2025 Big Game hunting forecast

Central Area

Central Oregon had another long, mild winter. The Ochocos received over 200 percent of normal snowfall this winter. Although this led to flooding in late spring, it also meant reservoirs were filled and soils were fully saturated. The landscape took advantage of this extra moisture and maintained green-up into summer. Body condition and antler growth appear strong across the central districts. The second half of August has brought cooler temperatures and moderate rain, which should benefit from this fall's hunting seasons. Animals are likely to be more evenly spread across the area; however, north slopes and higher elevations remain the best bets in early fall. Both burn areas from last year's Crazy Creek and Rail Ridge fires are open to hunting and should present interesting opportunities for all species. Please stay informed about fire restrictions and follow travel management rules in designated areas.

Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly WMUs

DEER

Buck ratios remain near management objectives for the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units, with a district-wide average of 20 bucks per 100 does.

Fawn survival has decreased slightly across all three units entering the spring season.

Throughout the district, deer populations continue to be lower than management objectives due to overarching drought effects as well as the usual suspects: habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, predation, disease and roadkill.

ELK

Bull ratios in all three units are below management objective, with those in the Maury historically low. The elk population in the district is decreasing slowly, yet hunter harvest last fall was about average (around 25 percent) throughout the district.

The Ochoco and Grizzly herd populations are holding steady compared to last year. Antler growth appears to be strong as animals utilize the prolonged green-up through the summer.

The Maury unit has seen a rather steep decline, and harvest success seems to be erratic from year to year. The Maury elk herd appears not to be utilizing the available habitat during the same time of year as it used to and only a handful of individuals can be found during the fall season. Tagholders in the Maury will have their work cut out for them.

Typically, elk hunting improves as you get farther away from open roads. With small streams flowing late into the summer, expect animals to remain up high early in the hunting season.

With major fires throughout the district last summer, burn scars offer great hunting potential. Focusing on burn edges or pockets of unburned timber can prove lucrative when looking for animals this fall.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear and cougar populations appear to be increasing across Eastern Oregon. Predator harvest rates in the Ochoco district are modest compared to other hunting districts. We encourage hunters to explore these predator-hunting opportunities between big game seasons as you will likely not encounter any other hunters while out enjoying the time afield.

With the amount of quality forage available this year, concentrate time and energy on drainages with noticeable berry crops and fresh sign. While time behind glass is the tried-and-true method for finding bears, most haven't heard a predator call and will be quick to investigate an animal-in-distress call.

Cougars are more widely dispersed throughout all three units and generally will be associated with deer, elk, or pronghorn. During the winter, following fresh tracks and periodic predator calling has been effective for some hunters.

Areas to consider scouting include: Maury Mountains, Salt Creek, and South Fork Crooked River (Maury unit); Lookout Mountain, upper Bridge Creek, and South Fork John Day River (Ochoco); and Mill Creek and Green Mountain (Grizzly).

Deschutes District: Upper Deschutes, Paulina, Metolius, N. Wagontire WMUs

In the Cascades portion of the central region, a large high-elevation snowpack from the winter has pulled the region through much of the dry summer. While we are seeing the effects of the dry summer, sporadic thunderstorms have provided some moisture to keep us going through the season. Feed levels are decent across much of the district, resulting in good body condition and antler growth this fall.

Our district has been impacted less by wildfires over the past few years than other districts, but we've seen some larger burns in the Metolius unit this summer. These fires primarily impacted winter range but will have access implications this fall. Make sure to check with land managers such as the Deschutes National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and Bureau of Land Management on current access restrictions.

DEER

Overall deer populations are below desired management objective district wide due to low adult doe survival and lower than desired fawn numbers. Factors such as habitat loss and development, road-strikes, predation, poaching and disease all play a role in population numbers. Despite that, buck ratios are high across the district, with all units above management objective. Weather conditions prior to and during hunting seasons will have a big impact on hunting conditions and success. Hot and dry seasons will result in lower success rates as deer are less likely to be moving during the day and stalking is difficult, while a cooler, wetter season can result in more movement and higher success.

Metolius: In Metolius, the buck ratio remains high (3-year average of 30 bucks per 100 does). The B&B fire area of the early 2000s has slowed down its production of deer but still can provide quality forage. Look at the high elevation edges of past burns within the Jefferson Wilderness as a place to locate deer. Green Ridge also remains a location worth checking out.

Upper Deschutes: The Pole Creek fire area of 2012 remains a place in the northern part of the unit that can hold bucks during season. It is starting to get thick with brush, allowing for better escape terrain, but that can make it harder for hunters to move through. In the southern part of the unit, areas around Wickiup Reservoir can hold good numbers of deer. Forest management plots throughout the unit such as thinning and other cuts can be good places to turn up deer at first and last light as well.

Paulina: The Flat Top, Firestone, and Pine Fires from last year resulted in large areas of the unit being closed to public access for last hunting season. From this, we saw an increased buck escapement reflected in a higher buck ratio this last fall (30 bucks per 100 does). These areas are planned to be reopened on October 1^st according to the Deschutes NF. Portions of those fires were higher intensity, but other portions burned in a nice mosaic which will be beneficial to deer in a few years. The southwest portion of the unit within the Timbers and Spring Butte Travel Management Areas (TMAs) as well as the Fox Butte TMA can be good places for hunters to get away from vehicles to find deer.

North Wagontire: The desert received strong precipitation over the winter and early spring, continuing a string of wet years. Many of the dugouts and guzzlers have water this year, which is helping a slightly increasing deer population out there. North-facing slopes on buttes with water can be a good place to find a desert buck.

