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Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge is a major flyway stopover for migrating waterfowl, eagles, shorebirds and other waterbirds. The 16,464-acre refuge preserves lakes, rivers, streams and woodland habitats.
Most of the refuge's acreage, including the 4,500-acre Cumberland Pool, were acquired in 1946. The refuge is named for the famous Chickasaw Native American chief.
The refuge and Lake Texoma are major wintering areas for birds and waterfowl.
Up to 100,000 ducks and 45,000 geese feed and roost at the refuge during fall and winter. Geese are primarily snows, but also include white-fronts and Canada geese.
Mallards, pintails, and other dabblers are the most common ducks. Waterfowl numbers generally peak between mid-December and late January. During that time, 10 to 20 threatened bald eagles may be present.
During fall and spring migration, pelicans, grebes, ducks, herons, sandpipers, gulls, and numerous upland birds can be found at the refuge.
Summer birds may include egrets, herons, and woodland birds. More than 250 bird species have been recorded in this area. White-tailed deer, cottontail, and fox squirrel are plentiful, and signs of numerous raccoon and beaver are abundant near sources of water.
Skunk, opossum, and armadillo are other common mammals.
A host of microscopic organisms in Cumberland Pool waters support a large fish population, including crappie, sand bass, channel catfish, flat-headed catfish, and blue catfish.
There is a one-day deer hunt on the refuge; waterfowl hunting is allowed on the adjacent wildlife management unit only.
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