Although Bald Knob NWR is a popular waterfowling destination early in the season, it is an excellent area for year-round bird-watching. The farm unit of the area is 12,900 acres and has one of the largest and most elaborate irrigation systems found on any refuge. This system was used for agriculture, but is now used for many management activities. These include a cooperative farming program with emphasis on rice culture, moist soils management, wading bird habitat management, producing mud flats for migrating shorebirds, flooding natural habitat including bottomland hardwoods for waterfowl, early fall flooding for waterfowl, wetland restoration and for providing fish and amphibian habitat. Access to the refuge is limited due to unimproved roads and few facilities have been developed. All-terrain vehicle trails provide the only access to the Mingo Creek Unit of the refuge year round and to the Farm Unit from November 15 to February 28. These trails are also opened for foot traffic. All vehicles must stay on established roads and trails. Waterfowl are a primary hunting target on Bald Knob, but the hardwood restoration area offers deer and squirrel hunting as well. Some bobwhite quail and dove hunters may find suitable hunting habitat on non-flooded areas.