Free: Contests & Raffles.
All good info, thank you. I was wondering whether folks are using diver dekes on lines, or just running out puddle duck spreads?
III. Statement of ObjectivesWaterfowl hunting objectives and strategies in the Nisqually NWR CCP were designed to provide a quality hunting experience that meets Refuge guidelines and policies. Refuge and WDFW lands open to waterfowl hunting will create more manageable and enforceable hunt boundaries that will reduce conflicts with other users, reduce confusion for hunters, provide sufficient wildlife sanctuary, create uncrowded conditions, and ensure a reasonable opportunity for harvest by hunters. Creating a minimum 200-yard buffer between trails and Refuge and WDFW hunt areas was also identified as an important strategy to reduce user conflicts where possible and promote public safety. A quality waterfowl hunting experience on the Refuge was defined as 1) hunters are safe; 2) hunters exhibit high standards of ethical behavior; 3) hunters are provided with uncrowded conditions; 4) hunters have reasonable harvest opportunities; 5) hunters are clear on which areas are open and closed to hunting; and 6) minimal conflicts occur between hunters and other visitors, such as kayakers, anglers, and trail users. The waterfowl hunt was designed to achieve these objectives, provide a quality waterfowl hunting opportunity, contribute to Refuge goals, provide sufficient wildlife sanctuary, and resolve the unauthorized hunting issues on the Refuge.
V. Description of Waterfowl Hunting ProgramA. Areas of the Refuge that support populations of the target speciesNisqually NWR provides important wintering and migration (stopover) habitat for a wide variety of ducks and geese. Waterfowl feed, rest, and breed on the Refuge. Waterfowl use estuarine and freshwater habitats, and move regularly among these habitats. Wigeon are the most abundant waterfowl species on the Refuge and their use is highest in estuarine habitats. Waterfowl use varies seasonally and with tidal conditions. Key habitats where waterfowl concentrate in the estuary are included in the Refuge hunt area. Important resting and feeding habitats on the Refuge will remain closed to hunting in order to provide undisturbed (sanctuary) areas for waterfowl and other birds.B. Areas to be opened to public huntingThe waterfowl hunt program on Nisqually NWR will open 191 acres of Refuge lands (Figure 1). Waterfowl hunting is open to the public on 617 acres of adjacent WDFW lands, made up of three separate tracts. The Refuge hunt area adjoins two of these State tracts. The new Refuge hunt area provides high quality habitat including lands used by a variety of waterfowl at the mouth of the Nisqually River. This opening will provide high quality waterfowl hunting opportunities, managed consistently with adjoining WDFW lands. By opening 191 acres of the Refuge to waterfowl hunting, the hunting area north of the Brown Farm Dike would be configured in a single rectangular block that can be posted and enforced, which will greatly reduce confusion regarding boundary issues.Because consumptive uses are not allowed in RNAs, the RNA will be reduced by 73 acres near the mouth of the Nisqually River and the RNA boundary moved to the east to provide a high quality hunting area at the mouth of the river. An additional 44 acres will be added to the RNA at the south end resulting in a net loss of 29 acres (764 acres) in the RNA. Areas designated as “No Hunting Areas” would be posted and enforced, which will eliminate unauthorized hunting that has occurred previously on the Refuge and provide improved wildlife sanctuary areas for waterfowl and other wildlife. The area within the Brown Farm Dike, including the area to be restored to estuary through dike removal, would remain closed to hunting.C. Species to be taken, hunting periodsGeese, ducks, and coots will be taken by waterfowl hunters, in accordance with State, Federal, and Refuge specific regulations. Bag limits and hunting seasons on the Refuge will coincide with adjacent WDFW areas open to waterfowl hunting.D. Justification for the permit, if one is requiredHunters must comply with State license requirements and no Refuge specific hunt permit would be required. The Federal duck stamp serves as a Refuge entrance fee so no additional Refuge specific fees will be required.
B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the HuntExtensive public participation occurred during the development of the Nisqually NWR CCP. Comments were solicited on waterfowl hunting through a variety of methods, including public meetings, presentations, newsletters, electronically, focus groups, and release of draft and final documents. More than 1700 public comments were received on the Draft CCP and EIS. The most comments received dealt with the issue of hunting on Refuge lands. A total of 1,484 people commented on their preference for or opposition to hunting on the Refuge. Of this total, 1,434 (96.6%) voiced opposition to hunting on the Refuge, 41 letters received supported allowing hunting, and 9 people expressed a preference for hunting with qualifications. Public input was thoroughly considered and extensive efforts were made to design the hunt program to meet Refuge goals and objectives, provide a high quality experience, minimize wildlife disturbance, provide improved wildlife sanctuary, reduce conflicts with other visitors, and reduce confusion for hunters. Implementation and management of the waterfowl hunt program will include outreach, education, and enforcement to maintain a high quality and minimize wildlife disturbance. Also, see Appendix M, Summary of Public Comment and the Service’s Responses, pages M-50 to M-60 in the Nisqually NWR Final CCP/EIS (USFWS 2004) for a very detailed summary of public comments received and Service responses.
C. Hunter Application and Registration Procedures (if applicable)Not applicable. This will be a free-roam hunt area which will require no applications or registrations to hunt.