NOTE: Beginning in 2026, all eastern Oregon deer hunts will be moving away from the WMU structure and transitioning to Deer Hunt Areas (DHAs). See our webpage on the change for more information: https://myodfw.com/articles/eastern-oregon-deer-hunts

ELK

Elk numbers are stable to increasing in the East Central Cascade units. A record elk count was recorded in the Metolius unit this past spring! Despite the record count, low calf recruitment remains, which is a staple of the Cascade herd. Populations are at or near management objective in all units. Favorable winter conditions resulted in good overwinter survival.

The strong snowpack provided better than average forage and should help distribute elk throughout the coniferous habitat in the district. Lower elevation habitat continues to be dry with less elk, which is reflected in fewer elk in the Paulina and North Wagontire WMUs than Upper Deschutes and Metolius. Desert elk distribution has changed over the past few years, resulting in some tag adjustment proposals that will go into effect in 2026.

Hunter densities are high in the access road portions of the Cascade units, and elk typically prefer to avoid roads, especially once hunting season begins. For solitude, seek more remote wilderness and roadless areas in the Cascades.

Metolius: Despite the record count, many of the elk summer on the west-side of the Cascades. There is a growing number of elk on the Metolius winter range that stay year-round, around Geneva. This area is a mixed landscape of public and private, so make sure you know your property boundaries. Check for fire closures before you go.

Upper Deschutes: The thick jack pines around Crane Prairie, Wickiup, and Davis Lake hold strong numbers of elk. Many of the buttes and remote areas in this country can be a good place to look for elk.

Paulina: The Timbers and Spring Butte TMAs hold good numbers of elk year-round due to the motor vehicle restrictions put in place. Walking on closed roads and finding openings within the forest can be a good strategy.

PRONGHORN

Pronghorn numbers are steady throughout the district. Strong winter and early spring precipitation gave vegetation a needed boost and there is more available water distributed over the landscape which should better distribute the pronghorn throughout the desert. Expect to see smaller group sizes due to the wide-spread water, as pronghorn are not limited to a few waterholes.

Our recent surveys showed a good number of available mature bucks and outstanding recruitment of yearling bucks resulted in a strong buck ratio for this year, with average fawn ratios.

When in pronghorn habitat, remember to camp away from water sources as they are critical to wildlife, especially in drought conditions. Camping near water sources can restrict wildlife access due to fear of humans.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear numbers have steadily been on the rise in the east Cascades. Metolius, Upper Deschutes and Fort Rock are all great places for folks looking to run into a bear. Look for areas with berries early in the season, then shift to riparian areas with running water and green grass. As the season progresses, bears will switch from berries to grubs in logs along with vegetation to pack on the pounds for winter.

Cougar numbers remain strong across the district as well. Much of the district is cougar territory, so make sure to have a tag in your pocket while pursuing another game. Locating a freshly killed deer or elk and sitting on it remains the most effective strategy for harvesting a cougar.

Predator calling through sounds such as fawn or rabbit in distress can be a successful strategy for both bears and cougars, but make sure to have the appropriate licenses and tags for both species. Coyotes and bobcats may also show up, but remember that bobcat season runs Dec 1 – Feb 28, and a furtakers license and bobcat harvest card is required for bobcats.

Columbia Area

Fawn and buck ratios are higher than past years, indicating populations are stable or increasing within all units. Winter conditions were relatively mild, with low precipitation in the spring and several August rain showers helped. Elk numbers are stable in this area. Heavy cover can make for challenging conditions in the forested portions of these units.

This summer has been warm and dry with extreme fire conditions. Several small wildfires have occurred within the district. Hunters may be affected by fire danger restrictions on private timberlands. Currently all Green Diamond lands (including its subsidiary company's Twin Creeks & Lupine Forest) within this unit are closed to all public access due to extreme fire danger. Hunters can find the most current closure information on their website located here. There are several ongoing logging operations on Hood River County land limiting public access for safety. While sporadic it may temporarily affect access.

Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs WMUs

DEER

Deer populations within the West Biggs unit appear to be stable or increasing. Surveys conducted in the fall of 2024 estimated a sex ratio of 22 bucks:100 does which is above the management objective of 15. In this unit, buck ratios are highest in the northern end of the John Day River canyon and on private lands, where public access is limited. Be sure to ask for permission if you intend to hunt private lands in these units. Fawn ratios are high with an estimated ratio of 40 fawns per 100 does. With a relatively mild winter, there should be a surplus of young bucks available for harvest in the West Biggs Unit this fall.

The John Day River area has limited public access points but can offer a great hunting experience when accessible. Floating the river can provide hunters access to public lands within the canyon but is highly dependent on flows. Water levels in the John Day area are at average for summer flow, but public access will be dependent on timing of fall rains. Hunters planning on floating should check water levels here before heading out. Public access points within the canyon (Cottonwood, Thirtymile, etc.) will be dependent on fire danger but should be accessible. The Deschutes River canyon also offers public land hunting opportunities throughout BLM and Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area. Deer densities here are typically lower than in the John Day canyon, but pressure from adjacent private lands can push more deer into the higher elevations along the canyon rim after opening day.

Deer numbers within the Maupin unit are below historical averages but fawn production and buck ratios are stable and above management objectives. Fall surveys indicated a buck ratio of 22 bucks per 100 does which is significantly higher than the 20-year average. Fawn production was within the average of years past with an estimated ratio of 40 fawns per 100 does. This unit is dominated by private land with public access being limited to small chunks of BLM land. Be sure to know where you are hunting and ask for permission if you intend to hunt private lands.

Deer in the White River Unit appear to be slowly recovering after a population decline in 2016. Last fall's fawn ratio was up from the 10-year average with an estimated 50 fawns per 100 does. Buck ratios are also up from past years with an estimate of 20 bucks per 100 does, which is less than the management objective of 25 bucks per 100 does. This indicates a growing population over several years which will provide a greater opportunity in upcoming years.

