge management strategies, and history.
• Environmental Education
  National Wildlife Refuges serve many purposes, and one of our most important roles is as outdoor classrooms to teach about wildlife and natural resources. Is your school, youth, environmental or other group interested in learning more about the wildlife, plants, habitats and ecology of a particular national wildlife refuge? Contact us for more information. Refuges are wild places, and we want to teach you more about them!
• Photography
  Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature photographers at a rapid rate. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors.

  In fact, chances are you will arrive in an mobile photography blind- your vehicle! Many wonderful and close-up photos of pronghorn, mule deer, burrowing owls, sage-grouse and other animals are captured by visitors right through their open car window. Remember, many of the animals you will see are expending valuable energy breeding and caring for their young so don’t pursue or harass wildlife to get a better photograph.

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge Driving Directions:From Reno (325 miles) via Lakeview, Oregon(best road conditions—paved roads):
1)Follow Highway 395 north for 235 miles to Lakeview, OR (gas, groceries, restaurants, hotels, hardware, vehicle repairs, hospital)
2)Continue following Highway 395 north from Lakeview for 5 miles.
3)Following signs for the Warner Mountain Ski area, Adel and Winnemucca, Nevada, turn east onto Highway 140.
4)Follow Highway 140 east for 85miles.
5)Follow signs for Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge Dufurrena Field Station, turning south onto Virgin Valley Road