50 C.F.R. § 32.66

Current through October 31, 2024
Section 32.66 - Washington

The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.

(a)Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunters to possess and carry no more than 25 shells while hunting in the field.
(ii) Hunters may access the hunt areas by boat only.
(2)-(3) [Reserved]
(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing and shellfishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit bank fishing within the refuge along the Nisqually River and McAllister Creek.
(ii) We prohibit shellfishing (clams, oysters, mussels) on the tideflats.
(iii) We prohibit tidal flat and marsh access from refuge trails.
(b)Columbia National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of nonliving natural materials. Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays on Marsh Unit 1 and Farm Units 226 and 227.
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) We allow hunting from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays in Marsh Unit 1.
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) We allow hunting with shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery only.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) On waters open to fishing, we allow fishing only from the start of the State season to September 30, except that we allow fishing year-round on Falcon, Heron, Goldeneye, Corral, Blythe, Chukar, and Scaup Lakes.
(ii) We allow frogging during periods when we allow fishing on designated waters.
(c)Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(2) [Reserved]
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: The condition set forth at paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(4) [Reserved]
(d)Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
(1)-(3) [Reserved]
(4)Sport fishing. We allow saltwater fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(e)Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the monument/refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, quail, grey partridge, and chukar partridge on designated areas of the monument/refuge subject to the following conditions: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer and elk on designated areas of the monument/refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow sport hunting of deer and elk on the Saddle Mountain, Ringold, and Wahluke (East) units of the monument/refuge subject to the following conditions:
(A) The condition set forth at paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(B) We allow hunting with shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery only.
(ii) We allow population control hunting of elk on the Rattlesnake Unit of the monument/refuge subject to the following conditions:
(A) We prohibit overnight camping, overnight parking, and smoking.
(B) We require elk population control hunters to participate in a Service-directed, hunt-specific training session each year prior to hunting. Hunters must check-in and out at a refuge check station and fill out and display the Self-Clearing check-In Permit (Form 3-2405) on the dashboards of their vehicles.
(C) We allow hunting with modern firearms only.
(D) We allow authorized vehicles only on designated roads and only in designated parking areas.
(E) We prohibit the use of bicycles and carts.
(F) We allow hunting Monday through Friday only.
(G) All hunt assistants must check-in and out at a refuge check station and be under the supervision of the permitted hunter at all times. All hunt assistants must fill out and display the Self-Clearing check-In Permit (Form 3-2405) on the dashboards of their vehicles.
(H) We allow foot access only beyond designated roads and parking areas.
(I) We prohibit retrieval of animals outside the hunt area without prior Service approval.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on the designated areas of the monument/refuge subject to the following condition: We allow access from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except that we allow access to the Wahluke Unit's White Bluffs boat launch from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset for launch and recovery activities only.
(f)Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must remove all personal property, including decoys and boats, by 1 hour after legal sunset (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(ii) We open the refuge for hunting access from 11/2 hours before legal sunrise until 11/2 hours after legal sunset.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2) [Reserved]
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunting on Mondays through Fridays only. We close the refuge to hunting on weekends and Federal holidays.
(ii) We allow a maximum of 10 hunters to use the refuge in any one day, with one hunt period consisting of 5 consecutive days.
(iii) We allow hunting of elk using muzzleloading firearms only.
(iv) We require hunters to attend a refuge-specific orientation session each year prior to hunting on the refuge.
(v) We require hunters to sign in and out each day at the refuge headquarters. When signing out for the day, you must report hunting success or failure, and any hit-but-not-retrieved animals on the Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542).
(vi) Additional persons may assist hunters during elk retrieval only. No more than one unlicensed person may assist each licensed hunter during the hunt or during elk retrieval.
(vii) We prohibit hunters from operating motorized vehicles on the refuge.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow bank fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(g)Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunting September through December.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game and small game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunting September through December, and during the spring wild turkey season.
(ii) During the spring turkey season, we prohibit hunting of all species except wild turkey.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting, with the exception of raccoon.
(3)Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: The condition set forth at paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(h)McNary National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) On the McNary Fee Hunt Area (McNary Headquarters Unit), we allow hunting subject to the following conditions:
(A) The McNary Fee Hunt Area (McNary Headquarters Unit) is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year's Day.
(B) We require hunters to possess and carry a special refuge permit (signed refuge brochure).
(C) We allow hunting only from assigned areas.
(iv) On the Peninsula Unit, we allow hunting subject to the following condition: On the east shoreline of the Peninsula Unit, we allow hunting only from established numbered blind sites, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and we require hunters to remain within 100 feet (30 meters) of marked posts unless retrieving birds or setting decoys.
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) On the McNary Fee Hunt Area (McNary Headquarters Unit), we allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year's Day from 12 p.m. (noon) to the end of State legal hunting hours.
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) On the Stateline and Juniper Canyon Units, we allow hunting with modern firearms, shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery.
(iii) On the Peninsula, Two-Rivers, and Wallula Units, we allow hunting with archery and shotgun only.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(i)Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You may not shoot or discharge any firearm from, across, or along any designated route of travel, including pedestrian trails.
(ii) We close the refuge to goose hunting when the dusky Canada goose harvest reaches the quota posted at the refuge.
(iii) We allow hunting on designated portions of the River "S" Unit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, excluding Federal holidays, during the regular State waterfowl hunting season.
(iv) Prior to entering the hunt area, you must check in at the refuge check station, and obtain a Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). You must carry the Harvest Report while hunting as proof of blind assignment and user fee payment.
