Columbia

Columbia NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/columbia/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_National_Wildlife_Refuge Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a scenic mixture of rugged cliffs, canyons, lakes, and sagebrush grasslands. Formed by fire, ice, floods, and volcanic tempest, carved by periods of extreme violence of natural forces, the refuge lies in the middle of the Drumheller Channeled Scablands of central Washington. The area reveals a rich geologic history highlighted by periods of dramatic activity, each playing a major role in shaping the land. The northern half of the refuge, south of Potholes Reservoir, is a rugged jumble of cliffs, canyons, lakes, and remnants of lava flows.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Columbia National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations Hunting is permitted in accordance with state regulations (see wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/ regulations/) and special refuge regulations. Open to Hunting – Goose, duck, coot, snipe, all upland game birds, and deer; see map for speciesspecific areas. Closed to Hunting – All other species of wildlife not listed are protected. Examples include elk, bear, doves, snakes, raven, crow, coyote, turkey, and rabbits. Deer Hunting – Marsh Unit 1 and Farm Units 226227 are closed to all big game hunting. See the map for other open/closed areas. Days – Except for Marsh Unit 1 and Farm Units 226227 (see next column), all areas that are open to public access are free-roam hunting areas and are open 7 days a week. Hours – The refuge is open from 1-1/2 hours before legal hunting time to 1-1/2 hours after legal hunting time. General Public Entry – For non-hunters, the refuge is open to the public 7 days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Firearms & Ammunition – Only archery, shotguns, and muzzleloaders are permitted. Centerfire rifles are prohibited. Only federally approved non-toxic shot may be used or possessed for shotguns; this includes buckshot. For deer, the use of lead slugs for shotguns and lead projectiles for muzzleloaders is allowed. Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with FWS regulations (50 CFR 27.42) and refuge-specific regulations (50 CFR Part 32). Boats – Boats and other floating devices may be used on lakes open to hunting. Vehicle Travel – All vehicles, including bicycles, are restricted to designated motorized routes of travel and parking areas. Dogs – Dogs must be kept on leashes, except during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons. Blinds – Only portable or temporary blinds constructed of non-living natural materials are permitted. Details on Specific Hunt Areas Marsh Unit 1 – Hunting for waterfowl and upland game birds is allowed Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. Upland game bird hunting is not allowed before 12:00 noon. Farm Unit 226-227 – Only waterfowl hunting is permitted; upland game bird and big game hunting is not allowed. The unit is open to hunting Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. All hunters are required to access the hunting area from the designated parking area (see map). Hunting sites are first-come, first-served. Hunters must park in the numbered parking space matching the number of the field post (1-3) they are using. Hunters wishing to change locations must move their vehicle to the corresponding parking space before continuing to hunt. Unattended vehicles (e.g., to reserve a spot) are not allowed unless the hunter is in the field hunting. Hunters must remain within 100 feet of the numbered field post (1-3) unless retrieving birds or setting decoys. A maximum of 4 persons are allowed at each field post. Selected Prohibited Activities • The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting • Baiting of any wildlife • Fires • Overnight camping • Overnight parking • Littering (including empty shotgun hulls) • Commercial guiding for hunting • Abandoning, discarding, or otherwise leaving personal property unattended • Target shooting • Discharging any firearm within 1/4 mile of any maintained building • Trapping or netting • Falconry Contact Information Columbia National Wildlife Refuge 51 South Morgan Lake Road Post Office Box F Othello, WA 99344 509/488-2668 www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/ Revised: August 2020 0 0 Closed to hunting Kilometers 2 Road 14.7 Refuge boundary 2 Closed to all access Road 13 Miles Only waterfowl hunting Road 14.8 Roa d E Lower Crab C re ek Road 15.1 Only waterfowl and upland hunting Open to hunting all allowed species Road Boat launch Parking Refuge headquarters 262 Byers Rd (See website and refuge brochure for all other public access) Royal L. Grant Rd Herman Rd Phillips Rd 26 McManamon Rd Kulm Rd Hutchinson L. Shiner L. Upper Goose L. Chukar L. Goldeneye L. Heron Ls. Blyt he L. Low er Goose L. Shoofly L. Black L. Corral L. Falcon Ls. Farm Unit 226 - 227 Wed, Sat, Sun, and Federal holidays Pot ho l es Reservo i r Road H Hunt Area Map Road B Road B Coyot e L. Low er Ham pt on L. Juvenile L. Morgan L. Halfm oon L. Elbow L. Upper Hampt on L. Soda L. Warden L. ke Pit L. ol es 17 Revised: 6/7/2017 Othello Campbell L. Crescent L. 24 Canal L. Quail L. Herm an L. South Teal L. North Teal L. Long L. Sout h Warden L. Marsh Unit 1 Wed, Sat, Sun, and Federal holidays Rd s Se ep La Columbia NWR Road C a ke R d Road D nL May Rd M or g a P l ot h a s Ca n C anal P o t h o le