CLOSURE NOTICE - The Buena Vista Hunt Unit has a closure notice below.
Hunting is available at almost 400 national wildlife refuges, 35 wetland management districts, and 20 national fish hatcheries. Hunting is a priority for public use at national wildlife refuges. Wildlife hunting is subject to sustainable limits and is sometimes used as a management tool to keep wildlife populations in check. Hunters' purchase of Duck Stamps helps buy conservation lands.
At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, hunting is permitted within limited areas for reasonable challenges, opportunities, and uncrowded conditions. The Refuge provides hunting opportunities for game bird hunting in the Malheur Lake, Buena Vista, and Boundary hunt units, and limited big game hunting in the Buena Vista and Boundary hunt units. Hunters must have an appropriate state license.
Rules and Policies
Please observe and follow Refuge Rules and Policies for your safety and to protect wildlife and their habitat.
Game Bird Hunting
- ODFW Regulations Highlights for game bird hunting
- e-regulations for Oregon Game Birds Southeast Zone Regulations
- Refuge Map and Regulations
- Hunting Brochure
Big Game Hunting
- ODFW Regulations Highlights for big game hunting
- e-regulations for Oregon Big Game Southeast Zone Regulations
- Refuge Map and Regulations
- Hunting Brochure
Where to Hunt
North Malheur Lake Hunt Unit
22,582 acres open to Coot, Dark Geese, Dove, Duck, Light Geese, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl and pheasant seasons, including the state-designated statewide youth waterfowl and upland game hunt seasons. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted during the hunting season. Temporary blinds may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. The North Malheur Lake hunt unit can only access the hunting unit. Access is not available near the Refuge headquarters. Drive-in access may be difficult during the hunting season. Call (541) 493-2612 for current road conditions.
Season/Limits: Oregon State season and limits.
Exceptions to Zone Regulations:
- When Malheur Lake water level is low (<10,000 acres), North Malheur Lake Hunt Units will be closed to waterfowl hunting.
- Caspian Tern Island is closed to hunting.
South Malheur Lake Hunt Unit
4,651 acres open to Coot, Dark Geese, Duck, Light Geese, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl season. Non-motorized boats and electric boats are permitted during the hunting season. Temporary blinds may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. The South Malheur Lake hunt unit can only be accessed from the North Malheur Lake hunt unit; access is not available near the Refuge headquarters. Drive-in access from the North Malheur Lake hunt unit may be difficult during the hunting season. Call (541) 493-2612 for current road conditions.
Season/Limits: Oregon State season and limits.
Exceptions to Zone Regulations:
- When Malheur Lake water level is low (<10,000 acres), North and South Malheur Lake Hunt Units will be closed to waterfowl hunting.
- Caspian Tern Island is closed to hunting.
Buena Vista Hunt Unit - HUNT CLOSURE
Dates: 2026 – 2027 Oregon Hunting Seasons for coot, dark geese, dove, duck, light geese, partridge, pheasant, quail, snipe, rabbit, and mule deer.
Reason: The Refuge is subject to a seasonal closure due to recent fire activity. In July 2026, the Stubble and Jackass Butte Fire impacted more than 15,000 acres within the area.
Duration: Closed to all activities during the 2026-2027 season.
Reopening: Normal operations resume after the 2026-2027 season ends.
Contact: 541-493-2612 for questions.
Boundary Hunt Unit
2,588 acres west of Highway 205 and the Krumbo Creek hunt area are open to Coyote, Dove, Mule Deer, Partridge, Pheasant, Pronghorn, Quail, Rabbit, and Hare during authorized state seasons.