Most deer within the White River unit spend their summer on the western edge of the unit at higher elevations or on private lands adjacent to agriculture. Hunters should start their search at higher elevations to get away from other hunters to locate a buck to harvest.

The deer population in the Hood Unit has been historically difficult to monitor with typical survey methods due to dense vegetation and lack of visibility when flying. New methodologies using trail cameras are being used to estimate deer abundance and herd composition within this unit. Results from the fall suggest a buck ratio well above management objective. This population appears to be stable with an abundance of bucks available for harvest. Difficult terrain, thick vegetation and behavioral patterns of these deer limit hunter success within the Hood Unit.

The best hunting in the Hood Unit is on private timberlands, accessible primarily through Green Diamond Resource property. A map of open Green Diamond land can be found here. Hood River County Forest land is also a great place to locate a buck at dusk and dawn. Hunters should target clearcuts that have been logged in the last 5 years that are providing abundant forage. The Hood Unit also had several large fires in recent years on the North side of Mt. Hood and along the Columbia River Gorge that can provide quality hunting opportunities. Newly emerged woody browse, and other vegetation make these burns an excellent place to focus efforts.

ELK

Elk populations districtwide remain relatively stable in all units. Bull ratios from the most recent survey in the White River Unit were 7 bulls per 100 adult cows, which is slightly below the management objective of 10 bulls. Reproduction of calves remains steady with a ratio of 21 calves per 100 cows. Success has been slightly above long-term averages for the past couple of seasons.

Hunters will find elk in scattered herds throughout the forested areas of the White River and Hood units. Public lands in both units are dominated by dense vegetation. More open areas within the forest created by recent burns and logging provide good forage for elk as well as excellent glassing opportunities. In contrast to deer, elk are much more likely to avoid roads and concentrations of people. Hunters who are willing to make the extra effort to get away from roads and cover lots of ground will have a higher chance of success.

Most elk in the Maupin and West Biggs units are found on private lands. These units are managed as elk deemphasis areas and have low densities throughout. General season antlerless elk damage hunts within these units provide additional opportunities for hunters to harvest a cow. Make sure you get permission from the landowner before hunting private lands in these units. A few elk can be found on BLM and state lands in these units and hunting pressure is very low.

BEAR and COUGAR

Both bear and cougar populations are good in the White River and Hood Units. Cougars are often seen moving throughout the canyons of the Deschutes and John Day River systems, as well as on White River Wildlife area later in the fall as deer and elk migrate in from high elevation. Predator calling and locating a fresh kill are great strategies.

Bear hunters should focus on clearcuts or natural openings in the forest, especially those with good berry or acorn crops. Most bears are harvested by hunters pursuing deer and elk during the rifle season but fall bear hunting can also be great in the early season when huckleberries are ripe. In general, the Hood unit offers higher bear densities, but dense vegetation makes seeing a bear more difficult.

Northeast Area

Fire conditions are extreme, and hunters should check with the land manager (Wallowa-Whitman National Forest or BLM) to find out the latest conditions, as they can change rapidly. As of Aug. 3, Manulife Forest Management properties in the Shamrock, Whiskey Cr, Noregaard, Little Catherine Cr, Meacham Travel Management Areas and any other Hancock properties enrolled in the Access & Habitat program throughout northeast Oregon will close to public access.

HUNTING LOCATIONS

Prior to hunting, we recommend hunters check the Umatilla National Forest and ODFW website for the latest restrictions that may apply to your hunting area. For advice on places to hunt in Umatilla County, call the Pendleton ODFW office at 541-276-2344.

Northeast WMU's

DEER

Despite a mild winter in Baker County fawn survival was lower than normal and adult mortality was higher than usual. Deer numbers are below management objective in all units while buck ratios are meeting management objective. Animals will be the most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon when temperatures cool off. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in areas of good forage near north slopes that provide good bedding cover.

ELK

Elk herds in Baker County came out of the winter in good shape. Bull ratios are at or near management objective and calf ratios were good in all units. With controlled archery elk hunting taking place hunters are reminded to check the regulations for the area they intend to hunt. Elk populations in the Keating, Pine Creek and Lookout Mountain units continue to grow and offer good opportunities for hunters.

For the best chance at tagging an elk, get as far away from roads as possible, perhaps by hunting in one of the cooperative travel management areas (TMA's). Dry conditions can make hunting difficult. Animals will be the most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon when temperatures cool off. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in areas of good forage near north slopes that provide good bedding cover.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear and cougar hunting should be good this year. Hunt for bears in high elevation open areas with the most berries. Fall bear hunters have best success in higher elevation areas of the Keating and Pine Creek Units on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest.

Find cougars just about anywhere; remember to carry a tag.

Murderers Creek, Northside, Desolation, and West Beulah WMUs

The area experienced a mild winter, and deer and elk fared ok through the winter. Both deer and elk had lower fawn/calf ratios in the spring than expected given the mild winter conditions and good fall green up. The spring and early summer were wet and cool; however, the area dried out during an extremely hot period in July. Therefore, hunters should expect dry conditions at the beginning of the season. There were also several large wildfires around Grant County that could affect hunt access this fall. Hunters are encouraged to be aware of fire and access restrictions as they can change rapidly.

DEER

Populations remain below management objectives in all units. Buck ratios were at or above management objective. Spring fawn ratios were lower than desired.

Last year, archery and rifle hunters had below average success for Northside and Desolation but above average for Murderers Creek. Similar or slightly better results are expected this year.

Deer hunters should look for areas where fire has occurred in past 5-15 years as deer tend to favor vegetation that occurs following fires. The Shake Table Fire on Aldrich Mountain, Canyon Creek Complex, and the Monument Rock burns are starting to show signs of increasing deer and may be a good place to find a buck.

