River Hunting with a Boat

[sticknstringman]

I was trying to find out info on where you can hunt on the yakima and columbia river. Anybody got some insight on how to go about finding places you can and cannot hunt from. I am new to hunting from a boat (not to duck hunting) and didn't know if i could only hunt the banks of hunting areas or if i had to get permission from a land owner to hunt the bank or what. any info who be a great help. thanks

[hdshot]

If you are in an area were you can discharge a firearm you should be ok, not in city limits, refuge, or other reasons like close to a dam, Indian res.  I'm going to try to boat hunt this year but going to take it easy and see if areas with hard walking access can produce more.  Land owners don't own the water and bank below the high water mark on public water as a rule but don't wonder and have your dog running on their land.  Not 100% sure just insight for you to look into on landowners along the banks of public water.  Have heard rumors that landowners have stopped hunting along their banks on public water.   

Every area is different and my advice would to do your homework even when most water is public.  I have read some regs on the refuges and some allow it and some don't.  I know of an area a hunter can't even use a boat to access blinds or even be on the water before entrance time on certain refuges that allow hunting. 

Boat hunting allows more freedom and range but there are still laws that pertain to boats.  Hard to find other areas outside of refuges with black and white instructions for boat hunting.     

 

[quackattack90]

In regards to the columbia, I hunt it a lot down by woodland and longview.  What hdshot is also what I have been told.  I asked one of the game officers in my area and he said anywhere along the bank is fine as long as you are below the mean high water mark.  However use common sense when pick your spot.  I haven't ran into any landowners that have probelms with it but I have ran into guys that lease the land along the river so whatch out for that.  Check out the regs about hunting the columbia east of skamania county, I believe there is more restrictions for hunting the columbia up that way.