Sauvie Island

The rush is already on for the annual waterfowl hunting permits at the Columbia River's Sauvie Island. Just 30 minutes from downtown Portland, where else could you find such good duck hunting this close to a major American city? The island is a 12,000-plus acre wildlife management area, owned and managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It's a major stopover and wintering area for 150,000 migratory ducks and geese each fall and winter, attracting 8,000 hunters who stand by their trusty bird dog and wait for the wings to flap. A special permit is required for hunting the island and because permits are limited, they disappear quickly. For the desperate hunter, there is a stand-by line every hunt morning from which unfilled reservations are filled on a first-come basis. Depending on the water level each year, there are a few designated blinds available, but to get one, plan on standing in line overnight. Game-bird hunters are required to carry a valid hunting license and must obtain a Harvest Information Program validation.

By BILL MILLER
for the Mail Tribune