The Samish Unit is comprised of agricultural fields and wetlands, located adjacent to Padilla Bay in northwest Skagit County. This is a popular waterfowl hunting and wildlife watching site planted with barley, corn, and fava beans to enhance food resources for wintering waterfowl and provide hunting opportunity. During the winter months, evening waterfowl feeding flights can be quite impressive. Past and current wetland enhancement projects have improved water management and wetland function.
Some birders and wildlife enthusiasts refer to the Samish Unit as the "West 90" site due to a 90 degree turn in the adjacent road. For information about the nearby Samish River Unit (also known as the "East 90" site), please see this webpage.
The Samish Unit is located between Samish Island Road and Padilla Bay in northwest Skagit County. The unit can be accessed from Samish Island Road.
The Samish Unit is located in the Samish River delta, adjacent to Padilla Bay. Lands in this area were diked and drained by early settlers beginning in the late 1800's for agricultural production such as cereal grains, vegetables, and dairies.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
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 area
- Sanican toilet
- Hunting/viewing blinds
- Short paved trail
Recreation and access advisories
- Unit is closed during hours of darkness except during legal hunting seasons.
Hunting
This is popular waterfowl hunting site planted with barley, corn, and fava beans to enhance food resources for wintering waterfowl. Check out the Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
This unit offers a two-day youth-only waterfowl and pheasant hunt, and a five-day senior-only pheasant hunt.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to have in possession more than 15 shotgun shells or to fire (shoot) more than 15 shells in one day on this unit (WAC 220-414-050). Hunters are not allowed to return to their vehicle for more shells after entering the field with their 15 shells.
- 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).
- Waterfowl hunters are NOT required to hunt from established blinds.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes a combination of managed freshwater wetland with agricultural forage crops, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including raptors, shorebirds, and waterfowl.
Wildlife viewing and bird photography is very popular at this site. We suggest the following resources to support safe, responsible and ethical wildlife watching:
From the parking area, a short-paved trail offers opportunities to view birds and other wildlife. During winter months, feeding waterfowl display impressive flights in the evening. The Samish Flats is a popular area for viewing raptors. Hunting/viewing blinds are situated throughout the unit, mostly on sculpted ponds, provide opportunities to view nature. Google the Tweeters Info Page to find the Tweeters - Northwest Birding email list managed by the University of Washington; this list provides information about current sightings throughout Western Washington.
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
- Waterfowl hunting occurs on this unit and may influence your viewing opportunities. Waterfowl seasons are mid-Oct. through the last weekend in January. There is also a 2-day youth and 5-day senior pheasant hunt in September. Refer to current hunting regulations for exact season dates.
Conservation
The Samish Unit is managed primarily for wintering waterfowl habitat. Shallow flooding of agricultural fields and wetlands provides forage for migrating and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Raptors are often observed throughout the year. Wetland enhancements have improved water management and wetland function in the sculpted ponds and fields.
Special habitats and species
The Samish Unit and surrounding farmlands are well known for the variety of raptors that frequent the area. Wintering waterfowl and shorebirds are common from late October through March.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and increase moist-soil management capabilities
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Maintain and restore wetland habitat
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
The Samish Unit and surrounding farmlands are well known for the variety of raptors that frequent the area. Wintering waterfowl and shorebirds are common from late October through March.
- Maintain and increase moist-soil management capabilities
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Maintain and restore wetland habitat
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
Land stewardship
The Samish Unit was acquired in the late 1990's to provide agricultural enhancements and seasonal wetlands for waterfowl and associated hunting opportunities.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1996 and 2000.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | State Migratory Waterfowl Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
Management planning
2024 Skagit Wildlife Area Management Plan
Management of the Skagit Wildlife Area is focused on units located in the Skagit and Samish deltas east of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. These units include riparian forests, wetlands, Douglas fir forests, estuaries, floodplains, marine intertidal areas, islands, backwater sloughs, and agriculture lands. The primary management focus is on estuary and floodplain restoration, providing forage for wintering waterfowl, recovering federal and state listed species, and providing recreation.
Planning Advisory Committee
Skagit Wildlife Area Advisory Committee