ELK

Hunting prospects are average for the district. Elk populations are steady in most of the district and above management objective in Murderers Creek and Northside but below in Desolation and West Beulah. We have had slightly lower calf ratios and good bull ratios in most of the district.

Elk hunters should focus on areas with no open roads as elk tend to move away from traveled roads during hunting seasons.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear populations appear to be increasing slightly, and hunting should be similar to past years. Look for bears around huckleberry patches in mid-August and old orchards in mid-September. The fruit crop appears to be good.

Cougar populations appear to be increasing, and hunters are encouraged to have a tag while out hunting other big game, as that is when most cougar and bear harvest occurs. If using calls, remember cougars respond slower than coyotes so be prepared to spend more time.

Heppner, Fossil, East Biggs, southern Columbia Basin WMUs

DEER

Mule deer numbers should be similar to last year even though the weather conditions for most of the year were fairly mild.

Poor spring rain and a relatively dry summer have created poor amounts of forage and water conditions. Deer are highly scattered, and hunters will need to cover some ground to find deer.

Public land hunters in the Fossil Unit have historically had better success in the Wheeler burn, but with the wildfires in 2024 deer are more widely scattered. Fossil Unit hunters might look to other areas for better deer hunting this fall. Public land hunters can also hunt the Heppner Regulated Hunt Area. This area was reduced in size last year so hunters will want to make sure of the current boundaries.

The Columbia Basin is mostly private land so hunters will need to secure access or hunt on some of the limited private land where ODFW has access agreements with the landowners, such as the Open Fields access areas in the Columbia Basin unit.

ELK

The elk populations in the Heppner and Fossil units are at management objective. Bull ratios have remained constant from last year for both units. The calf ratio for both units is a little better this year so hunters should find it a little easier to find spike bulls. There are still good numbers of older-age-class bulls throughout the forest.

BEAR and COUGAR

Hunters are still seeing plenty of cougars in the Heppner district so there is opportunity for hunters. The district has low densities of bears throughout the entire forested portion, but you might see one when deer and elk hunting, so carry a tag.

Starkey, Catherine Creek, and East Mt. Emily WMUs

The region has been very dry with little late spring or summer moisture. We have not had any catastrophic wildfires like other parts of the state, so habitat and access is relatively unchanged on that front. However, due to the drier spring and summer, a lot of vegetation is dying off earlier than years past and deer and elk are going to be more localized to areas with better forage. Look in north facing drainages because these areas typically hold onto forage longer than southern facing slopes and drainages.

The Starkey Unit Travel Management Areas are a great place to start for big game hunters new to the area; maps are available online or at the La Grande office. General spike season provides plenty of opportunity to elk hunt in the Starkey Unit without the crowds of first season. Look for elk in the steep terrain of the Starkey and Catherine Creek units. The Access and Habitat program continues to provide genuine hunting opportunities within Union County and should not be overlooked.

Early season hunting can be tricky, and summer scouting can really pay off while animals are still in their summer patterns before hunters start pressuring them. Soft cold calling for elk is a good way to draw elk in before the rut is really going on. Glassing in the early mornings and late evenings is a very effective way to locate deer.

DEER

Populations remain below management objectives. Catherine Creek buck were right at our MO this last year, with population holding steady. Starkey buck ratios are above MO; however, the rifle deer hunt can still be a difficult hunt. East Mount Emily buck numbers are stable and above management objectives. Our deer populations came out of this fairly mild winter in decent shape.

Whitetail deer in the district experienced a hemorrhagic disease outbreak four falls ago but overall population numbers remain stable and buck ratios are high. The Grande Ronde muzzleloader hunt is a good opportunity for hunters to harvest an animal.

ELK

Elk numbers are strong throughout the district. Elk populations are above MO in Catherine Creek and Starkey, with bull ratios at or above MO. The calf crop was average to above average this year, and our overall elk herd came out of this winter in relatively good condition, thanks to a very mild winter.

Last year's harvest for Starkey and Catherine Creek was very good, with the harvest in Starkey higher than it has been in a decade. Hunters can expect bull numbers to be very good this hunting season. Mt. Emily and Wenaha still offer a trophy quality elk hunt.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear and cougar numbers are strong in all units. Look for cougar sign on ridge tops in areas of high elk use. Calling or glassing for long periods of time can be effective when looking for mountain lions.

Bear harvest has been consistent over the past several years. Look for bears in areas with high berry densities. This time of year, bears are foraging heavily on huckleberries, thimbleberries, currant berries and Hawthorne berries. Road closure areas within the Catherine Creek and Starkey units will provide good walk-in access to bear habitat.

As of right now, Manulife is closed to public access due to extreme fire danger. Contact Manulife at 541-962-2184 for up-to-date information.

Wenaha, Sled Springs, Chesnimnus, Snake River, Minam, Imnaha WMUs

DEER

White-tailed deer numbers are good in all units. White-tailed bucks are nocturnal, but patient hunters often have success stand hunting between bedding and feeding areas.

Mule deer numbers are still well below management objective, though recruitment continues to be moderate, with good overwinter survival of fawns in most units.

ELK

Elk numbers are stable in all units and hunters should have good opportunities, though recruitment has been low due to drought in the past two years.

With continued high temperatures and lack of rain through August, early season hunters may choose to utilize remnant deep forest forage, as well as springs and wallows. When cooler temperatures and snow hit at higher elevations, watch for deer and elk to move down to lower elevations.

Travel management areas (TMA) and/or road closures are in effect in the Sled Springs (Noregaard and Shamrock/Whisky Creek), Chesnimnus, and Imnaha (Grouse-Lick/Canal Creek) units. Hunters can obtain maps of each TMA by visiting the following link. Be sure to call the Manulife Investment Lands (formerly Hancock Forest Management) information line before your hunt at 541-962-2184 for current information and/or restrictions.

