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Oregon

Game Bird Hunting

Game Bird Hunting

Oregon › Hunting › Game Bird Hunting › Access Area Programs

Access Area Programs

ODFW provides public hunting access to millions of acres of private land through the various access programs described below. These programs involve trust. ODFW trusts landowners to provide a reasonable amount of public access. Landowners trust hunters to remember they are guests on the land, follow the written restrictions, and abide by the spirit of respect and cooperation required to make this program successful. Remember, hunting on private lands is a privilege, not a right.

Access and Habitat Program (A&H)

Through the A&H Program, the Department provides hunting access to approximately 35 “Access Areas” on private land, many of which offer game bird hunting. Enrolled properties can be found at: myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program. The A&H Program also administers the Oregon Open Fields program, which expands upland hunting access in the Columbia Basin and provides public goose hunting opportunities in the Willamette Valley. Please visit myodfw.com/open-fields-program for more details or contact the A&H Program Coordinator at 503-947-6087.

Upland Cooperative Access Program (UCAP)

UCAP provides public upland game bird hunting opportunities in Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Morrow counties. Most landowners provide “Hunting by Permission” while others opt for “Welcome to Hunt” or Hunt By Reservation. Hunters must take the initiative to locate UCAP properties. The ODFW contacts listed on this page will provide general directions to UCAP properties. However, the hunter is responsible for contacting the landowner to schedule a hunt on “Hunting by Permission” properties. The extra effort ensures landowners that only responsible hunters are guests on their land.

For more information contact:

  • ODFW Heppner District Office: 541-676-5230
  • ODFW The Dalles District Office: 541-296-4628
  • ODFW Upland Game Bird Coordinator: 503-947-6323

Hunt By Reservation

This private-land access program provides hunters a chance to reserve specific hunting dates in advance through either an online lottery or a first-come, first-served booking calendar. Hunt dates and group size are limited to reduce crowding and emphasize safety in the field. While the program focuses on wild turkey hunting, hunting for other species is also available. Hunters receive property-specific rules, maps, and landowner contact information during the reservation process. For a list of properties and information about the lottery and first-come, first-served options, visit: myodfw.com/HBR

Access Program Regulations

It is unlawful to hunt or enter any posted area without written permission unless the area is posted as “Welcome to Hunt.” Hunters accessing A&H “Welcome to Hunt” properties are required to follow the area regulations printed on the map produced by ODFW for each Access Area. Specific regulations for each Access Area can be found through the Oregon Hunting Map at: oregonhuntingmap.com.

Heppner RHA

This Regulated Hunt Area (RHA) provides access for big game and upland bird hunting opportunities. Closed to all motor vehicle use year-round unless posted otherwise, open fires and camping prohibited in posted areas. Approximately 23 sq Mi in T3, 4 and 5S and R26, 27, and 28E.

Columbia Rvr RHA

No entry permit required and open seven days-a-week. Hunt area boundary: Beginning at the eastern city limits of Arlington; east on I-84 to Threemile Canyon (Mi post 151); north to the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way; east on the railroad right-of-way to the boundary of the Umatilla NWR Boardman Unit; north to the Oregon/Washington state line; west on the Oregon/Washington state line to a point due north of the eastern city limits of Arlington; due south to the point of beginning.

Area is open for game bird, rabbit, and Eurasian collared-doves only during authorized game bird seasons. It is unlawful to use or possess shot other than federally approved nontoxic shot for all game bird hunting. Camping is allowed only at Quesnel Park (Threemile Canyon, Mi post 151) within the posted safety zone; not to exceed 7 days in any consecutive 14-day period.

Port of Morrow RHA

Maps available at RHA entrance located by traveling north on Laurel Rd from exit 165 off I-84, 0.5 Mi east on Columbia Ave and 0.3 Mi southeast on Rippee Rd. No entry permit required and open 7 days per week Oct. 14 - Jan. 28. Area is open for hunting of game birds and Eurasian collared-doves only during authorized game bird seasons. It is unlawful to use or possess shot other than federally-approved nontoxic shot. A map can be found here odfw.com/port-of-morrow-map

The Columbia Rvr and Port of Morrow RHAs near Boardman in Morrow Co provide opportunities for public access and hunting for upland game birds and waterfowl. These areas are also subject to year-round rd closures. The following are prohibited:

  • Driving or being transported upon any area except for designated open rds.
  • Hunting, entering, or shooting across closed areas and safety zones.
  • Camping (use between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.), except at Quesnel Park.
  • Discharging rifles, handguns, or shotguns with slugs, except by specific ODFW authorization.
  • Placing waterfowl hunting sites closer than 200 yards apart.
  • Leaving decoys set out overnight (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.).
  • Digging pit blinds.

Because of landowner concerns for safety and maintenance of agricultural operations, some areas may be temporarily closed. Hunter numbers will be limited if crowding occurs.

UCAP

It is Unlawful to:

  • Use a motorized vehicle on fields, trails and posted roads.
  • Hunt any posted safety zone or enter any “NO PUBLIC ACCESS” area.
  • Build or use open fires without landowner permission.
  • Use rifles, handguns or shotguns with slugs on any hunt area unless specific authorization has been given by the landowner.
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