Hunting Access FAQ

PacifiCorp and Puget Sound Energy have a joint written permission hunting and access program. This applies to both Marengo and Hopkins Ridge wind facilities. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

Can I access land in both PacifiCorp’s and Puget Sound Energy’s wind facilities?

Yes, only with written permission.  To get permission, complete the online application form on either utilities Web site. You will need to go to The Last Resort Campstoreto complete the registration process and to pick up the final papers you will need to keep with you while on the wind site. You only need to register with one utility to access both areas.

What will I need to be able to hunt on wind project properties?

First complete the application form, either online or in person at The Last Resort Campstore. If completed online,you will receive a confirmation e-mail instructing you to pick up final paperwork at The Last Resort before hunting. Required paperwork includes a signed Access Permission Agreement, and a hanging vehicle tag, which The Last Resort will issue once the paperwork is complete. The hanging vehicle tag must be visible in your vehicle at all times while in the access area.

In addition to these two papers, while hunting, you also will be required to carry a map of participating properties;one is included in the hunting access brochure for each wind facility area. Everyone in your hunting party must have signed agreements and a hanging vehicle tag, with the exception of minors under 18 who are not hunting. Minors under 18 years are required to have a guardian signature to access the properties. Minors between the ages of 12-18 years old who are hunting must have their own Access Permission Agreement form that includes a guardian's signature.

Where can I hunt?

Public access to lands within most of the Marengo and Hopkins Ridge wind facilities is available, but there are special rules in place to ensure the safety of hunters, local residents and wind facility workers. This area is marked. Please study the maps and keep them with you to ensure you are within a hunting zone. Signs will be placed in many locations, but the maps are still your best guide. The maps include GPS coordinates to help you locate your position. The areas lie mostly on private land and it is a privilege to access these lands for hunting, bird watching or other purposes.

Please review the Marengo and Hopkins Ridge Access Rules.

Public access to lands within most of the Marengo and Hopkins Ridge wind facilities is available, but there are special rules in place to ensure the safety of hunters, local residents and wind facility workers. This area is marked. Please study the maps and keep them with you to ensure you are within a hunting zone. Signs will be placed in many locations, but the maps are still your best guide. The maps include GPS coordinates to help you locate your position. The areas lie mostly on private land and it is a privilege to access these lands for hunting, bird watching or other purposes.

Please review the Marengo and Hopkins Ridge Access Rules.


Why are some areas open to access and others are restricted?

PacifiCorp and PSE lease land from private landowners and the State of Washington  to operate their wind facilities. Many of the landowners have a contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that allows controlled public access if the public agrees to respect the privilege and follows special rules on these lands. These lands are identified on the wind facility area maps in green as Access with Written Permission (AWWP). These lands are open to the public after written permission is given.

Other landowners privately manage access and hunting on their own land and additional hunting permission isunavailable. These areas are marked on the wind facility area mapsin red diagonal lines as Written Permission Unavailable (WPU) on the map. These areas are not open to public hunting. If you see hunters in these areas or hear gunfire coming from these areas, it is because certain hunters have received landowner permission.

Some private landowners within the wind project boundary do not want their land accessed. These lands are marked on the wind facility area maps in orange as Access Prohibited (AP). No access or hunting is allowed in these areas.

Why do I need to stop at The Last Resort if I’ve completed the application online?

At the store, you will be asked to complete the application process by filling in your birth date and drivers license information, and signing the Access Permission Agreement form. State game officials and local law enforcement also require that hunters show picture identification if over 18 years old. Finally, a hanging vehicle tag will be issued and the corresponding number added to your Access Permission Agreement. Each hunter will receive a copy to keep with them while on the properties, and a copy will be kept on file.

Store hours at The Last Resort can vary seasonally, so plan ahead if an early morning or late evening hunting trip is planned. You can contact the store at (509) 843-1556 or visit their Web site. 

What are the rules within the wind facility areas?

The rules that apply while hunting within the boundary of the facilities are spelled out in the Access Permission Agreement form that you will carry with you while hunting.

 

PacifiCorp Marengo/Puget Sound Energy Hopkins Ridge wind facilities hunting rules:

Violation of any of the rules that follow will result in loss of all access privileges and possibly trespassing violations.

1.     NO HUNTING during wind turbine construction periods or posted closure periods.

2.     NO ACCESS of any kind within 300 feet of the wind turbines, buildings or substations.

3.      NO ACCESS of any kind within 1000 feet (333 yards) of the wind turbines from the 3rd Sunday of November through the 3rd Sunday of February due to potential icing conditions.

4.      NO POINTING OR SHOOTING OF ANY WEAPON at a target of any kind with people, wind turbines, overhead power lines, splice boxes, J-BOXES, maintenance vehicles, signs, maintenance facilities, or substation in your scope of view. NO shooting from vehicles, across roads, or from any maintained portion of wind facility access roads.

5.       NO VEHICLE TRAFFIC of any kind on Lessors’ property except on normally traveled COUNTY roads. Driving on wind-turbine access roads is not allowed. This includes operation of OFF-ROAD VEHICLES (ORVs) or ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVs).

6.      NO HORSES OR PACK ANIMALS are allowed on Lessors’ property unless previously authorized.

7.      DO NOT BLOCK ACCESS gates or entrances.

8.      All hunters must abide by Washington State Game Rules and Regulations.

9.      All access may be canceled on Lessors' land whenever it is deemed necessary by Lessors or Lessees.

10.  No overnight camping/parking or outdoor fires on Lessors' property unless previously authorized.

11.   HANGING VEHICLE TAGS must be clearly displayed and visible from outside of the vehicle while accessing Lessors' property.

12.   YOUR ACCESS PERMISSION AGREEMENT must be carried on you while hunting within the PacifiCorp Marengo and Puget Sound Energy Hopkins Ridge wind facilities.


To help assure continued access to these lands, please report any violations of rules or laws to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (509)382-1100. OR if there is an emergency, please call 911.

Can my children come?

Yes, but only those ages 12 or older who have completed a hunters safety course are allowed to hunt. Those under 18 also will need a guardian signature on the Access Permission Agreement form. More details are in the access rules and regulations above.