Hunters interested in accessing the new Minam River Wildlife Area should note that access is by foot and non-motorized bikes only. Camping is currently not allowed.

BEAR and COUGAR

Late spring and early summer rain produced good berry crops. Hunters can look for bears at lower elevations in drainages, orchards, and meadows near edge habitat.

Populations are moderate throughout Wallowa County. Most lions are taken incidentally to other hunting. However, calling with fawn bleat, or locating a cougar kill and waiting for a cat to return are often successful techniques. Please remember to check in your harvest at your local district office to help with population estimates.

Northwest Area

In general, it seems that deer and elk survived the variable winter well. Access to private timberlands for the opener of deer and elk archery season will be dependent on the level of rainfall in the coming weeks. As the rifle deer opener approaches and fire danger decreases, more and more previously closed private lands will open to hunting.

Currently, private and public land restrictions are changing frequently due to on-going extreme drought conditions and wildfires. Please check the online resources to find closures before leaving for your hunting adventures. If a resource hasn't been updated recently, then try contacting the land manager directly during their business hours.

Saddle Mt., Wilson, Western Trask, Western Stott Mt., Western Alsea, North Siuslaw WMUs

DEER

Black-tailed deer on the north coast (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask wildlife management units) endured winter well with only average post-winter mortality noted.

Deer densities overall are moderate and estimates of buck escapement from last year's hunting season were above benchmark (~20 per 100 does) for the Saddle Mtn., Wilson and Trask units. Any of the three WMUs should offer decent buck hunting prospects.

There has been a lot of recent clear-cut timber harvests on state forestlands, so be sure to look at ODF lands if scouting for areas to hunt deer. Generally, deer densities tend to be highest in the eastern portions of these units.

Most industrial forestlands will be open to at least non-motorized access once fire season is over, except for Weyerhaeuser lands, most of which will continue to be in a fee access program this fall.

The 2025 General Any Legal Weapon Western Oregon Tag is set for Oct. 4 – Nov. 7. Hunters can expect bucks to be rutting the last few weeks of the season.

Along the Mid-Coast (western Stott Mountain, western Alsea, north Siuslaw), overall deer numbers and buck ratios appear to be stable and fair to good in most areas. Deer densities remain higher on private land compared to public land. The success rate for the 2022 General Any Legal Weapon Western Oregon tag was lower than 2021, but more akin to the 5-year average for all three units.

Winter deer surveys revealed that the fawn ratio for the Alsea and Stott Mountain units were above the 5-year average while Siuslaw was below the 5-year average. Buck ratios for all three units were either slightly below or equal to the 5-year average. A colder than normal winter may have caused some additional overwinter mortality but was most likely mitigated by an excellent growing season.

Deer hunters should focus on areas of edge habitat with early successional habitat adjacent to mature timber and thick cover. Edge habitat provides deer with ample forage and cover. Focus on clearcuts, riparian areas, forest gaps, meadows, and thinned timber stands to find deer foraging in the early morning and late evening hours. These habitat types are often found on private commercial timber properties but can also be found on public land and at the borders of public and private land.

The Stott Mtn/North Alsea Weyerhaeuser and Manulife Access and Travel Management areas (TMA) provide some quality walk-in hunting opportunities. Manulife and Weyerhaeuser Access and Habitat open lands utilize yellow TMA road closed signs where motor vehicles are not permitted. Road closures and hunting access are year-round. Be aware of Weyerhaeuser lease and/or permit areas and please visit their recreation website for more information on access. Please obtain a TMA map online (Map 1) (Map 2) for more information on travel management in the North Alsea and Stott mountain units. Check the Oregon Department of Forestry's website for current fire information. The TMA will be closed to vehicle access at Industrial Fire Protection Level 3 (IFPL3) and will be closed completely at IFPL 4.

Most private timber lands in Stott and Alsea are currently open to motor vehicle and/or walk-in public access due to Access and Habitat grants but please pay attention to fire season restrictions as they can change at any time. Lands in the Siuslaw unit are under more restrictive fire use and are likely closed during fire season. Keep up to date by checking the Oregon Department of Forestry website or calling landowners. You will find links to Forest Service, BLM, and other landowner websites with updated fire closure information here.

ODFW is currently testing harvested deer and elk for chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is a neurological disease that is highly transmissible among ungulates and is always fatal. While CWD has not been detected in Oregon, it has been detected nearby in Idaho and was recently detected in both Washington and California. Please, contact your local ODFW office or find a CWD check station to get your animal sampled. Remember, it is now mandatory to stop at a CWD check station if you are transporting harvested wildlife. Also remember that there are restrictions on the parts of deer and elk that can be brought into Oregon from out of state.

Saddle Mountain Unit

Deer densities remain favorable throughout the unit. Some areas to look at include Vollmer Creek, Green Mountain, the lower Klaskanine, Young's, Lewis and Clark and Necanicum rivers in Clatsop County, and Fall, Deer and Crooked creeks in Columbia County.

While much of the unit is industrial timberland, most timber companies offer plenty of walk-in access in some areas and open gates for dawn-to-dusk vehicular access in others, once the fire season is over. See the newly revised 2025 North Coast Cooperative Travel Management Area map from ODFW for details.

Wilson Unit
Clearcut habitat continues to be created on state (ODF) and private industrial forestlands. Areas with recent logging include the North Fork Wilson River, North Fork Nehalem River, Standard Grade, Buck Mtn. and the upper Salmonberry River. Deer populations continue to be favorable, with decent buck-to-doe ratios.

Trask Unit
On state forestlands in the western portion, look in the upper Trask River and Wilson River basins. On industrial forestlands, the upper portions of the South Fork Trask River and Widow Creek along Hwy 18, as well as Cape Lookout and Cape Meares blocks, have a lot of good habitats.

