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Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1993 to protect bottomland and wetlands, migratory birds and resident wildlife.
The 9,000-acre refuge consists mainly of hardwood bottomland along Deep Fork River.
Mallards are the most common waterfowl seen on the refuge. Red-headed and downy woodpeckers, white-eyed and red-eyed vireos, indigo bunting and field sparrow are common breeding birds.
Wildlife also includes beaver, white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, non-poisonous snakes and the poisonous cottonmouth snake and pygmy rattlesnake. The several frog species include bull, green, cricket, southern leopard and chorus.
There is a limited archery and muzzle-loading deer hunting season. Duck hunting is also permitted in some areas, and there are youth hunts for deer and turkey.
Fishing is permitted in the Deep Fork River all year and in other waters at certain times of year. Boats are permitted on the Deep Fork River. There are no improved launch facilities, and access is limited to small boats which can be launched from the bank where public roads intersect the river.
Wildlife observation is permitted on about 5,000 acres.
Because the bottomland hardwood forests of this area are very sensitive to water quality and quantity, control of beaver dams is important to ensure that the bottomland harwood forests are not underwater most of the year.
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