The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge canceled waterfowl hunting Thursday due to the standoff in Harney County, Ore.
“Because of the events in Eastern Oregon, we are taking some additional security precautions,” said Jason Holm, spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific region.
He did not answer questions about threats specific to the Clark County refuge, nor would he give any more details about the decision to cancel the activity.
Holm said hunters should check back with the website for updates, www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield
Roman Schauer, 45, of Felida, got a call about the closure Wednesday because he had a guarantee on a hunting blind Thursday. He said the cancellation didn’t inconvenience him because he hadn’t planned on going.
He said that at first he found the move surprising but after thinking about it wasn’t too shocked.
“I find it intriguing that they would shut it down,” he said. “Many ducks’ lives were saved.”
An armed group led by Ammon Bundy seized the headquarters of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge south of Burns, Ore., on Jan. 2, demanding that federal lands be turned over to local authorities.
The occupation dragged on for weeks until a confrontation that turned into a shootout with law enforcement Tuesday. One occupier died and eight others were arrested.
Through his attorney, Bundy encouraged his followers in Malheur to stand down and return home. Three members of an armed group surrendered to authorities Wednesday. Five more activists remained at Malheur and are in touch with FBI agents.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