ELK

On the north coast (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask) elk populations are at moderate levels, but continuing to increase, and are at their highest in the western portions of these WMUs. Bull elk hunting this year should be okay in the Wilson and Trask units due to good bull escapement from last year's hunting seasons. Bull ratios are at management objective in both.

Some popular hunting areas In the Wilson Unit are the lower Wilson River, God's Valley, Cook Creek, upper North Fork Nehalem River, Standard Grade, Buck Mtn. and Camp Olson.

In the Western Trask unit, hunters will find higher numbers of elk and open habitats in Cape Lookout, Cape Meares, Fall Creek, lower Nestucca River and the Trask River, especially the South Fork.

Both WMUs have general season archery and rifle hunting opportunities. Bag limit is any bull for archery and 1^st rifle seasons and spike only for 2^nd rifle.

The Saddle Mountain unit also had good bull survival from the last several seasons, but bull rifle hunting is through controlled hunting only and the bag limit for rifle and archery is 3-point or better. Areas with higher elk numbers and open habitat include Clatsop Ridge, Davis Point, the lower Klaskanine River, Young's, Necanicum and Lewis and Clark Rivers, and Ecola Creek.

For archery elk hunters, most industrial forestlands will be open to at least non-motorized access once fire season is over, except for Weyerhaeuser lands, most of which will be in their fee access program this fall.

The Mid-Coast (Western Alsea, Western Stott Mountain, North Siuslaw) elk populations are stable and fair to good in most areas. Observed calf ratios were higher during this past year compared to the previous year and bull ratios were either slightly lower (Siuslaw) or remained stable (Alsea, Stott Mountain).

Remember that the second rifle bull elk season in Siuslaw WMU has a bag limit of one spike bull; the bull ratio there continues to be highly variable year-to-year but appears to be showing signs of a slight decrease but is still above management objective.

Elk in the Siuslaw Unit are highly scattered and difficult to find, and most larger herds are on private farmland or commercial timberland. Ask private landowners for access and scout to find elk signs as the topography is rugged in certain portions of this unit.

Early successional habitats such as clear-cuts, plantations, and agricultural land interfaces have the highest densities of elk. U.S Forest Service lands south of Hwy 20 have lower densities of elk and are much more difficult to hunt in the thick older growth vegetation and rugged terrain. However, hunters can find elk in thinned areas, powerline corridors, mountain meadows, and grassy riparian areas.

Stott Mountain and Alsea units
The Stott Mtn/North Alsea Weyerhaeuser and Manulife Access and Travel Management areas (TMA) provide some quality walk-in hunting opportunities. Manulife and Weyerhaeuser Access and Habitat open lands use yellow TMA road closed signs where motor vehicles are not permitted. Road closures and hunting access is year-round. Be aware of Weyerhaeuser lease and/or permit areas and please visit their recreation website for more information on access.

Please obtain a TMA map online (Map 1) (Map 2) for more information on travel management in the North Alsea and Stott mountain units. Check the Oregon Department of Forestry's website for current fire information. The TMA will be closed to vehicle access at Industrial Fire Protection Level 3 (IFPL3) and will be closed completely at IFPL 4.

Some popular areas to hunt elk in the Stott Mountain Unit include the South Fork Siletz River, Fanno Ridge, Gravel Creek, Mill Creek, Elk Creek, Euchre Creek, Murphy Road, and the mainstem Siletz River.

Popular elk hunting areas in the Alsea include the South tract 1000 line, Yachats River, Five Rivers, North Fork Siuslaw River, Big Rock Creek Road, Luckiamute River, Airlie, Burnt Woods, Grant Creek, Wolf Creek, Logsden, Pee Dee Creek, and Dunn Forest.

ODFW is currently testing harvested deer and elk for chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD is a neurological disease that is highly transmissible among ungulates and is always fatal. While CWD has not been detected in Oregon, it has been detected nearby in Idaho. Please, contact your local ODFW office or find a CWD check station to get your animal sampled. Remember, it is now mandatory to stop at a CWD check station if you are transporting harvested wildlife.

Hunters are also asked to report any limping elk or elk with deformed hooves as this can be a sign of Elk Hoof Disease (Treponeme associated hoof disease). If your animal has a deformed hoof, ODFW may request it for testing.

BEAR and COUGAR

The bear outlook is fair to good for the north coast (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask). While cougar densities are generally lower than other coastal units, bear densities are moderate and both species tend to increase from north to south and from east to west, with the highest densities in the southwestern portion of the Trask WMU. This year's berry crops were much better than last year's with blackberries starting to come on strong now, so bears will most likely be out in open areas such as clear-cuts during the early part of the season.

During midday hours, predator calling can be very productive, and is best done with a partner to maximize effort and detection of bears and cougars as they approach the area.

Bear populations along the Mid-Coast (Western Alsea, Western Stott, North Siuslaw) are healthy and have benefitted from an abundant berry crop this year. Most bears are harvested while hunters are looking for deer and elk. If you are hunting specifically for bears, focus on areas with large numbers of berries.

As fall begins, bears will enter hyperphagia (excessive eating) in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time hunters can find them throughout the day gorging on berries and other food sources.

Bears are more abundant closer to the coast than on the Willamette Valley side of the coastal mountains. Most industrial forestlands in the Alsea/Stott units are typically open to access during the fire season thanks to Access and Habitat funds but check their websites or hotlines to confirm.

Recommended units to hunt cougars are the Stott Mtn., Alsea, and Siuslaw in particular, west of Dallas, west of Dawson, and south and west of Philomath. As with bears, predator calling is by far the most effective way to harvest a cougar other than spotting one while hunting deer or elk. Most cougars are harvested by hunters during the deer and elk hunting seasons so do not forget to purchase and carry a cougar tag.

