Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Coots

    American Coots

    Have you ever heard of the Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball team? Ever wonder what a mud hen is? We’ve got an answer for you.

    American Coots

  • Black-billed Magpie Promo

    Black-billed Magpie

    The drama queens of the high desert, if the desert had a reality show, magpies would be the stars, constantly insisting on being the center of attention.

    Black-billed Magpies

  • Osprey & Fish

    Ospreys

    If you’ve got water, there’s a good chance you’ve got an osprey, or “fish hawk.” Lucky you.

    Ospreys

New Procedures

End of Season Hunting

Bird Hunting

There is a significant amount of confusion regarding the last few days of hunting on the refuge. We’ve summarized it for you.

Hunting Season Summary

Waterfowl & Upland Game Bird Hunting

Please review the following updates at the McNary NWR Headquarters Unit Hunter Check Station. These changes are in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and will allow us to adhere to federal, state, and local public health authority guidance. • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant blinds will only be issued to hunters with a disability and up to 3 guests. • The Hunter Check Stations will close at 8:00 a.m. and will not reopen to issue new blinds or to allow morning hunters to switch blinds. Afternoon hunting will remain open for individuals who stay in their assigned blinds, and upland hunters. Waterfowl hunters will continue to have access to the first-come first-served blinds and free roam opportunities on other units subject to the regulations for each unit. See the individual unit Tear Sheets for more information. • One hunter per party will choose a blind from the Check Station Attendant and pay for all members of the party. All other hunters will remain in their vehicles and will not need to provide identification to the check station attendant. • Checks or exact change ONLY. No change will be issued at the Hunter Check Station. • The lottery winners and standby representatives will form two separate lines, clearly marked at the check station. Lottery draw winners will move through the line in order when called by the Check Station Attendant. The standby representative will place their name on the standby list and wait to be called by the Check Station Attendant after all lottery winners have been issued blinds. • Hunters will fill out their own permit card with the names of everyone in their party and the Check Station Attendant will stamp the permit card. • There will not be a volunteer supported blind brush-up day this season. Adherence to these changes will allow FWS to follow state guidelines and continue to offer a high-quality waterfowl hunt for the public.

Waterfowl & Upland Game Bird Hunting
It's A Great Time For Wildlife

Watching Wildlife

Deer

Want to see more animals on your trip to McNary National Wildlife Refuge? Here are some tips from the "experts."

Watching Wildlife

About the Complex

Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

McNary National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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