Hunting

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers unique coastal waterfowl hunting opportunities in a diverse estuarine landscape of tidal marshes, mudflats, sloughs, and open bay habitat. Hunting is available on refuge lands at Millport Slough South and on refuge lands west of U.S. Highway 101. These areas provide access to habitats used by a variety of migratory waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and coots during the fall and winter migration period.

What makes Siletz Bay especially attractive to hunters is the opportunity to hunt within a productive coastal estuary that supports significant seasonal use by waterfowl. Hunters can expect a dynamic hunting experience influenced by tides, weather conditions, and seasonal bird movements. Waterfowl use of the bay is typically greatest during the fall migration period, when birds concentrate on the open bay, tidal marshes, and mudflat habitats. Successful hunters generally plan their outings around tides and weather conditions, which can have a significant influence on bird activity and access.

The refuge provides both walk-in and boat-access hunting opportunities. Walk-in access is available at Millport Slough and on refuge lands west of Highway 101, while hunters with boats can access refuge hunting areas on both sides of Highway 101 during high tides. Portable blinds may be used, and properly trained retriever dogs are permitted while actively engaged in hunting activities in accordance with refuge regulations.

Access and Parking

Hunters accessing refuge lands west of U.S. Highway 101 may use the refuge parking area located adjacent to the Siletz Keys Sanitary District. This parking area provides convenient walk-in access to the refuge's west-side hunting area.

Hunters using the Millport Slough hunting units may access those areas from the refuge-owned gravel parking lot on South Millport Slough Road. A paved refuge parking area along U.S. Highway 101 also provides access to the Millport Slough units. Boat access to hunt areas on both sides of Highway 101 is available during high tides from a private boat launch located approximately two miles up the Siletz River.

Hunters should familiarize themselves with refuge-specific regulations, hunting boundaries, and access requirements before visiting. Access to the refuge is permitted from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. A no-hunting buffer area is maintained adjacent to the Siletz Keys residential development to help ensure safe and compatible use of the refuge.