Let’s Hunt: Waterfowl in SW Washington
Welcome to Our Let’s Hunt & Fish Series!
We’re pretty excited to introduce Let’s Hunt & Fish, a new series exploring the best spots for outdoor adventures. From hunting grounds to fishing holes, we’ll break down specific locations, share tips and tricks, and cover local regulations to help you make the most of your time outside. Let’s gear up and get going!
Waterfowl hunting in Southwest Washington offers a rewarding experience for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. This corner of the state is a patchwork of lush wetlands, winding rivers, coastal marshes, and agricultural fields that make it a waterfowl paradise. Each habitat provides a different hunting experience, attracting a diverse range of species and giving you endless opportunities to hone your skills.
Early in the season, wetlands and river bends are prime spots for mallards, wigeons, pintails, and teal. As temperatures drop, diving ducks like canvasbacks, scaup, and buffleheads become more active in the open waters of the Columbia River and coastal marshes. Fields and estuaries fill with Canada geese, snow geese, and the occasional cackler. But it’s not just the birds that make the experience memorable—it’s the setting. Imagine the stillness of a foggy wetland at dawn, broken only by the whisper of wings overhead. Whether you’re in a blind on the Columbia River, scanning the skies at Ridgefield Refuge, or setting decoys in Willapa Bay, the ever-changing terrain keeps things exciting.
To make the most of waterfowl hunting in this region, it takes more than just showing up with a shotgun. Knowing the best spots, understanding migration patterns, and fine-tuning your setup—from blinds to decoy spreads—can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a new challenge or a newcomer ready for your first cold morning in the blind, Southwest Washington offers something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and get you ready for a great season.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Located near the town of Ridgefield, this expansive 5,200-acre refuge is a prime spot for waterfowl hunting. Approximately 15% of the refuge is designated for hunting, primarily in the Bachelor Island Unit and the River ‘S’ Unit. The remaining protected areas serve as vital resting and feeding grounds for waterfowl, ensuring constant movement of birds through the hunting zones. Ridgefield is known for its healthy populations of mallards, wigeons, pintails, teal, and various species of geese throughout the season.
Where to Hunt
Bachelor Island Unit: This area offers designated blinds and is particularly popular for duck hunting. The landscape consists of wetlands, open water, and low vegetation, making it a great spot for setting up decoys and calling. The water levels here can vary, so bringing waders is recommended.
River ‘S’ Unit: This unit provides additional hunting opportunities and is known for its combination of shallow wetlands and open channels. The birds travel frequently between this unit and the non-hunting areas, offering steady action throughout the day. The south end of this unit near the water channels is especially productive in mid to late season when birds seek sheltered areas.
Both units require hunters to check in and out at the designated hunter check stations, and blinds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Maps detailing the locations of blinds, trails, and boundaries are available on-site and on the refuge’s website.
Essential Tips
Arrive Early: Blinds are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan to arrive at least an hour before sunrise.
Decoy Setup: Use a mixed spread of mallards, pintails, and wigeons with a few motion decoys to add realism.
Concealment: Enhance your blind with natural vegetation or camo netting to avoid flaring birds.
Scout the Area: Drive the auto tour route after your hunt to identify where birds are feeding and resting.
Key Regulations
Permits: You’ll need a valid Washington hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a refuge hunting permit.
Check-In/Out: All hunters must check in and out at designated stations.
Non-Toxic Shot: Only non-toxic shot is allowed to protect the ecosystem.
Stay Informed: Review the latest regulations on the Ridgefield Refuge website before your trip.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Situated along the Pacific Coast, the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge spans over 17,000 acres of diverse habitats, including tidal marshes, freshwater wetlands, mudflats, and forested uplands. This area attracts a variety of waterfowl species throughout the season and is known for abundant populations of pintails, wigeons, teal, and Canada geese. The refuge’s mix of terrain offers hunters both challenges and opportunities, whether you’re setting up in a tidal marsh or exploring the freshwater wetlands.
Where to hunt
Leadbetter Point Unit: Located at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, this area offers access to tidal flats and coastal marshes. The shallow waters attract large numbers of pintails, wigeons, and teal, especially during mid to high tides. Access is typically by boat or walk-in routes, depending on conditions.
Bear River Unit: This unit includes expansive tidal marshes and freshwater wetlands along the Bear River. It’s a prime area for Canada geese and dabbling ducks like mallards and gadwalls. Be prepared for muddy conditions and changing water levels influenced by tides.
Riekkola Unit: This inland section offers more sheltered freshwater wetlands and ponds. It’s an excellent spot for early-season hunting when birds seek calm waters. You’ll often find teal, mallards, and wigeons here. The unit has walk-in access with limited boat use.
