White Lake Refuge

Directions and Description

Site Directions:  from Dyersburg, take I-155 west to the intersection of Highway 181 (about 12 miles).  Exit on 181 and go north about 2 miles to milepost 17 (181 is the Great River Road).  Look for a sign directing you east from Highway 181 down a gravel road that leads into the refuge.   The Refuge is 12 miles NW of Dyersburg, TN east of Highway 181 Dyer County, TN, Lat: 36.1142°N Long: -89.5707°W.

The Refuge is not open in winter because this is a refuge for waterfowl.  The refuge is closed to all activity from November 15th through March 1st.  Please note hunting seasons.   Access is free however, hunting, fishing, or recreational licensing fees may apply.

Contact Information: Region 1 Office: 1-731-423-5725 Toll-Free: 1- 800-372-3928 E-mail the office Area Manager is Josh Emerson 1-731- 285-6124 

Upon entering the WMA, there is a small parking lot on the right about 100m from the Great River Rd. This parking lot is a trailhead for a 1/2 mile trail to a boardwalk through cypress bottoms and some mudflats, depending on water levels.

The Dyer County Tennessee Refuge contains approximately 1,194 acres of farmland, shrub swamp, cypress swamp, bottomland hardwood forest, open water, moist soil management areas, and impoundments.  Part of the area is under a water level management program.  In summer, much of the area is dry and farmed for winter waterfowl use. 

When access is available and water levels allow driving, many species of waterfowl are common to abundant with up to 40,000 waterfowl present.   Shorebirds can be abundant in spring and late summer when water levels are appropriate. Black Terns have been recorded as well. Bald eagles can also be seen here year-round. Grassy fields and early successional habitats provide for sparrows and other grassland species. Fall migration may yield American Redstart, Eastern Kingbird, various flycatchers,  and Northern Parula.  Landmarks: Milepost 17 on Tennessee Hwy 181.

Regulations & Dates

Closed to all forms of use and trespass from Nov. 15 - the last day of February.

Dog training - Closed.

CWD Carcass Transportation Regulations Apply

Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping are the same as statewide seasons except as noted below.

Fall Turkey - Closed.  

Spring Turkey - One (1) non-quota: April 12 - May 4, 2025. The bag limit of one (1) male bearded turkey counts toward the statewide bag limit.

Turkey (Young Sportsman) - Same as statewide season.

Waterfowl - Closed.

Dove - Closed.