At Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, we offer a limited youth waterfowl hunt as a part of the Oregon statewide youth hunt offered over one weekend each September. This year's youth waterfowl hunt will take place Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th.
In order to hunt the Refuge, you must be awarded a Refuge youth waterfowl hunt permit in addition to all current State and Federal hunting requirements for your age. To obtain a Refuge youth waterfowl hunt permit, fill out an application and submit it by September 1, 2025.
Since 2023, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge opens 1059 acres of wetland and adjacent cropland to allow free roam hunting of Canada geese within the State September Canada goose season. This year's goose hunt will occur from September 6th through September 20th. Hunting is permitted in accordance with all applicable State () and specific Refuge regulations (/refuge/baskett_slough/).
Visit Us
If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge! With over 250 recorded species of birds as well as coyote, Fender's blue butterfly, Western pond turtle and much more, you are sure to see something interesting no matter what time of year. Trails, observation decks, and refuge roads are available year-round for excellent visitor opportunities.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Established in 1965 as part of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge鈥檚 primary management goal is to provide wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese. Unlike other Canada goose subspecies, duskies have limited summer and winter ranges. They nest in Alaska鈥檚 Copper River Delta and winter almost exclusively in the wetlands of the Willamette Valley鈥攎uch of which was drained to provide open fields for agriculture and pasture during the 19th century European settlement. With the extensive habitat restoration projects at work on all 2,492 acres of the refuge, it makes driving through like taking a step back into the natural history of the Willamette Valley.
Our Species
Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge supports several different species of plants and wildlife.
Over 250 different species of birds have been recorded on the refuge. Refer to for more information on the birds of Baskett Slough and to contribute to the community science being done at the refuge.
Nesting and migrating waterfowl such as Ducks, Geese, and Swans frequent the several wetlands and marshes. Migratory songbirds can be found in the riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian forest and native prairie habitats. Mudflats and wetlands provide glimpses of migrating shorebirds. Raptors including Short-eared Owl, Cooper鈥檚 Hawk, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, and Red-shouldered Hawk, frequent the pattern of waterways, ponds, and snag habitats.
Mammals that inhabit the refuge include Roosevelt Elk, Bobcat, Black-tailed Deer, Coyote, and more! Small mammals such as Brush Rabbit, Townsend's Chipmunk and more have also been recorded.
Nine different species of Amphibians and Reptiles such as the Common Garter Snake, Pacific Chorus Frog, Northwestern Garter Snake, and more roam the refuge.
Refer to this partial checklist from for a better idea on the biodiversity that can be found at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge.
Get Involved
Email us and ask about volunteering!
Email: [email protected]