Shillapoo Wildlife Area: hunting, units and access
The Shillapoo Wildlife Area is 2,424 acres of land managed by WDFW in Region 5, in 3 units, inside GMU 564, measured from WDFW's boundary. Of the GMUs it touches, WDFW reports the most deer taken in GMU 564: 574 in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: WDFW's page for the Shillapoo Wildlife Area, read 2026-10-18, and WDFW's facility data. Harvest: WDFW reports to 2025.
DNR state trust landWDFW landNational wildlife refuge (refuge rules; not counted)National park or historic site (no hunting)Military land (restricted)Other public (parks, county, city, other agencies)Shillapoo Wildlife AreaGMU lineLake or riverHighway
| Size | 2,424 acres (WDFW boundary, measured by FilledTag) |
|---|---|
| WDFW region | Region 5, Southwest Washington |
| GMUs | GMU 564 |
| Units | 3 |
| Roads and trails | 4 miles |
| Parking areas | 8 |
| Hunting blinds | 19 (2 accessible) |
| Boat ramps | 2 |
| Nearest towns | Vancouver (5 mi), Ridgefield (7 mi) and La Center (10 mi) |
What is the Shillapoo Wildlife Area like?
The approximately 2,420 acres Shillapoo Wildlife Area, located within the floodplain of the Columbia River in Clark County, is managed as three separate units. Annual flooding and scouring, which formed the area's topography, has been substantially reduced due to hydropower, irrigation, and flood control projects upstream. The area is currently a mix of agricultural land and developed pasture intermixed with fragmented pieces of natural habitat of varying quality. Himalayan blackberry and Reed canary grass are two exotic plants limiting habitat quality in almost all habitat types. 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 are left standing for forage. Eventually these agricultural lands will be restored to wetland habitat.
In WDFW's words, from WDFW's Shillapoo Wildlife Area page.
What units make up the Shillapoo Wildlife Area?
WDFW manages the area as 3 units. The largest is Shillapoo South at 1,053 acres.
| Unit | Acres | GMUs | Parking areas | Campgrounds | Hunting blinds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shillapoo South | 1,053 | 564 | 5 | 0 | 7 |
| Shillapoo North | 889 | 564 | 4 | 0 | 12 |
| Vancouver Lake | 482 | 564 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Unit outlines and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Acres measured by FilledTag.
WDFW's notes for each unit
Shillapoo South: 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. WDFW
Shillapoo North: A valid migratory bird hunting authorization for Goose Management Area 2 is needed to hunt geese on this unit. WDFW
Vancouver Lake: A valid migratory bird hunting authorization for Goose Management Area 2 is needed to hunt geese on this unit. WDFW
How many elk and deer are taken in the GMUs around the Shillapoo Wildlife Area?
WDFW reports harvest by GMU, not by wildlife area. These are the whole GMUs the area lies in:
| GMU | Wildlife area acres in it | Elk taken, 2025 | Deer taken, 2025 | Bears taken, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMU 564 Battle Ground | 2,424 | 8 | 574 | 13 |
Harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports (GMU, 2025). Wildlife area acres in each GMU measured by FilledTag from WDFW's boundaries.
How do you get to the Shillapoo Wildlife Area?
Highways within 5 miles: I-5, SR 501, SR 500, I-205 and SR 14. Nearest towns: Vancouver (5 miles), Ridgefield (7 miles), La Center (10 miles) and Battle Ground (10 miles).
Questions hunters ask
Do you need a pass to park at the Shillapoo Wildlife Area?
Yes. Parking on WDFW land needs the Vehicle Access Pass that comes with most annual hunting and fishing licenses, or a Discover Pass, displayed where it can be seen from outside the vehicle (WDFW pamphlet, page 72).
Which GMUs is the Shillapoo Wildlife Area in?
All of it is in GMU 564 Battle Ground, by WDFW's boundaries. Seasons follow that GMU's rules.
Can you camp on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area?
WDFW's facility data lists no developed campground on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. Camping on WDFW land follows WDFW's public conduct rules and any closures posted for the area; check WDFW's page before planning a camp.
Get a Washington hunt plan when they open
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Until then, the free FilledTag app for iPhone has a map that works in every state, Washington included.
Where these facts come from
- Area description, rules and access notes: WDFW, Shillapoo Wildlife Area.
- Boundary, units and facilities: WDFW wildlife area and unit boundaries. Surrounding public land: WA DNR Major Public Lands (non-DNR) and WA DNR Managed Land Parcels, read 2026-10.
- GMU harvest: WDFW Game Harvest Reports. Parking passes: WDFW 2026 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Regulations, page 72.
FilledTag is not part of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Numbers are copied from WDFW and the State of Washington, or measured from their maps; nothing on this page is estimated by FilledTag. WDFW's regulations are the final word on every rule.