OAR 635-008-0123: Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area (Sherman/Wasco Counties)

The Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area is open to wildlife-oriented public use compatible with the goals and objectives contained in the 2009 (updated 2021) Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area Management Plan unless otherwise excluded or restricted by the Deschutes River Scenic Waterway Rules and the following additional rules: (1) Open to the discharge of firearms only while hunting big game and game birds during authorized seasons or by permit; except that discharge of firearms is prohibited within the scenic waterway boundary from the third Saturday in May through August 31. (2) Unauthorized motor vehicle use is prohibited. (3) Horses and horseback riding are prohibited except by access permit issued by OPRD. (4) Open fires are prohibited except as specified under the Scenic Waterway rules. (5) Camping is prohibited on river islands, areas posted "camping prohibited" within the Deschutes River Scenic Waterway, and on state lands outside the Deschutes River Scenic Waterway in the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area (Deschutes Scenic Waterway is an area extending 1/4-mile away from each bank of the river). Exception: Camping is allowed on the Woosley Tract from three days prior to the opening of controlled buck deer season through February 28, and shall not exceed a total of 14 days during any 30-day period. (6) Public access to the Woosley Tract is only allowed from the Deschutes River through adjacent Bureau of Land Management lands. (7) Domestic sheep and goats are prohibited.