Tarlatt Slough: This area provides tidal channels and mudflats where birds congregate to feed. It’s a productive location for diving ducks and dabblers during mid to high tides. The slough can be accessed by small boat or kayak.
Essential Tips
Know the Tides: Success in tidal areas is all about timing. Plan your hunts around mid to high tide when waterfowl are actively feeding in the marshes and mudflats. Check local tide charts and adjust your setup accordingly.
Blend In: The open coastal environment requires excellent concealment. Use natural cover like driftwood, marsh grasses, and brush to build blinds. Portable layout blinds can also be effective in mudflats and shallow marshes.
Decoy Strategies: Set decoys in small groups to mimic natural feeding patterns. A mix of pintail, wigeon, and teal decoys works well in tidal areas. Add a few Canada goose decoys for visibility and variety.
Weather Matters: Coastal weather can change quickly. Overcast, rainy, or windy days are often the best for hunting, as birds fly lower and are less wary. Be sure to bring waterproof gear and dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Boat Access: Some of the best spots require a small boat, kayak, or canoe for access. Be mindful of tidal changes and always check conditions to ensure a safe trip.
Key Regulations
Licenses and Permits: You’ll need a Washington State hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a refuge-specific permit to hunt at Willapa.
Non-Toxic Shot: Only non-toxic shot is allowed. Lead shot is strictly prohibited to protect wildlife and wetlands.
Hunting Hours: Permitted half an hour before sunrise until sunset. Check the latest regulations for exact dates and times.
Stay Informed: Not all areas are open to hunting. Consult the official refuge map and follow marked boundaries and signs. Visit the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge website or contact the refuge office for up-to-date regulations, maps, and permits.
Columbia River
The Columbia River is one of Southwest Washington’s top spots for waterfowl hunting, with its vast waterways, diverse shorelines, and rich habitats. During migration, this stretch of river becomes a key stop along the Pacific Flyway, drawing in a variety of birds. You’ll find diving ducks like canvasbacks, scaup, and buffleheads, as well as plenty of Canada geese. The combination of open water, shallow flats, and scattered islands offers plenty of room to explore and a chance to sharpen your hunting skills with each trip.
Where to hunt
Sauvie Island: Located near the mouth of the Columbia River, Sauvie Island offers a combination of tidal wetlands, shallow water, and agricultural fields. It’s known for attracting large numbers of diving ducks and geese during migration. The island features public hunting areas with designated blinds and boat access. Be sure to secure the appropriate permits and check the latest hunting schedules.
Julia Butler Hansen Refuge: Near the town of Cathlamet, this area provides opportunities to hunt in tidal marshes and estuaries along the river. The mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats attracts dabbling ducks and Canada geese, especially during high tides. Access points for small boats and walk-in routes make this a versatile location.
Kalama to Longview Stretch: This stretch features numerous sandbars, islands, and shallow flats that attract diving ducks and geese. Boat access is essential here, as the best hunting spots are often away from heavily trafficked areas. This section is particularly productive during stormy or windy weather, which keeps birds flying low and looking for shelter.
Essential Tips
Target Shallow Waters: Focus on areas with aquatic vegetation and shallow flats where ducks feed, such as sloughs, sandbars, and island edges.
Boat Access: Use a small boat or layout boat to reach secluded spots. Pay attention to river currents, tides, and weather for safety.
Decoy Strategies: For diving ducks, use a long-line decoy spread in open water. For geese, place Canada goose floaters near shorelines or sandbars.
Concealment: The open river can make cover tricky. Use layout blinds or blend into the environment with driftwood and brush.
Timing: Birds are most active at dawn and dusk. Be set up before first light, and stay until evening for late flights.
Key Regulations
Licenses and Permits: You’ll need a Washington State hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a Columbia River Access permit for certain managed areas like Sauvie Island.
Hunting Zones: Be aware of restricted areas along the river, especially near wildlife refuges and navigation channels. Pay attention to posted boundaries and avoid no-hunt zones.
Non-Toxic Shot: Only non-toxic shot is allowed. Lead shot is prohibited to protect waterfowl and river habitats.
Stay Informed: For maps, tide charts, and the latest regulations, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website or contact local offices.
Catch y’all next time
Southwest Washington’s wetlands, rivers, and coastlines offer waterfowl hunting you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re crouched in a blind or slogging through a muddy marsh, every trip is a chance to learn, adapt, and maybe test how waterproof your boots really are. Sure, you might end up with some soggy socks, but with the right gear and a solid plan, you’ll come away with stories, skills, and maybe a full game strap.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our Let’s Hunt & Fish series, where we’ll cast our lines into the South Umpqua River and break down everything you need to know for a successful fishing trip.