Coastal wetlands in southwest Oregon can provide a diversity of duck and goose hunting opportunities, but these areas are often difficult to access. More than 500 acres of tidal marshes at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge are open for public hunting at both Ni-les’tun Marsh east of U.S. Hwy 101 and Bandon Marsh west of U.S. Hwy 101. Hunkered against an old log, a hunter can expect good shooting for various duck species, especially mallard and American wigeon. Hunting has expanded into some new tidal restoration areas, where green-winged teal are prevalent.
Waterfowl Hunting
- Open for pass shooting
- First come, first-served basis
- Decoys and temporary blinds may be used but must be removed daily
- Access via boat is permitted but anchoring is restricted to a safe boating location on Ni-les'tun Marsh marked on refuge maps as a river access point.
- Hunters can access the sites two hours before sunrise and remain up to one hour after sunset
- Bandon Marsh (256 acres) - Hunting allowed 7 days per week
- Ni-les'tun Marsh (281 acres) - Hunting allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Check Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl/Game Bird Hunting Regulations for restrictions, bag limits, season dates and hunt times. Hunters should be aware that the southern 1/3 of Bandon Marsh is closed to hunting because it falls within the city limits of Bandon. The southern boundary of the public hunting area is posted with "Public Hunting Area" signs.
