Where To Hunt On Federal Land – North Western United States
Before you run off to hunt, it is important to understand where you can hunt and avoid any type of trouble. The federal government has identified several hunting arenas on their land. It is important to understand in which areas you can legally hunt and in which areas you are not allowed. In this article, we will discuss the hunting areas of Washington, Oregon, and California, the Northwestern corner of the United States.
Washington
Hunting is open for business at Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Richland, Washington. This wildlife refuge is also a national monument. In 2000, former President Clinton created the monument. This federal land has 195,000 acres and was originally created in the year 1953. When visiting this location, it is important to understand all rules and regulations as they apply to any activity. For example, the Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge opens two hours prior to sunrise and closes two hours following sunset.
For hunters, you will enjoy a unique hunting experience. In this area, hunters favorites are Rocky Mountain Elk, Harvest Mule Deer, Waterfowl, California Quail, and Chukar. Hunters are allowed to use archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. Modern firearms such as handguns and center fire rifles are restricted and there may be other regulations and restrictions that apply. The monument and refuge publishes rules and regulations each year, which defines seasons and game allowed.
If you are looking to trap or hunt falcons, raccoon, crow, cottontail rabbits, and coyote, it is important to note that this type of hunting is prohibited at the monument and refuge.
Oregon
In Oregon, The Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge located in Klamath County is federally operated and allows hunting. Established in the year 1978, the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge was first created to provide protection for bald eagles in the area during winter time. All 4,200 acres of this refuge consists of plenty of natural habit. It is home to douglas fir, white fir, incense cedar, and ponderosa pine. This makes it a prime spot for the Bald Eagle and other birds.
While hunting is allowed on this piece of land, no public entry of any type is allowed prior to November first of each year. This is because the refuge is first and foremost a protective element for our National bird. It is said that on any given night, up to three hundred bald eagles use the roost on the northeast slope of the refuge.
Hunters enjoy this location for deer hunting, as well as pheasant and waterfowl hunting. Any hunters at the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge are required to pay a hunt fee each year. You are further required to have a hunting license within the state of Oregon, along with any permits and stamps as required federally or by the state.
California
In California, the Delevan National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,796 acre federally protected refuge located in Williams, California. Though a part of the Sacramento Valley refuge complex, which comprises of six different refuges, it is a independent refuge that is home to many different species. These species include deer, muskrat, beaver, blackbird, heron, grebe, bald eagle, falcon, snake, and many others. Each year, 7,000 hunters converge to this refuge to take part in the sport.
At the Delevan National Wildlife Refuge, hunters have two choices, spaced or free roaming hunting. Spaced hunting is perfect for hunters who like no competition and interference during hunting. Free roam hunting provides unrestricted movements, but could lead to interference and competition for the game. As for any federal refuge, it is important to read all rules and regulations prior to going to the site to hunt.
This means that you should understand the open season for hunting any game and so forth. At the Delevan National Wildlife Refuge, you may want to make reservations so that you can take part in the sport, there is a quota each day that the refuge cannot extend. You should also know the days in which hunting is allowed. At this refuge, hunting is allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Wrapping It Up
Before you visit any federal land, be sure that you obtain any special licenses, permits, or stamps as required. Many states require specific types of stamps to hunt specific types of game. Make certain that you have done this in order to avoid trouble. Every state is different in regards to their requirements on weapons, usage, and ammunition, be sure to understand them as they apply to you.