Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

A hunter setting out decoys in marsh unit 1

Hunting is allowed for geese, duck, coot and Wilson’s snipe on designated areas of the Refuge. All hunting must be in accordance with State regulations and is subject to the following conditions. Two special areas have been established to provide quality waterfowl hunting opportunities. Hunting is only allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Federal holidays in management unit 1 and at the goose blinds in farm unit 226-227. Detailed maps displaying the location of these units and other designated hunt areas are available from the maps page. For more information about waterfowl hunting contact the Refuge office.

North Columbia Basin Waterfowl Survey Results

Management Unit 1

This special hunt area is designed to provide quality marsh hunting for ducks. No special permit is required. Quality hunting is stressed. Hunters are asked to space themselves at least 200 yards apart. Retrievers are highly recommended and waders or hipboots are needed. No upland game hunting is allowed in this area before 12:00 noon. A detailed map of this area is available from the maps page.

Goose Blinds

This special hunt area is designed to provide quality field shooting for ducks and geese, no upland bird hunting is allowed. Hunting is only permitted from the three pit blinds that have been established in this area. A detailed map of this area including goose blind instructions is available from the maps page.

Special Permits: A special hunting permit is required to hunt in this area. There is a maximum of one permit holder and one companion per blind. Permits are not transferable.

Fees: A non-refundable $1.00 fee is required for each hunt date permit application submitted. Successful applicants will deposit a separate $10.00 blind use fee at the self service station prior to entering the pit blind. The green information card at the station is for record keeping. Please fill it out and deposit it in the self service fee station before leaving.

Permit Application: Applicants can apply for any or all Refuge hunt days of the season, but no more than one card for a given date may be submitted per season. Applications must be received at the Refuge office at least two weeks before the desired hunt. A public drawing will be held on the first workday of the week for the following week’s hunt, and permits will be mailed by close of business. If canceling a hunt date, please contact the Refuge office as soon as possible. This will allow another hunter to opportunity to hunt. Any remaining vacancies are filled on a first come, first served basis from the Refuge office until 3:00 pm on the last workday before the hunt.

Permit Application Procedure:

Use one 3” X 5” card for each hunt date.
Type or print clearly your name, address and day and evening telephone number on each card. Return address labels are acceptable.
Indicate your choice of hunt date, one per card.
Include a non-refundable $1.00 fee with each card. Checks should be made out to USFWS.
Mail permit application to the Refuge office.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Drawer F
Othello, WA 99344

General Regulations: Prior inspection of the unit is not allowed and access is only allowed to those that have been issued a permit for those hunt days. Do not drive out to the pit blind sites. Before leaving, please place the lid on the blind, put the numbered stake in the ground and remove any trash. Thank you!