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De Soto National Wildlife Refuge
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National Park Contact Information |
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National Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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DeSoto National Wildlife Refuges primary wildlife management role is to serve as a stopover for migrating ducks and geese. During typical years, a half million snow geese utilize the refuge as a resting and feeding area during their fall migration between the Arctic nesting grounds and the Gulf Coast wintering areas. Peak populations of 75,000 or more ducks, mostly mallards, are common on the refuge during the fall migration. November is the month of peak waterfowl use, with less spectacular concentrations of ducks and geese returning in March and early April.
Bald eagles follow the geese into the area, with many eagles wintering here until March. Peak numbers of bald eagles usually occur in late November and December, and again in early March. As many as 145 have been seen here at one time. Bald eagles are often seen perched in cottonwoods along DeSoto Lake when waterfowl are present, and good viewing opportunities are available from the DeSoto Visitor Center. An interesting assortment of warblers, gulls, shorebirds, and other bird life also can be observed on the refuge during fall (Sept-Oct) and spring (Mar-May) migrations.
In the summer, white-tailed deer, with one or two fawns, are often seen in the morning and evening hours beside refuge roads. Wild turkeys gather in large groups along the roads and in the fields to strut. Cottontail rabbits, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, and fox squirrels also are frequently observed along refuge roads. Backwater areas of DeSoto Lake and several wetlands on the refuge serve as habitat for beaver, muskrat and an occasional mink. Grassland birds are attracted to areas of restored prairie for nesting. |
Camping |
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Fishing and Hunting |
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Fishing
DeSoto Lake has an excellent fishery for catfish, crappie, walleye and large-mouth bass. The lake also contains bluegill, carp and buffalo fish. A number of access points allow for bank fishing, and three separate boat launch facilities are available during the season (April 15Oct 14). Over the years a considerable number of fish habitat structures have been placed in the lake to enhance the fishery. Structures include tree piles, rock piles, and pallets. To protect the fragile lake shore from erosion due to wave action there is a no-wake policy in effect.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities at DeSoto are carefully controlled. In recent years, however, the deer population has increased substantially, leading to habitat degradation and increased damage to neighboring croplands. In response, new hunts have been added to address this growing problem. There are both archery and gun hunts available. In addition, mentored youth hunts for ring-necked pheasants and youth and disabled hunts for wild turkeys are available. In 2005 an archery-only wild turkey hunt was initiated. |
History of the Area |
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More Info | |
Iowa Prairies-Splendor in the Grass photography exhibit is and exciting exhibit about are last ... 641) 236-2301 (641) 236-2995 (Fax) De Soto National Wildlife Refuge June 2June 30, 2001 Contacting ... | |
Nature Photography by Gary D.Tonhouse Natures Artistry ?Gary D.Tonhouse 1997-2002 Snow Goose Migration De Soto National Wildlife Refuge Missouri Valley, Iowa | |
Stock Library Sample Images Contact Tom 114-020-0449 American Lotus Blooms, De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri River, Iowa ?2003 Tom Till | |
... Monument Waubonsie State Park Hitchcock Nature Area Missouri Valley Ingemann Danish Church De Soto National Wildlife Refuge Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center Along Highway 183 Harrison County Monona ... | |
Interesting Day Trips near the Sioux City North KOA Kampground. ... story of the the ninety-nine days of Sergeant Floyd. De Soto National Wildlife Refuge More than 7,000 acres along the Missouri River ... | |
... Monument Experience the story of the the ninety-nine days of Sergeant Floyd. De Soto National Wildlife Refuge More than 7,000 acres along the Missouri River provide refuge for migrating wildlife ... | |
What Omaha has to offer ... of the NCAA College World Series. Ever see 400,000 geese in one field? De Soto National Wildlife Refuge is on the Canadian snow geese migration trail. Omaha is one end of ... | |
Missouri Valley, Iowa information and facts. Historical information and Missouri Valley, Iowa facts ... Center Open year-round. De Soto National Wildlife Refuge Hwy. 30 along Missouri River ... | |
... Truck Museum Specialty Museum Maxwell Missouri Valley Moingona Community Historical Museum Museum De Soto National Wildlife Refuge Nature Kate Shelley Railroad Museum Museum Mount Pleasant Iowa ... |
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De Soto National Wildlife Refuge
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