Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge on Hart Mountain in southeastern Oregon, which protects more than 422sqmi and more than 300 species of wildlife, including pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mule deer, sage grouse, and Great Basin redband trout. The refuge, created in 1936 as a range for remnant herds of pronghorn, spans habitats ranging from high desert to shallow playa lakes, and is among the largest wildlife habitats containing no domestic livestock.Protected statusSince its creation as an antelope reserve, management of the refuge has broadened to include conservation of all wildlife species characteristic of this high desert habitat and restoration of native ecosystems for the public's enjoyment education, and appreciation. The area's protected status has been remarked upon by former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas:Recreational activities Wildlife photography and observation are the most popular refuge activities. There are permanent blinds throughout the refuge. Hiking is encouraged, but trails are not maintained, though most of the terrain permits cross-country hiking. Backpacking is the only way to experience remote parts of the refuge. Camping is free, but there are no reservations, and there is a 14-day limit. Generators and power equipment are prohibited. Bicycling is limited to roads open to motor vehicles, but the rough roads require sturdy bikes. Fishing is allowed in a few locations, with an Oregon fishing license. Hunting is permitted for a very limited number of deer, pronghorn and bighorn sheep. Rock collecting is limited to 7lb per day, only surface objects may be collected, Digging and blasting are not allowed. The nearby Bureau of Land Management Sunstone mine is a source for the Oregon state gemstone.
