[ODFW-News] Fern Ridge Wildlife Area implements new "stand by" hunting opportunity

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009
	
For Immediate Release	Monday, November 17, 2003

Fern Ridge Wildlife Area implements new "stand by" hunting opportunity

SALEM - Fern Ridge Wildlife Area hunters will have a new opportunity this year to participate in the reservation waterfowl hunt program with the creation of a "stand-by" system for hunters with no reservation, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

Fourteen hunt access permits are issued for the East Coyote and West Coyote reservation hunts three days each week. If fewer than 14 permit holders and their guests arrive on the morning of the hunt, a random draw will be held at the hunter check station to award the remaining permits. 

The reservation hunts began Nov. 8 and continue through Jan. 24, 2004, each Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at the state-owned wildlife area just west of Eugene. Hunters normally must apply for permits to obtain access to the hunting area and choose a hunting blind. Successful hunt applicants must purchase the permit for $1.50 at a license agent before arriving at the wildlife area.  

A drawing for hunting blinds is held 1.5 hours before the legal shooting hours at the Nielson Road parking lot check station. Permit holders and guests are checked in before the random drawing is held for the remaining permits. Each permit holder may bring one guest and hunting dogs. There is no fee or additional permit requirements for hunters to participate as standby hunters. 

Hunt days Nov. 29 and Dec. 27 are designated as Youth Hunt Days. Participation will be limited to hunters 17 years of age and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult over the age of 21. 

All legal hunting license requirements apply at the wildlife area. Hunters are advised that waterfowl hunting requires use of federally-approved non-toxic shot.

For additional information or maps of the area, contact the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area Headquarters at (541) 935-2591.
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Editors Note:
Directions to Nielson Road parking lot: From Eugene, head west on Hwy 126 (West 11th Ave). Continue on Hwy 126 past traffic light at Greenhill Road for ¼ mile to junction with K.R. Nielson Road. Turn left (south) onto Nielson Road and follow 1.5 miles to ODFW parking area.