Upland Cooperative Access Program

Old Soldier · 06-01-2006, 07:55 AM

I saw all the discussion about UCAP on another post and decided to go to the ODFW Manager for the program and ask for his input. The following is the information he provided. Also the link to the brochure for the program.
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources...P_brochure.pdf

The Upland Cooperative Access Program (UCAP) does not have a list of participating landowners that can be sent to interested hunters. This aspect of the program has resulted in some criticism. In response to this criticism, a task force consisting of hunters and landowners was convened in January of 2005 to look at ways to improve the program. A number of items were identified and implemented during the 2005-06 season. Dave Wiley, an OHA member, was a participant on the UCAP Task Force. I am speaking for Mr. Wiley, but his perspective of the program changed after participating on the task force, I am sure he would be glad to share his thoughts on the UCAP program with you. From the task force meeting it was clear most of the participating landowners would drop out of the program if a list of their names and addresses were public distributed. They fear they would be inundated with requests. The landowners are compensated, but not at a very high price (no more than $0.50/acre). Participating landowners believe that the extra initiative on the part of the hunters to locate their property, results in responsible hunters asking for permission. Most hunters are then rewarded with a quality hunting experience - and it is not just a few hunters - more than 1300 hunters participate each year.

The UCAP program is only in Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, and Morrow counties, with the majority of lands in Gilliam and Morrow Counties. About 110,000 acres are enrolled in UCAP. Most of the private lands (~82%) require the hunter to contact the landowners to locate the properties, the remainder are posted "Welcome to Hunt" and do not require written permission. The first step in locating the properties is NOT to drive all over looking for them. An interested hunter should contact the ODFW office in The Dalles for properties in Wasco and Sherman Counties, and the Heppner ODFW Office for Gilliam and Morrow Counties. These offices can then direct hunters to the areas with properties that have the particular upland game birds a hunter is looking for, e.g. chukars, quail, or pheasants. It is never too early to do this. The UCAP signs are up all year and the ODFW Office can provide information all year. Making contacts ahead of the season will ensure that interested hunters get the information they need in a timely manner. Fall upland game bird season occur at a time when there are many other demands on the ODFW field offices.

I have attached the UCAP brochure that was updated after the task force met. Should you have further questions about the UCAP program, please contact me.

Dave Budeau
Upland Game Bird Coordinator
Oregon Dept. Fish and Wildlife
3406 Cherry Ave N.E.
Salem, OR 97303
Ph: (503) 947-6323
E-mail: david.a.budeau@state.or.us

baltz526 · 06-01-2006, 08:02 AM

1300 hunters? i'm sceptical. anyone have the progam total spending for last year and acreage total. i'm hoping that a lot of these 1300? hunters where youth hunters and there mentors

Hawk · 06-01-2006, 08:37 AM

Let's keep it all on one thread.

waterfowlin101 · 06-01-2006, 02:23 PM

Great info Old Soldier!!!

Thanks for sharing.

Jon

lor · 06-01-2006, 08:18 PM

The lands outside of Heppner, off Willow Creek road are easy to find and posted welcome to hunt.
I can attest to those properties being used by bird hunters, as well as the guys who are lucky enough to get a Heppner buck or doe tag.
However from that map in the PDF file provide in the link.
I've never seen a single sign from Biggs Junction to Condon and I drive this area every year.