Scappoose, Eastern Trask, North Willamette, North Santiam WMUs

DEER

Fall herd composition surveys indicate similar trends to previous years for the eastern Trask, northern Santiam and Scappoose units. Surveys are not conducted in the Willamette Unit. Fawn ratios were essentially average in the Scappoose, eastern Trask, and the northern Santiam units.

Currently there are some road closures on the Mt. Hood National Forest due to the Sandstone Fire. Fire danger remains elevated to a level that many private industrial timber companies will be closed to public access during the opening weeks of archery season. Hunters are reminded to contact local timber companies to obtain updated access information and check the Oregon Dept. of Forestry's website for fire restrictions and closures. State and federal lands typically remain open during the archery season and provide the primary hunting opportunities.

Hunter access to most of Weyerhaeuser lands in the Scappoose, eastern Trask and north Santiam WMUs is limited to those hunters who purchased an entry permit. However, even these lands may be impacted in early hunting seasons by fire danger.

Most Rayonier Forest Resources parcels joined the North Coast TMA in 2023, which allows public hunting access to additional property in Columbia County, primarily in the Scappoose unit. Hunters can request a North Coast or Upper Tualatin-Trask Travel Management Area map showing landownership and access opportunities from the northwest Oregon ODFW district offices.

Most properties in the Willamette Unit are privately-owned and hunters are reminded to obtain permission before hunting on those lands.

Remember to pay careful attention to the bag limit and identification characteristics of your quarry. White-tailed deer and hybrids have been documented across northwestern Oregon where only Columbian black-tailed deer are legal for harvest.

Scappoose Unit
Deer herd composition surveys in the Scappoose Unit resulted in a buck ratio that fell slightly below the benchmark of 20 bucks per 100 does in the fall of 2024. However, this is in line with the 5-year average for that unit.

Public access in the Scappoose unit is very patchy. There are typically more opportunities for hunters willing to hunt areas closed to motorized vehicles but open to public walk-in. There are multiple timber companies in the unit that allow walk-in access when industrial fire precaution levels are below 2. Some companies to consider looking into access potential are Hampton, Stimson, Campbell Global, and Lewis & Clark Timberlands.

Rayonier Forest Resources properties are now accessible to public hunting via the North Coast TMA in the Scappoose unit. Some areas to locate deer this fall include Tater Hill, Long Mt., Serafin Point, Burgdorfer Flat, Buck Mt. Bunker Hill, Baker Point, Bacona, and the hills above Pebble Creek.

East Trask Unit
Some areas in the eastern portion of the Trask unit with good big game habitat include the upper portions of the Yamhill and Tualatin Rivers, Trask Mountain, Barney Reservoir, Pumpkinseed Mt., Green Top, and Willamina Creek.

Buck ratios observed during herd composition surveys was around 16 bucks per 100 does for the eastern portion of the unit, which is right on par with the past 5-year average and is slightly below the 20:100 benchmark.

North Santiam Unit
Prospects should be good this season for those hunters who are able to obtain access and are willing to hunt thick cover where deer concentrate.

Hunters will find a wide diversity of terrain in the WMU, ranging from high elevation meadows, thick, old-growth forests, industrial forestlands and agricultural fields, so a variety of hunting styles can be used.

Whether hunters choose to still hunt, set up a tree stand on a promising game trail, rattle antlers, or conduct deer drives, scouting will be critical for success and ensure access to your favorite hunting locations. Areas that were burned in the 2020 wildfires may be productive for local deer populations and can be good places to hunt with the appropriate amount of caution.

Information regarding current access & closures can be found on the Mt. Hood National Forest website or on the MyODFW.com website.

North Willamette Unit
For hunters who drew a Willamette tag (615), the long hunting season in the Willamette Unit should provide a very good opportunity to harvest a deer this season. Deer damage to agricultural crops remains high throughout the northern portion of the unit.

Hunters are reminded that land within this unit is primarily privately owned, and hunters will need to have landowner permission to legally hunt most properties.

Hunters can find some public land hunting opportunities in the Willamette River area. Some of these areas have special restrictions (e.g., shotgun or archery only), so hunters should pay close attention to regulations. Many of the hunting spots are also listed on ODFW's Hunting Access Map.

ELK

Scappoose and East Trask units
Elk populations in the Scappoose and eastern Trask are above the commission adopted management objective of 10 bulls per 100 cows.

Antlerless elk tags have been significantly increased since the institution of the General Season Antlerless Elk hunt in the east Trask and Willamette Units. The General Season Antlerless Elk tag is now currently valid in a small southern portion of the Scappoose unit.

This hunt is entirely on private land so make sure you have access to a plot of private land before you purchase a tag. ODFW staff will not be able to assist you with finding a place to hunt.

In the Scappoose WMU, elk are more numerous in the timberlands of the northwestern portion of the unit. Herds in this unit tend to be "smaller", typically ranging from 15-60 animals, compared to the east side of Trask where there are multiple larger herds that range between the timber lands and agriculture lands.

Most Weyerhaeuser lands in the Scappoose, eastern Trask and northern Santiam WMU's are limited to those hunters who have a lease agreement or acquired an access permit, except for the Weyerhaeuser property near Turner Creek in the eastern Trask that is in the North Coast TMA.

Some areas to consider in the Scappoose unit include Upper McKay Creek, Green Mountain, Buck Mt., and Bunker Hill. In the eastern Trask, hunters wanting to do more walk-in hunting should be looking at the Upper Tualatin-Trask Travel Management Area west of Forest Grove as a good option. Other areas to consider include Trask Mt., Stony Mt., Windy Point and Neverstill.

North Santiam Unit
Elk numbers within the Mt. Hood National Forest have declined over the past few decades, which will make for challenging elk hunting on public lands. Hunter success should be average on lower elevation private timberlands. Hunters heading for the Mt. Hood National Forest will find elk highly scattered and difficult to locate. Scout early and often to be successful there.

