Since 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.
None of the refuge's roads are paved, and most are not passable by passenger autos. A few roads are graded, but most are dirt ruts. No services are available within the refuge, except compressed air, potable water, and a restroom at the refuge's headquarters. The nearest fuel and grocery is in Plush, west, and Frenchglen, east. Lakeview, southwest, is the nearest city with basic services such as vehicle repair, lodging, and medical care. Accommodations are available in Frenchglen.
Wildlife
The diverse habitat supports diverse wildlife: There are 239 bird species, 42 species of mammal, and at least eight species of reptile, including rattlesnake, bull snake, eastern yellowbelly racer, and various lizards. Residents active year round include deer, bobcat, coyote, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, marmot, squirrel, and rabbit. Most birds are seasonal. Golden eagle, sandhill crane, colorful sage grouse, and numerous migratory species. The pronghorn are North America's fastest land animal, capable of speeds up to, run free across the upland sagebrush at the east side. Bighorn sheep prefer the rocky cliffs of the refuge's west side. Numerous shallow lakes, grassy spring fed meadows attract the greatest variety of species. Bighorn sheep were eliminated by disease and hunting in this area by 1915. Reintroduction began in 1954 from British Columbia stock. There are now approximately 300 bighorn sheep.
Cattle Grazing
Cattle grazing in the refuge caused damage including overgrazing, eroded stream banks, trampled springs, damaged aspen groves, and destroyed wildlife habitat. In 1994 cattle grazing was banned inside the refuge. A study published in 2015 described the recovery of the landscape after cattle were removed, the return of vegetation including aspens, rushes, and willows, and the restoration of riparian areas.
