Waterfowl Hunting on the Nisqually Delta
Trail
Information
Trail
Closures
During the waterfowl hunting season, the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail Broadwalk will close at the last push out, 700 feet from the Puget Sound Viewing Platform.
Open Trails
The Twin Barns Loop Trail, the first half mile Nisqually Estuary Trial, and 87 percent of the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail will remain open. Visitors should be prepared to see waterfowl hunters, their dogs, and decoys. Visitors will also hear gun shots.
Know the Signs
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National
Wildlife Refuge Boundary
These signs are used to mark the boundaries of national wildlife refuges.
You may enter the area only on designated access routes. |
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No
Hunting Zone
These signs are used to inform the public that no hunting is allowed beyond
these signs.
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Area
Beyond This Sign Closed
This area is closed to all entry. No hunting is permitted. No roads or
trails are open to the public.
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Hunting
Information
Click here for a Map of Waterfowl Hunting Area
Click here for the Hunting Brochure
Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas on the Nisqually Delta and on Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge during the fall and winter hunt season.
2011 – 2012 Dates
Youth Hunt: Sept 24 – 25, 2011
Geese: Sept. 10 – 15, Oct. 15 – 27 & Nov. 5 – Jan. 29, 2012
Ducks: Oct. 15 – 19 & Oct. 22 – Jan. 29, 2012 (except scaup closed Oct. 15 – Nov. 4)
Where You Can Hunt
- Federal Lands – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns and manages about 3000 acres of the Nisqually Delta as Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. 190 acres of the Refuge are open to waterfowl hunting.
- State Lands – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife owns and manages three parcels of land within the approved Refuge boundary which are open to waterfowl hunting.
Where You Can’t Hunt
Portions of the Refuge are closed to waterfowl hunting including the Research Natural Area and Sanctuary Area. Tribal lands east of the Nisqually River are not open to public hunting. Watch for “No Hunting” or “Area Closed” signs.
Access to the Refuge Hunting Areas
Access is by boat. Luhr Beach is the closest boat ramp to the hunt areas.
Regulations
Shot must be U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved non-toxic shot. All Washington State hunting regulations are in effect. There is a 25 shell limit. Check Washington State Regulations for current year information. Call the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife at (360) 902-2200 or the Refuge at (360) 753-9467 for complete information on hunting regulations.You may also visit the WDFW
website: WDFW
- Hunting Information.
Retrieving Birds
You may not enter closed areas to retrieve dead or crippled birds.
