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William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge will offer its fourth elk hunt in 2018. This year’s hunt program will provide a total of 20 elk permits, with hunting divided into four hunts that will run from Aug. 25 to Oct. 28. Archery-only hunts will begin on Aug. 25, and will be split into two, two-week hunts for five people each.
Short-range weapon hunts for those with a Willamette Unit tag will begin on Sept. 29, and will also be split into two, two-week hunts for five people each. This year’s hunt will take place in the same designated Refuge areas as last year, referred to and marked as Zones 1 and 2.
To hunt the Refuge, you must be awarded a special Refuge elk hunt permit in addition to a current state hunting license and valid state-issued elk tag. To obtain a Refuge elk hunt permit, fill out an application (located on our website) and make sure it is postmarked by July 13. Successful applicants will be notified by July 27 and provided additional information about Refuge regulations and hunting information.
For more information and details on how to apply, visit our website and refer to the following documents: 2018 Elk Hunt Information and 2018 Elk Hunt Application.
Self-service hunt kiosks will be located off Finley Refuge Road at the Display Pond parking area and the Turtle Flats restrooms, as well as off Bruce Road near the east end of McFadden Marsh bridge. Maps and regulations are posted at the hunt kiosks, as well as on the Refuge website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/William_L_Finley/.
Hunters are permitted on the Refuge one hour before and one hour after the legal hunting time. Only antlerless elk, with the appropriate state-issued tag, may be harvested. Overnight camping and after-hours parking is prohibited on the Refuge. All hunters must complete the two-part Big Game Harvest Report, available at the self-service hunt kiosks, before and after each hunt day. Hunters under 18 must have their hunter safety card on their person.
Persons possessing, transporting or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local laws. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with Refuge regulations.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and a trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
