MNWR is the oldest national wildlife refuge in Texas and was established in 1935. Most of the short-grass prairie habitat has never seen a plow and stands today as it did hundreds of years ago. Important to migratory birds and many resident species of wildlife, the refuge is best known for hosting one of the largest concentrations of lesser sandhill cranes in North America. It is estimated that every year approximately 15 percent of the lesser sandhill crane population depends upon the refuge between the fall and spring. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge offers wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife watching and photography, hiking and camping. The 6,440-acre refuge is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of lands and waters set aside for the benefit of wildlife, habitat and you.