Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-Tailed Deer
Wahkiakum County, WA · 15 mi E
✓5 open!1 special✕5 closed
🦆🕊️🎣
3.9K huntable acres
Lewis and Clark NWR hunt unit map
Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.
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OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private)
Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Hunting at Lewis and Clark NWR
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Big Game - Waterfowl
-
Wild Turkey -
Upland Birds - Migratory Birds
-
Small Game -
Feral & Exotic - Fishing
Hunting opportunities include waterfowl and migratory birds, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — freshwater fishing and tidal / saltwater fishing.
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is a group of small islands near the mouth of the Columbia River before it meets the Pacific Ocean.
WaterfowlDucks, geese, brant, swans (where legal) and cootsMigratory BirdsMourning dove, woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules and sandhill crane
Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Oregon regulations plus refuge-specific rules.
Hunt units (24)
- Open11,988 ac 92%
- Closed1,098 ac 8%
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 205 | — | |
| East Grassy Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 175 | — | |
| Fitzpatrick Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 48 | — | |
| Goose Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 49 | — | |
| Green Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 370 | — | |
| Horseshoe Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 716 | — | |
| Karlson Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 1,115 | — | |
| Lois Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 2,181 | — | |
| Marsh Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 1,047 | — | |
| McGregor Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 554 | — | |
| Miller Sands West Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 519 | — | |
| Minaker Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 252 | — | |
| Quinns Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 849 | — | |
| Russian Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 1,350 | — | |
| Seal Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 305 | — | |
| Snag Islands Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 435 | — | |
| Tronson Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 212 | — | |
| Welch Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 1,050 | — | |
| West Grassy Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 272 | — | |
| Woody Island Show on map · Directions |
✓Open | 283 | — | |
| Emerald Heights Show on map · Directions |
✕Closed | 70 | — | |
| Karlson Dike Show on map · Directions |
✕Closed | 314 | — | |
| Miller Sands Show on map · Directions |
✕Closed | 638 | — | |
| Tongue Point Show on map · Directions |
✕Closed | 77 | — |
Lewis and Clark NWR by the numbers
With about 11,988 huntable acres, Lewis and Clark NWR ranks #5 of 16 refuges and stations with mapped hunting land in Oregon and #167 of 420 nationwide. Roughly 92% of the acreage inside its mapped hunt units is open to hunting in some form.
The largest huntable unit is Lois Island (2,181 acres), while the smallest, Fitzpatrick Island, covers 48 acres.
4 units totaling 1,098 acres are closed to hunting (Emerald Heights, Karlson Dike, Miller Sands, and Tongue Point). Closed areas often serve as sanctuaries — learn their boundaries before you set up nearby.
When to hunt Lewis and Clark NWR
Typical U.S. season windows for the game categories offered here. Oregon sets the exact dates, and refuges often open fewer days than the statewide season — use this to plan scouting, then confirm the 2026–2027 dates in the state regulations and the refuge hunt brochure.
AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
🦆 Waterfowl
🕊️ Migratory Birds
Permits & licenses
Refuge permit
Not listed
USFWS does not list a separate refuge permit for this station. Specific units or hunts (e.g. quota deer hunts) may still require one — check the hunt brochure.
You'll also need
- A valid Oregon hunting license and any required tags or stamps — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl hunters 16+) and HIP certification for migratory birds
- Non-toxic shot for waterfowl (federal requirement)
- Hunter education certification where your state requires it
- The current refuge hunt brochure / regulations (often must be signed and carried)
Fishing at Lewis and Clark NWR
- 🐟 Freshwater fishing
- 🌊 Tidal / saltwater fishing
Refuge is accessible by boat only. Refuge waters include the Columbia River. Fishing season is generally open for at least one species year-round. Species include Chinook and coho salmon and sturgeon.
State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.
How to get to Lewis and Clark NWR
Navigate
Destination: Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge (FWS reference point)
- Decimal
46.18454, -123.71177- DMS
46°11′04.3″N 123°42′42.4″W
Nearest towns
- Astoria, OR5.7 mi E of town
- Ilwaco, WA18 mi SE of town
- Tillamook, OR50 mi N of town
- Aberdeen, WA55 mi S of town
Closest airports
- PDX Portland Intl67 mi
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma110 mi
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.
