Fish and Wildlife Service, Alabama.
In January 1964, under an agreement with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior acquired management rights in perpetuity and began managing in accordance with the purposes of the refuge, which were to provide for the public benefit, wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl, nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wood ducks, and protection for alligators.
The refuge is located in Choctaw County in southwest Alabama, 80 miles north of Mobile on the west bank of the Tombigbee River. The refuge boundary starts two river miles upstream from the Coffeeville Lock and Dam.
The Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge is located about 20 miles northwest of Coffeeville, Alabama. From Coffeeville, Alabama take Highway 84 across Tombigbee River going West. Turn north off U.S. Highway 84 at County Road # 21, which is about 8 miles west of Coffeeville and 4 miles east of Silas; then go north 4 miles to Barrytown and turn east; follow County Road #14 to Womack Hill; turn right at Womack Hill. Watch for refuge directional signs from Highway 84 to the refuge entrance.