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September 21, 2015
SALEM, Ore.—The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge will host a new waterfowl hunting program just for youth hunters this fall, marking the first time hunting has been allowed on the refuge.
The youth hunt dates are Oct. 31, Nov. 15, Nov. 28, Dec. 13, Dec. 26 and Jan. 10 from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are four blinds available each day, including one ADA blind.
Applications are due by Oct. 15. Download the application at Refuge’s Riverboat Youth Hunt webpage and apply by email or fax or hand-deliver it to the refuge.
Hunters age 17 and under who have passed hunter education and have all necessary licenses (valid hunting license, waterfowl validation, HIP validation and federal waterfowl stamp) are eligible. Youth may hunt ducks, geese and coots. Each youth must be accompanied by a supervising adult 21 years of age or older who may not hunt.
Up to four people may be in each blind (two youth hunters and their supervisors, or one youth hunter, a supervisor and two other guests). Anyone planning to be in the blind must attend a mandatory orientation at the refuge prior to their hunt date. Orientation dates are Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Tualatin River Refuge Wildlife Center in Sherwood.
These youth hunts will mark the first time hunting has occurred on the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Groups including the Oregon Duck Hunters Association, Oregon Waterfowl Festival Association, Oregon Hunters Association, Cabela’s and Ducks Unlimited all contributed time and funds to help bring the hunts to the refuge.
“The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is excited to offer this new and unique opportunity for youth hunters,” said Mark Newell, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge visitor services manager. “We thank the many organizations that helped make it happen.”
Oregon has many other waterfowl hunting opportunities exclusively for youth, see the list below and page 26 of the 2015-16 Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information.
- Statewide youth waterfowl hunting season, Sept. 26-27, for hunters age 15 and under.
- Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Nov. 28 and Dec. 31. Apply by Oct. 24.
- Klamath Wildlife Area, Oct. 25. No reservation needed.
- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Oct. 25, Nov. 14, Dec. 5, Dec. 26 and Jan. 17. See page 42-43 for application deadlines.
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