Sunrise, sunset & shooting hours
Today at Lewis and Clark NWR
Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Los Angeles local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 6:34 AM | 7:56 PM | 13h 22m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:21 AM | 6:51 AM | 7:28 PM | 12h 38m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 6:57 PM | 11h 46m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:00 AM | 7:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 11h 01m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:24 AM | 6:54 AM | 5:02 PM | 10h 08m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:44 AM | 7:14 AM | 4:44 PM | 9h 29m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:06 AM | 7:36 AM | 4:31 PM | 8h 55m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:20 AM | 7:50 AM | 4:29 PM | 8h 39m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:27 AM | 7:57 AM | 4:38 PM | 8h 41m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:23 AM | 7:53 AM | 4:53 PM | 8h 60m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:08 AM | 7:38 AM | 5:17 PM | 9h 39m |
Computed for 46.185, -123.712 (PDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
7-day hunting weather
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Guides for hunting Lewis and Clark NWR
Public-Land Duck Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges: Tactics That Work
How to find ducks, beat the crowds and set up on refuge marshes and WPAs — scouting, timing, small decoy spreads for…
Federal Duck Stamp Explained: Who Needs One, Where to Buy It and Where the Money Goes
Everything waterfowl hunters need to know about the Federal Duck Stamp — who must carry it, signing rules, the…
Nontoxic Shot Guide for Refuge and WPA Hunters
Why lead shot is banned for waterfowl, which nontoxic loads are approved, how steel, bismuth and tungsten compare, and…
Dove Hunting on Wildlife Refuges: Managed Fields, Openers and Rules
How dove hunting works on National Wildlife Refuges — managed fields and draw days, HIP and plugged-gun rules…
HIP Certification Explained: The Harvest Information Program for Migratory Bird Hunters
What HIP is, who needs it, how to get certified in each state you hunt, and why your answers help set duck, goose and…
Fishing National Wildlife Refuges: Licenses, Seasons, Boats and Where to Go
What to know before fishing a National Wildlife Refuge or fish hatchery — state licenses, seasonal closures that…
Lewis and Clark NWR FAQ
Is hunting allowed at Lewis and Clark NWR?
Yes. Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting in 20 units (11,988 acres) during 2026–2027 for waterfowl and migratory birds. Seasons follow state regulations plus refuge-specific rules in 50 CFR Part 32.
Do I need a permit to hunt Lewis and Clark NWR?
FWS data does not list a separate refuge hunting permit for Lewis and Clark NWR. You still need a valid state license, any required state tags or stamps, and (for waterfowl hunters 16+) a Federal Duck Stamp.
Can you fish at Lewis and Clark NWR?
Yes. Fishing is permitted (freshwater fishing and tidal / saltwater fishing). State fishing licenses and regulations apply along with refuge rules.
Where is Lewis and Clark NWR located?
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is in Clatsop County, Oregon, about 6 miles E of Astoria, OR (straight-line). GPS: 46.18454, -123.71177.
What are legal shooting hours at Lewis and Clark NWR?
Migratory game bird shooting hours are generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset; big game and other seasons follow state rules. See the sunrise/sunset table on this page and confirm in the refuge hunt brochure.
Nearby refuges & public land
Willapa NWR
Pacific County, WA · 22 mi NW
✓5 open!4 special✕1 closed
🦌🦆🐦🕊️🎣
14.5K huntable acres
Abernathy FTC
Cowlitz County, WA · 27 mi E
✕1 closed
🎣
Cape Meares NWR
Tillamook County, OR · 50 mi S
✕1 closed
No hunting listed
Three Arch Rocks NWR
Tillamook County, OR · 51 mi S
✕1 closed
No hunting listed
Ridgefield NWR
Clark County, WA · 53 mi SE
!1 special✕5 closed
🦆🕊️🎣
920 huntable acres
Data: USFWS National Hunt Units 2026–2027, Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Realty Boundaries & Tracts. Page updated October 28, 2026.