Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is located in north-central Montana, encompassing approximately 1.1 million acres of badlands, native prairies, and the Fort Peck Reservoir. It is one of the largest national wildlife refuges in the United States.

The refuge supports large populations of elk, pronghorn, mule deer, sage grouse, and bighorn sheep, along with numerous bird and small mammal species. The diverse terrain of badlands, prairies, and shoreline along the Fort Peck Reservoir provides varied habitat for wildlife observation and photography.

Yes, hunting is permitted on the refuge in accordance with Montana state and federal regulations, and it is a popular destination for big-game hunting. Elk and mule deer hunting draws visitors from across the country during the fall seasons.

The refuge was established in 1936 and was originally called the Fort Peck Game Range before being renamed in honor of Charles M. Russell, the celebrated Western artist who depicted the Montana frontier. Russell lived and worked in Montana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.