Hunting
We recognize that hunting is a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America鈥檚 heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management.
Black-tailed deer
Deer hunting is allowed at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge and the Snag Boat Bend Unit each year, per Refuge and State hunting regulations. Check here in May for the upcoming Fall and Winter deer hunt information, details and maps. Click here for the 2025 Deer Hunt information at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, south of Corvallis just off Hwy 99W. Visit here or 2024 Deer Hunting information at the Snag Boat Bend Unit near the town of Peoria in Linn County. 2025 Deer and Waterfowl Hunt information for Snag Boat Bend (unit of William L. Finley NWR) will be released soon.
Roosevelt elk
Elk hunting is only allowed at William L. Finely National Wildlife Refuge for two months each year (~Sept and Oct). Only antlerless elk may be harvested. In order to hunt on the Refuge, you must be awarded a special Refuge elk hunt permit in addition to a current Oregon hunting license and valid state-issued elk tag. Check our website each May for that year's elk hunt details. Applications for the limited Refuge-issued elk permits are usually due in early July.
Waterfowl
Snag Boat Bend Unit Waterfowl Hunt:
2025 Waterfowl Hunt information for Snag Boat Bend (unit of William L. Finley NWR) will be released soon.
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge Youth Waterfowl Hunt:
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge offers a limited youth waterfowl hunt as a part of the Oregon statewide youth hunt offered over one weekend each September. The program is open to youths age 17 and younger. For 2025, the 7th Annual Youth Waterfowl Hunt at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge will take place on Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th. Applications are due on September 1st. For details, map and application, click here
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge September Goose Hunt:
Beginning in 2023, Baskett Slough NWR will open 1059 acres of wetland and adjacent cropland to allow free roam hunting of Canada geese within the State September Canada goose season. Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge will offer its 3rd annual September Canada goose hunt in 2025, consistent with the State Northwest Permit Zone Season.
The September Canada goose hunt is in line with the State season (9 days, generally starting the second Saturday in September). This year, the hunt will occur from September 6 through September 20th. For full details, click here.
