Damaged water pump temporarily affecting waterfowl hunt at refuge

BONNERS FERRY — Limited water availability, the result of a damaged water pump, will impact the fall youth, veteran, and general waterfowl hunts at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Several pools, including South, Teal, Widgeon, and Greenhead, are anticipated to be at 75% capacity by the opening of the youth- and veteran-only hunt beginning on Sept. 28.  

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officials said it is the agency’s intent that these pools will be at full capacity by the opening of the general waterfowl hunt on Oct. 5, but this is not guaranteed. Other pools, including Heron, Crane, Redhead, Bullseye, and Snipe will range from quarter-full capacity to mostly dry.  

The Kootenai River pump is currently under contract for replacement with an estimated completion date between May and June 2025. Waterfowl hunting at Kootenai is only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in accordance with State seasons. 

All waterfowl hunters are required to possesses or use: 

 • A valid Idaho hunting license or hunting passport  

• Migratory Bird (HIP) Permit  

• Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (Duck) Stamp for all hunters 16 years or older  

• Nontoxic shot The Refuge remains closed to hunting during the remaining days to provide sanctuary for waterfowl.  

Any hunters who hunt waterfowl at the Refuge are encouraged to fill out a digital hunt survey at https://forms.office.com/g/3rwSezFAx6. A scannable QR code is provided with this press release for reference. 

For questions about the Refuge or the hunt program, please contact Shannon Ehlers, Refuge Manager, at shannon_ehlers@fws.gov or (208) 267-3888. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific