The Shillapoo South Unit includes more than 1,000 acres of wetlands, pastures, and agricultural fields that were historically used for dairy production. This unit is a major wintering area for waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway as well as an important staging/wintering area for Sandhill cranes, and has three bald eagle nesting territories. To provide a disturbance-free area for the cranes and wintering waterfowl, the public is asked to NOT enter the unit from the end of waterfowl hunting season through April 15. Recreation opportunities include dog training, migratory and upland game bird hunting, and wildlife viewing. There is the potential that the unit may be reconnected to the Columbia River to provide off-channel juvenile salmonid habitat.
The Shillapoo South Unit is located adjacent to Vancouver Lake, northwest of Vancouver, in Clark County.The unit can be accessed from Lower River Road and Highway 501
The Shillapoo South Unit, in the Vancouver Lowlands, includes the southern portions of the drained Shillapoo lakebed and many other smaller wetlands. Surrounding lands include private agriculture and lands owned by the Port of Vancouver, and Clark County Parks.
This unit is part of the Shillapoo Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 564
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking areas
- Restroom
- Boat launch
Recreation and access advisories
- Target shooting is prohibited during migratory and upland bird seasons, and is prohibited year-round off of Highway 501.
- The public is asked to NOT enter the unit from the end of waterfowl hunting season through April 15 to minimize disturbance to wintering waterfowl and avoid flushing birds on the area.
- The unit is closed to dog training from the end of waterfowl season through April 15. All dogs must be leashed during this time unless for the purposes of hunting
- Off-road driving and ATVs are prohibited.
- Camping and overnight parking is prohibited
- Fires and fireworks are prohibited
Hunting
This unit is popular for waterfowl hunting. Other opportunities include small game, pheasant, mourning dove, Eurasian collared dove, and black-tailed deer.
This unit is managed primarily for waterfowl wintering habitat, but is also a pheasant release site, offering multiple hunting opportunities.
Hunting advisories
- A SAFETY ZONE has been established along the southwest boundary of this unit and is posted on site. Weapons may not be discharged within this zone.
- A valid migratory bird hunting authorization for Goose Management Area 2 is needed to hunt geese on this unit.
- Dog training is not allowed on this unit from the end of waterfowl season through April 15 each year.
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
- This unit is within a restricted firearm use zone, in which only shotguns and bow and arrow equipment can be used. The use of rifles, pistols, air rifles, and muzzleloaders here is prohibited under Clark County rules.
- Columbian white-tailed deer are present in the area and are illegal to hunt.
Wildlife viewing
This unit offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including Sandhill crane, great blue heron, and waterfowl.
This unit offers opportunities to view nesting bald eagles.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Wildlife viewing advisories
- The areas around the bald eagle nest are closed to all access from late February to late July to minimize disturbance to the eagles until the young have left the nest.
Conservation
The area is currently a mix of agricultural land and developed pasture intermixed with fragmented pieces of natural habitat of varying quality. Oregon white oak is present on the unit. Himalayan blackberry and Reed canary grass are two exotic plants limiting habitat quality in almost all habitat types and Wildlife Area staff have taken great strides in reducing their abundance over the past several years. Sharecrop and grazing agreements with local farmers and ranchers have been used to maintain habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl and Sandhill cranes. Corn and small grains remain standing for forage
Special habitats and species
This unit is a major wintering area for waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway as well as an important staging/wintering area for sandhill cranes. The area also supports mink, great blue heron, black-capped chickadee, western meadowlark, yellow warbler and other species. This unit is within the historic range of the Columbian white-tailed deer and Western pond turtle (both state endangered) and is considered potential habitat for both species.
Conservation goals
- Restore native habitat for species diversity
This unit is a major wintering area for waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway as well as an important staging/wintering area for sandhill cranes. The area also supports mink, great blue heron, black-capped chickadee, western meadowlark, yellow warbler and other species. This unit is within the historic range of the Columbian white-tailed deer and Western pond turtle (both state endangered) and is considered potential habitat for both species.
- Restore native habitat for species diversity
Land stewardship
The Shillapoo South Unit was acquired to protect and enhance wintering waterfowl habitat, waterfowl production, and waterfowl hunting.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1952 and 1993.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Boating Facilities Program |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2006 Shillapoo Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.