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
36,244 acres east of Highway 205 between Sodhouse Lane (County Road 405) and Diamond Lane (County Road 409) open to Coot, Dark Geese, Dove, Duck, Light Geese, Partridge, Pheasant, Quail, and Snipe during authorized state waterfowl and pheasant seasons. Boats are not permitted. Temporary decoys may be erected but must be removed on a daily basis. Mule deer hunting will be permitted under a special drawing.
Season/Limits: Oregon State season and limits.
MULE DEER HUNT
Applicants are required to hold a ST-01 Deer Hunt Area Any Legal Weapon Buck Deer Tag (Hunt ST1010), as issued by the State of Oregon. The Refuge will allow one ST101 tag holder to use their tag on the Buena Vista unit. The hunter will be selected through a special drawing conducted by the Refuge. The individual drawn will be granted a special use permit, allowing them to use their ST101 tag according to the Refuge's hunting terms and conditions. Harvesting a buck with visible antlers on the Refuge completes the ST101 tag requirements. Only short-range weapons are allowed. Rifles are not permitted.
Application Process: Applicants holding a ST-01 Deer Hunt Area Any Legal Weapon Buck Deer Tag (Hunt ST101) will receive notification from ODFW regarding this opportunity in July via email. The Refuge will email the results of the special drawing by September 1, 2026. Only the successful applicant will be notified; those not chosen will not receive any communication.
Open Season: October 3 – 9, 2026
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 (midnight PDT)
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.