Exploring the Snake River Islands

By Jerry Deal - Idaho Department of Fish and Game The islands of the Snake River between Swan Falls Dam and Brownlee Reservoir provide some excellent wildlife habitat and associated hunting opportunity. But each island may have some slightly different rules that apply to public use because of the mix of ownership and location that affect jurisdictional issues. When hunting on the islands, it is essential to know where you are and who owns or manages the island. Most islands are named on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps, and adjacent county assessor offices can help determine ownership when the land is not posted. Hunting seasons, shooting hours, bag limits and possession limits for game are determined by the respective state of Idaho or Oregon when both banks of the river are in the same state. On islands in the section of the Snake River that form the boundary between Idaho and Oregon, hunters must have a valid license for either Idaho or Oregon and observe the respective laws and rules of the respective state for which they hold a license. But hunters with licenses from both states may not exercise the privileges of both licenses at the same time. The easiest islands to identify are ones managed as part of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. Each of the 101 islands managed by the wildlife refuge in this 113-mile stretch of river is posted with the familiar "blue goose" signs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Duck, goose, coot, upland game and mourning dove hunters on refuge property are required to use nontoxic shot and may not possess lead shot in the field. Permanent blinds are prohibited, but portable blinds are allowed if they are removed at the end of each day. Temporary blinds may be constructed from natural vegetation less than three inches in diameter and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Private islands are frequently identified by "no trespassing" signs, though that is not always the case. Hunters need to show the same respect for these island properties as they would on other private land. If the land is cultivated, fenced, posted or connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is likely private, and the landowner's permission is required to be there. If in doubt, pick another island to hunt. A common point of conflict between hunters and landowners is determining the boundary between public and private land. The beds of navigable rivers are owned by the state, so exposed river bed below the mean high water line is public land. But identifying this boundary is a specialized area of study among land managers, surveyors, hydrologists, botanists and lawyers that is beyond the expertise of most people. Unless hunting from a boat, it is better just to avoid private islands unless the hunter has landowner permission to hunt there. Some Snake River islands are owned and managed by state wildlife agencies. For example, Idaho Fish and Game manages Gold Island as part of Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area and manages Little Banks Island near the mouth of the Payette River as part of the Payette River Wildlife Management Area. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manages Patch and Porters Islands downstream of Weiser. Hunting these islands falls under the boundary waters agreement, but special rules may be listed in respective state game rules. The Snake River islands also present some great wildlife viewing opportunities. Because of their isolation, many nesting birds seek these islands out for protection from ground-based predators. Waterfowl and shorebirds commonly nest there in the spring. Numerous songbirds can be seen in the shoreline willows and other vegetation. Most publicly-owned islands are closed to human access from February 1 through July 31 for the nesting season, although they can be easily viewed from the river bank with a good pair of binoculars. The islands of the Snake River provide a way to enjoy wildlife in a unique setting. Please respect property ownership and know the rules. Jerry Deal is the habitat manager in the Southwest Region.