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McNary sets new rules for waterfowlers
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has handed down its decision on hunting changes for the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank.
Not everyone is going to be pleased with the results - particularly duck hunters - that will affect the Burbank Slough (McNary), Two Rivers, Peninsula and Wallula units for the 2001-02 hunting season.
After a public meeting Feb. 15 - when about 100 people discussed hunting issues - refuge, state and other federal officials came up with several changes.
Gary Hagedorn, manager of the Mid-Columbia River Refuges Complex in Pasco, said several factors had to be considered before any changes could be made, including possible effects on primary refuge goals.
On McNary, those goals include managing for endangered species, migratory bird migration and wintering habitat, as well as providing opportunities for quality wildlife recreation, environmental education and interpretation.
Undoubtedly, refuge officials had a difficult time selecting a course of direction, based on the nearly 300 written and verbal comments offered by outdoorsmen. Clearly, though, additional and improved hunting opportunities were overwhelming supported by the majority of hunters in attendance.
One of the issues that generated the most debate was the number of days the Peninsula Unit should be open to waterfowl hunting.
Last season, the unit was open Fridays through Mondays. Many sportsmen wanted it open daily to provide more opportunity to hunt and to reduce overcrowding at other units.
Refuge officials decided to add one day - Wednesday - to the hunt schedule and changed the days open to all waterfowling to Thursdays through Sundays.
However, the additional hunt day is limited only to field and pit hunting - primarily for geese.
The entire Peninsula will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the waterfowl season to allow two days of rest and sanctuary for migrating birds.
Refuge officials also hope that will improve Wednesday goose hunting.
Dave Linehan, assistant refuge manager, said that in the past few years, goose hunters have seen their refuge opportunities squeezed.
"Our goal is to bring back the kind of goose hunting the Peninsula was known for years ago," he said.
The Peninsula goose pits will be improved and identified on updated hunting pamphlets, and crops - including barley and triticale - have been planted to attract waterfowl, Linehan said.
"We wanted goose hunters to have at least one day for some quality hunting. Having the Peninsula closed for two days should not only provide better goose hunting on Wednesday, but the duck hunting should be quite good on Thursdays, as well," he added.
Another refuge area under scrutiny was the Casey Pond area along Highway 12, south of Burbank. Refuge officials decided to add a 100-yard safety zone west of Highway 12.
Moreover, because of a planned highway widening project in the area, the present boat launch to Casey Pond likely will be removed. But refuge officials say they intend to improve boat launches, roads, parking areas and blinds at the other units.
A new refuge pamphlet, identifying all the hunting changes, should be available by September, Linehan said.
The following are the other major changes refuge officials plan to implement this year:
* The Wallula Delta, west of Highway 12, will be closed to all hunting in September.
* Camping and campfire prohibitions will be enforced.
* The existing closed area around the sanctuary pond at Wallula will be expanded to Highway 12 and to the railroad. That comes in response to past shooting complaints and to simplify boundary posting.
* The lottery system will be retained at McNary, but afternoon check station hours will be expanded and the method of standby drawing will be modified to draw by party rather than by individual.
* At McNary, blinds will be evaluated for safety and hunter success. Some blinds will be improved and/or moved.
* At the Peninsula and McNary field hunt blinds, posts will be added to allow hunters to set up away from pit blinds and farther in the fields for hunters who prefer to lie on the ground.
* A shotshell recycle bin will be added at the McNary Burbank Slough Unit check station.
For more information, call 545-8588.
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