North Malheur Lake Hunt Area

North Malheur Lake Hunt Area (22,582 acres)

The North Malheur Lake Hunt Area is open to hunting coot, dark geese, dove, duck, light geese, partridge, pheasant, quail, snipe, and cottontail rabbit. 

Access

Hunters may enter the Refuge beginning 1½ hours before legal sunrise and must depart no later than 1½ hours after legal sunset.

Parking is permitted along the roadways off Rue-Red Road near the hunt area. Hunters may also park in the designated parking area at the Narrows on Hwy 205 and at the North Malheur Lake hunt access, located on Hwy 78 between mileposts 20 and 21.

Gates opened to enter the hunting area must be closed immediately after passing through.

Equipment Requirements

During the hunting season, hunters may use non-motorized or electric boats. Retrieving dogs are strongly encouraged and must remain under close control. 

Portable, temporary hunting blinds may be used but must be removed daily, along with boats, decoys, other materials, and all personal property, at the conclusion of each hunt.

Only nontoxic shot may be possessed or used.

Water-Level Restriction

Hunting is not permitted when the water level is less than 10,000 acres.

Cottontail Rabbit Hunting

Cottontail rabbit hunting is permitted only during state upland game bird seasons and during daylight hours. Only shotguns for taking rabbits may be used.

Eurasian Collared Dove Hunting

Eurasian collared dove hunting is permitted only during the State mourning dove season.

Prohibited Activities

• ATVs/UTVs
• Camping
• Campfires
• Collecting natural objects such as plants, animals, minerals, antlers, and objects of antiquity (including cultural resources)
• Overnight parking
• Target shooting