Hunting is available at almost 400 national wildlife refuges, 35 wetland management districts, and 20 national fish hatcheries. Hunting is a priority for public use at national wildlife refuges. Wildlife hunting is subject to sustainable limits and is sometimes used as a management tool to keep wildlife populations in check. Hunters' purchase of Duck Stamps helps buy conservation lands.
At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, hunting is permitted within limited areas for reasonable challenges, opportunities, and uncrowded conditions. The Refuge provides hunting opportunities for game bird hunting in the Malheur Lake, Buena Vista, and Boundary hunt units, and limited big game hunting in the Buena Vista and Boundary hunt units. Hunters must have an appropriate state license.
Rules and Policies
Please observe and follow Refuge Rules and Policies for your safety and to protect wildlife and their habitat.
Game Bird Hunting
- ODFW Regulations Highlights for game bird hunting
- e-regulations for Oregon Game Birds Southeast Zone Regulations
- Refuge Map and Regulations
- Hunting Brochure
Big Game Hunting
- ODFW Regulations Highlights for big game hunting
- e-regulations for Oregon Big Game Southeast Zone Regulations
- Refuge Map and Regulations
- Hunting Brochure
Where to Hunt
North Malheur Lake Hunt Unit
Malheur Lake's water level is approximately 19,600 acres. Hunting will be permitted. With two dry years, followed by a hearty snowpack and wet spring, conditions are ideal for vegetation growth this year though hunting success and access to hunting areas is still considered difficult.
22,582 acres open to Coot, Dark Geese, Dove, Duck, Light Geese, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl and pheasant seasons, including the state-designated statewide youth waterfowl and upland game hunt seasons. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted during the hunting season. Temporary blinds may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. The North Malheur Lake hunt unit can only access the hunting unit. Access is not available near the Refuge headquarters. Drive-in access may be difficult during the hunting season. Call (541) 493-2612 for current road conditions.
Exceptions to zone regulations:
- When Malheur Lake water level is low (<10,000 acres), North Malheur Lake Hunt Unit will be closed to waterfowl hunting
- Caspian Tern Island is closed to hunting
South Malheur Lake Hunt Unit
Malheur Lake's water level is approximately 19,600 acres. Hunting will be permitted. With two dry years, followed by a hearty snowpack and wet spring, conditions are ideal for vegetation growth this year though hunting success and access to hunting areas is still considered difficult.
4,651 acres open to Coot, Dark Geese, Duck, Light Geese, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl season. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted during the hunting season. Temporary blinds may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. The South Malheur Lake hunt unit can only be accessed from the North Malheur Lake hunt unit, access is not available near the Refuge headquarters. Drive-in access from the North Malheur Lake hunt unit may be difficult during the hunting season. Call (541) 493-2612 for current road conditions.
Exceptions to zone regulations:
- When Malheur Lake water level is low (<10,000 acres), North and South Malheur Lake Hunt Units will be closed to waterfowl hunting
- Caspian Tern Island is closed to hunting
Buena Vista Hunt Unit
Upland bird populations can vary greatly from year to year depending on weather and habitat conditions. No formal surveys are conducted, but observations suggest that while some pheasant production occurred on the Refuge, habitat conditions are still being negatively affected by drought. Additionally, a large precipitation event occurred in April and May. May remained very cool and rainy into mid-June. Nest and brood survival was impacted to some degree. This is not the year for pheasants, likely due to poor hatching conditions. California quail populations are in good shape and chukar, known for their large annual population fluctuations, will likely have an above-average year with quite a bit of variation across the County.
36,244 acres east of Highway 205 between Sodhouse Lane (County Road 405) and Diamond Lane (County Road 409) open to Coot, Dark Geese, Dove, Duck, Light Geese, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl and pheasant seasons. Boats are not permitted. Temporary decoys may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. Mule deer hunting will be permitted under a special drawing.
Mule Deer Hunt Special Drawing
Applicants must possess a 169A Controlled 100 Series Buck Deer Tag for the Steens Mountain Wildlife Management Unit issued by the State of Oregon. There will be one (1) Refuge lottery recipient. The individual drawn will be issued a permit, allowing them to fill their 169A Controlled 100 Series Buck Deer Tag on the Refuge hunt unit. If a buck with a visible antler is harvested on the Refuge, it fulfills the 169A Controlled 100 Series Buck Deer Tag. The permit holder will be restricted to the use of short-range weapons (archery, shotgun, and muzzle-loader) when hunting on the Refuge. The use of rifles is prohibited.
Information about the mule deer hunt (i.e., permit application instructions) will be provided in the month of July through email to applicants who possess a 169A Controlled 100 Series Buck Deer Tag for the Steens Mountain Wildlife Management Unit.
Boundary Hunt Unit
2,588 acres west of Highway 205 and the Krumbo Creek hunt area open to Coyote, Dove, Mule Deer, Partridge, Pheasant, Pronghorn, Quail, Rabbit, and Hare during authorized state seasons.