(v) We allow access to the refuge check station 2 hours before legal shooting time. We require hunters to depart the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal shooting time.
(vi) We allow hunting only from designated permanent blinds.
(vii) We allow a maximum of three persons per hunting blind.
(viii) We prohibit additional hunters to join a hunt party after the party has checked in.
(ix) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(x) Prior to switching blinds, you must first report to the refuge check station to obtain a new blind assignment. You must submit an accurate Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542) for the blind being vacated, and obtain a new Harvest Report for the new blind.
(xi) Prior to leaving the hunt area, you must check out at the refuge check station, submit an accurate Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542), and present all harvested birds for inspection by check station personnel.
(xii) We reserve Blind 1A for exclusive use by hunters with permanent disabilities who qualify for a valid State Disabled Hunter Permit or America the Beautiful access pass, and their nonhunting assistants.
(2)-(3) [Reserved]
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing and frogging on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow fishing and frogging from March 1 through September 30 only.
(ii) We allow fishing and frogging from legal sunrise to legal sunset only.
(j)San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
(1)-(3) [Reserved]
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(k)Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters (m)) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) We allow only portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of nonliving natural materials. Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) On the Pumphouse, Petty, Isiri, Chamber, and Chloe Units, we allow hunting 7 days a week subject to the following condition: We require a minimum distance between hunt parties of 200 yards (180 m).
(iv) On the Halvorson and Webb Units, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
(v) On the Robbins Road Unit, we allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
(vi) On the Robbins Road and Pumphouse Units, we allow hunting only from numbered field blind sites. We prohibit free-roam hunting or jump shooting, and you must remain within 100 feet (30 m) of the numbered field blind post unless retrieving birds or setting decoys. We allow a maximum of four persons per blind site.
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (k)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) We allow hunting of upland game birds from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset of each hunt day.
(iii) On the Halvorson and Webb Units, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
(iv) On the Robbins Road Unit, we allow hunting only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
(l)Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunting during the State youth season in September.
(ii) We allow hunting from the beginning of the regular waterfowl seasons through November 30 by youths (younger than age 16) on Saturday and Sunday only. An adult, age 18 or older, must accompany and supervise youth hunters. We allow the supervising adult(s) to hunt.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(iv) Hunters may access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before legal hunting hours and must leave no later than 1 hour after legal hunting hours.
(v) Hunters may hunt only from within 50 yards of posted hunting sites.
(vi) Hunting parties are restricted to a maximum of two youths and two accompanying adults per hunting site.
(vii) We allow the use of nonmotorized boats for hunting.
(viii) We only allow the use of portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of manmade materials.
(ix) Hunters must remove all blinds, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(x) We allow migratory game bird hunting with shotguns only.
(2) [Reserved]
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of elk and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Elk hunters must obtain a letter from the refuge manager assigning them a hunt unit.
(ii) Elk hunters may access the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before State legal shooting time and must leave no later than 5 hours after the end of State legal hunting hours.
(iii) Elk hunters not using approved nontoxic ammunition (see § 32.2(k) ) must remove or bury the visceral remains of harvested animals.
(iv) We allow turkey hunting during the fall season only.
(v) We prohibit the possession or use of toxic shot by hunters using shotguns (see § 32.2(k) ) when hunting turkey.
(vi) For turkey hunting, the condition set forth at paragraph (l)(1)(iv) of this section applies.
(4) [Reserved]
(m)Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, dove, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit discharge of any firearm within 1/4 mile (396 meters) of any maintained building or Federal facility, such as, but not limited to, a structure designed for storage, human occupancy, or shelter for animals.
(ii) Hunters must remove all decoys and other equipment at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) On the Paterson and Whitcomb Units, we allow hunting only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and all Federal holidays within the State season.
(iv) On the Ridge Unit, we allow only shoreline hunting; we prohibit hunting from boats.
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply.
(ii) On the Whitcomb Island Unit, we only allow hunting of upland game from 12 p.m. (noon) to the end of State legal hunting hours.
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The condition set forth at paragraph (m)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(ii) We allow hunting by special permit only (issued by the State).
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.
(n)Willapa National Wildlife Refuge -
(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) In the designated goose hunt area in the Riekkola Unit, hunters may take ducks, coots, and snipe only incidental to hunting geese.
(ii) We open the refuge for hunting access from 11/2 hours before legal sunrise until 11/2 hours after legal sunset.
(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting.
(iv) You must remove all personal property, including decoys and boats, by 1 hour after legal sunset (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of forest grouse (sooty and ruffed) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow archery hunting only.
(ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (n)(1)(ii) of this section applies.
(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, and bear on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) At Long Island, we allow only archery hunting; we prohibit hunting firearms.
(ii) We prohibit bear hunting on any portion of the refuge except Long Island.
(iii) We prohibit the use of centerfire or rimfire rifles within the Lewis, Porter Point, and Riekkola Units.
(iv) The condition set forth at paragraph (n)(1)(ii) of this section applies.
(v) You may leave your tree stand(s) in place for 3 days. You must label your tree stand(s) with your hunting license number and the date you set up the stand. You may set up stands 11/2 hours before legal sunrise. You must remove your tree stand(s) and all other personal property from the refuge by 11/2 hours after legal sunset on the third day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(vi) At Leadbetter Point, we allow hunting of elk only during the State early muzzleloader season, and by special permit in consultation with the State.
(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.

50 C.F.R. §32.66

84 FR 47675 , Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54142 , Aug. 31, 2020; 86 FR 48882 , Aug. 31, 2021; 87 FR 57134 , Sept. 16, 2022; 88 FR 74066 , Oct. 30, 2023
81 FR 68920, 10/4/2016; 82 FR 51960, 11/8/2017; 83 FR 45807, 9/10/2018; 84 FR 47675, 9/10/2019; as amended at 85 FR 54142, 8/31/2020; 86 FR 48882, 8/31/2021; 87 FR 57134, 9/16/2022; 88 FR 74066, 10/27/2023