The lack of other wetland habitat between the plains and the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon makes McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge a magnet for migratory birds. The waterfowl hunt can be very good, but it is highly dependent on water levels in the refuge’s reservoir. If the water levels are low, hunters can have a difficult time finding a place to hide. Hunting is accessed from the parking lots on the east side of the refuge off Shaw Road. Hunting is primarily for mallard, which make up about 80 percent of the fall duck population. Turkey hunting is administered only during the fall season.
Elk is only open to emergency hunting and is administered by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Waterfowl and upland bird hunting are permitted in accordance with state and federal regulations. All dove hunting is only during the authorized mourning dove seasons. Open to fall turkey hunting October 12 to the end of the state season.
Access for hunting is from two parking lots off the Shaw Road on the east side of the refuge. The south end of the refuge is open to hunting; most of the refuge is closed to all access. Hunt days are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Refuge hours are from sunrise to sunset, except for hunting—hunting access is 1-1/2 hours before legal hunting hours to 1-1/2 hours after legal hunting hours (see below). For further questions regarding hunting at McKay Creek, contact our main office at (509) 546-8300.
There is a lottery for hunting on the opening day of the upland game bird season. The lottery opens in mid-August and closes the second week of September and can be found at www.fws.gov/mckaycree/lottery/.
