OAR 635-008-0155: Summer Lake Wildlife Area (Lake County)

The Summer Lake Wildlife Area is open to wildlife-oriented public use compatible with the goals and objectives contained in the 2007 (updated 2021) Summer Lake Wildlife Area Management Plan unless otherwise excluded or restricted by the following rules: (1) Posted Refuges are closed to all entry during any waterfowl hunting season authorized at the Wildlife Area and during the seven days prior to opening day of the Zone 2 duck season, except to retrieve lawfully taken wildlife. Motor vehicle access along the Wildlife Viewing Loop, which goes through a posted refuge, is permitted except during any waterfowl season authorized at the wildlife area and during the seven days prior to opening day of the Zone 2 duck season. (2) Entering any portion of the Wildlife Area south of Thousand Springs Lane (Lake County Road 4-17), except the Foster Place unit and open roads and campgrounds, seven days prior to Zone 2 waterfowl season (see game bird regulations for specific dates) is prohibited. (3) Discharging firearms is prohibited except as authorized during game bird and game mammal hunting seasons, between September 1 and January 31 and during the Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl hunt. (4) Discharging firearms into and hunting in posted refuges, campgrounds and safety zones is prohibited. (5) Centerfire rifles and handguns are prohibited for game mammal hunting except on that portion of the wildlife area west of Hwy. 31. (6) No person shall hunt game mammals with a firearm east of Hwy. 31 during any pheasant, quail or waterfowl hunting seasons open on the wildlife area. (7) No person shall possess or use any shot other than federally-approved nontoxic shot at any time, except for big game hunters using buckshot or slugs. (8) No person shall leave decoys set out overnight (8 pm to 4 am). (9) All hunters must obtain a daily hunt permit (available at Headquarters 1.3 miles south of the town of Summer Lake) which must be possessed at all times by users. Daily permits for 2 consecutive days are allowed. Check-out at the end of the day or following 2 consecutive days is required. (10) Trapping is prohibited. (11) Motorized vehicle travel is only allowed on open roads, campgrounds or parking areas. (12) Bullgate and Windbreak dikes and the Work Road are closed to motor vehicles from March 15 to August 15, during any waterfowl season authorized at the Wildlife Area, during the three days prior to any youth waterfowl hunting days and during the seven days prior to opening day of the Zone 2 duck season. (13) Operating boats with gas-powered motors is prohibited. (14) Camping or leaving vehicles unattended is prohibited except on areas designated for that use, and shall not exceed a total of 14 days during any 30 day period, (15) ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Permit required.