Refuge Makes Changes

Hunting

Increased demand for hunting at the 3,600-acre McNary National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, Wash., has forced U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials to concentrate on managing people as well as wildlife.

“Never before have we received so many comments regarding overcrowding, racing to blinds, unsportsmanlike conduct, effects of shooting by hunters in the free-roam area on other hunting parties and use of bicycles to beat out hunters to blinds,” said Gary Hagedorn, manager of the Mid-Columbia River Refuge Complex.

About 600 to 1,000 hunters apply for goose pits each fall. Duck hunters might account for another 2,000 refuge visits each season.

Beginning this fall, the Fish and Wildlife Service will adopt an advanced registration system and hire a check station attendant to conduct a daily drawing for duck and goose blinds. All hunting at McNary, including the former free-roam area, will be done near pre-drawn blind sites.

Any reserved hunt date not claimed by the hunter will be awarded to standby hunters who also will participate in a drawing.

Many present blind sites may be relocated to ensure safety and to minimize disturbance to nearby hunters.

Hunters will be charged $3 for an application for the preseason computer drawing and a $5 daily blind fee for individual hunters or a $10 blind fee for groups. A $50 season refuge pass also will be available.