There are no hunting programs conducted by the District. A wide variety of public use activities are available on the various Divisions of the Wapello District. Hunting and fishing opportunities are available on the Big Timber, Horseshoe Bend and Keithsburg Divisions. The Wapello District has one designated foot trail, located near the headquarters on the Louisa Division. The trail is approximately .75 miles long, and traverses the bluff and drops to the floodplain following the Lake Odessa shoreline for a short distance.
Birders regularly use the hiking trail to observe migrants and resident breeders.
It is common to see deer, wood ducks, great blue herons and other birds and mammals while walking the hiking trail. At the head of the hiking trail is an observation platform, complete with a binocular viewing scope. Many visitors use this platform to view the refuge and its birds and animals. The Louisa Division is closed to all hunting, but open to fishing and non-consumptive uses from February 1 through September 15. Hunting is permitted on the Big Timber Division following all state regulations.