SALEM - Waterfowl hunters
will have open access to 2,400 acres of private lands near Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge through Dec. 31, 2014, along with improved
access to about five thousand acres of refuge lands.
In return for public access, landowner
Donald Opie has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Oregon Department
of Fish and Wildlife's Access and Habitat Program.
Because much of this area is in private
lands where hunting is not allowed or in fee hunting operations, this
agreement provides significant new public hunting opportunities for
ducks and geese. In addition, the property also offers hunting for
pheasants, mule deer and pronghorn.
The Access and Habitat Program is funded
by a $2 surcharge on hunting licenses. Funds raised by the program are
distributed through grants to individual and corporate landowners,
conservation organizations and others for cooperative wildlife habitat
improvement and hunter access projects throughout the state.
For information on the A&H Program call
program coordinator Nick Myatt, 503-947-6087 or visit the Web site at
www.dfw.state.or.us/AH/.