Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Ouray, UT

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Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (also called Ouray National Waterfowl Refuge) is a wildlife refuge in central Uintah County, Utah in the northeastern part of the state. It is part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, located two miles northeast of the village of Ouray, 10 miles southeast of the town of Randlett, and 30 miles southwest of Vernal.

Established in 1960, it straddles the Green River for 12 miles , and covers 11,987 acres . A portion of the refuge (3,800 acres) is leased from the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The refuge was created for the use of both local and migratory birds, and with funds provided by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps.

Precipitation is less than seven inches (178 mm) per annum

Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, in Randlett, Utah, has increased its public big game hunting opportunities this year by opening the refuge to elk hunting for the first time. To avoid conflicts with other uses, including waterfowl hunting and to minimize disturbance of migratory birds during peak migration periods, elk hunting opportunities are limited to specific seasons.

To reach Ouray NWR, take U.S. Highway 40, 14 miles west of the city of Vernal, Utah. Turn south on State Highway 88 and travel 14 miles to the Refuge entrance. The Refuge office is located 1 mile down the entrance road. During my trip through this Oasis in the desert I spotted several prairie dogs, a coyote, 3 elk, a mule deer and 2 antelope some pictured here, as well as numerous birds and waterfowl

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