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Drone Rules for Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

Eagle Lake, Texas (TX) • United States
1206 Apc Nwr Rd, Eagle Lake, TX 77434, USA
Lat: 29.6677 • Lng: -96.2669
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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USFWS prohibits drones on Attwater's Prairie Chicken NWR. The refuge maintains the only captive-and-wild managed population of Attwater's prairie chicken, one of the most endangered birds in North America.

Drone Rules - Attwater's Prairie Chicken NWR, Texas

Drones are prohibited under USFWS Director's Order 210 and ESA Section 9 for Attwater's prairie chicken (critically endangered).

Airspace / Site Context

  • Fewer than 100 wild Attwater's prairie chickens exist; the booming lek displays (February-April) are critical for breeding success
  • Drone noise during lek display disrupts booming competition; males that flush mid-display have reduced breeding success in subsequent seasons
  • Houston Hobby (HOU) Class C is ~55 NM east; Austin Bergstrom (AUS) Class C is ~80 NM west; local airspace Class G

Key Rules

  • February-April lek season: USFWS maintains no-entry/no-fly buffer of 0.5 miles around occupied boom grounds
  • Captive-reared bird release program involves telemetered birds; USFWS recovery coordinator must be notified before any airspace use near the refuge
  • USFWS Special Use Permit required; all research involving this species requires USFWS Attwater's Prairie Chicken Recovery Team approval

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