Places to begin scouting include the areas around Timothy and Olallie Lakes in addition to meadow complexes along open sections of the Oregon Skyline Rd (NF 42). At lower elevations, hunters should explore Butte Creek, Upper Molalla River and Eagle Creek.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bears on the eastern slopes of the Coast Range will be concentrated near areas with good berry loads. Few bears are checked in from the Scappoose Unit, however habitat is similar to the Trask and should have some areas for good bear hunting if access can be found.

In the northern portion of the Santiam Unit high densities of bears continue to provide relatively good hunting opportunities. Visibility on the landscape is what will make bear hunting the northern Santiam difficult. We recommend keying in on good food resources (huckleberry patches, chokecherries, etc.) and scouting for frequent bear activity.

Many areas with high bear densities are heavily forested and don't provide much opportunity for glassing. Predator calling may be a tactic worth exploring in the northern Santiam.

The cougar population in the Scappoose and East Trask units appears to be on the rise; however, higher densities of cougar in the northern Santiam Unit should provide hunters with their best chance for success.

Successful hunters found predator calls that mimic prey species were very effective. For safety, hunters should always have a partner along when predator calling. Tracking cougars through fresh snow near concentrations of deer and elk is another proven technique.

S. Santiam, McKenzie WMUs

DEER and ELK

Consult with the land manager before going hunting if you are planning to hunt within any of the areas that have burned in the last few years. And while some of these areas may have reopened to access, big game may not move into the newly opened habitat for another two to three years.

Hunters who know about habitat, take the time to scout and then hunt hard, will have the best chance for success. Populations are strongly tied to habitat conditions and hunting prospects are fair to good in places with high quality habitat. Hunting prospects are poor in lower quality habitats.

Forage is key to good deer and elk habitat. Early brush and forest conditions provide some of the best deer and elk forage. On public lands, this habitat is often found in areas not burned severely by wildfire and may be found in thinned areas if the enough trees were removed. On private timberland, forage is best in clearcuts beginning a couple years after the timber harvest.

South Santiam Unit
Surveys this previous winter continue to show both elk and deer meeting management objectives for bull and buck escapement. Elk numbers are down from historic numbers, but hunters can still find animals on both public and private ground if they're willing to put in the scouting time. Deer are more evenly distributed across the unit and numbers are similar to recent years.

Many lands that burned in the 2020-2023 fires still need more time to recover before they will start benefitting big game populations and access is still restricted in some areas. Hunters can find elk around the edges of the burned areas and near thinning operations or other openings created by the Forest Service.

At lower elevations in the Cascade foothills, look for elk and deer in two- to eight-year-old clearcuts. Elk are most plentiful at the timber/agricultural interface. Additionally, hiking into areas closed to motor vehicles increases your odds of finding both deer and elk.

McKenzie Unit
The East Lane Travel Management Area (TMA) will be open 7 days a week from the opening of the Western Cascade General Buck Deer season until the end of the Cascade Bull season. The 39,825-acre TMA is comprised of dispersed blocks of land located in the McKenzie and Indigo units. Maps will be available at access point kiosks just prior to the TMA opening. Be sure to pick up a new map because roads designated for motor vehicle access have changed in most blocks.

Geo pdf maps can also be downloaded from our website and used on a smart device with its GPS feature enabled. The Geo pdf maps will show your location as you move around the TMA. Users must download the Avenza application to use in conjunction with the maps.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bears are abundant on both private and public lands. The key to bear hunting is to hunt their natural food sources. Bears key on berry crops during the fall hunting season including but not limited to raspberries, trailing blackberries, cascara, Armenian blackberries, huckleberries, madrone, and manzanita. Find a ripe food source and watch it both morning and evening; don't forget to consider the wind and try to avoid spooking the bear.

Water sources, such as a small pond or swamp, can attract bears that want to take a swim to cool off. Overall bear prospects are good as they are abundant on both private and public lands.

Most hunters take cougars opportunistically if they have a tag. Cougars are abundant but secretive. They can be found anywhere where deer and elk are found. If you want a chance to bag a cougar, buy your tag in case you see one while you are hunting or scouting other game.

South Central Area

Late winter and early spring snowfall transitioned into a drawn-out and wet spring. This helped get the region out of prolonged drought conditions and provided excellent forage throughout the summer. Some extremely late snow did have some negative effects in Lake County to some populations of fawns and other young of the year.

Keno, Klamath Falls, Sprague, Ft Rock, and Interstate WMUs

DEER

Overall, populations in Klamath County are decreasing slightly. Klamath Falls, Keno, and Interstate WMUs are above buck ratio management objectives (MO).

Winter conditions were moderate this year and spring fawn ratios were at or slightly below maintenance levels to maintain current populations for the second year in a row, which is an improvement over the last few years.

The district-wide spring fawn ratio was slightly higher than the previous year on the east side of the South-Central Area and similar to recent years on the west side. Yearling bucks (last year's fawns) generally comprise over half the buck harvest.

Hunters should concentrate efforts in areas with healthy understory vegetation or thinned areas that offer good forage availability adjacent to cover, especially if weather is hot and dry.

In the absence of significant moisture before or during the hunt, expect deer to be more nocturnal in their movements and focus on areas within a few miles of water. Deer will also select dried up, seasonal creeks.

Summer wildfire activity has been low in Klamath County, though conditions remain extremely dry. Fire related restrictions on campfires will likely remain in place through much of the early fall hunting seasons.

Always check with the landowner/ land manager before starting your hunting trip. You'll find links to Forest Service, BLM and other landowner websites with updated fire closure information here, and additional updates in the Recreation Report. As the hunter it is your responsibility to make sure the area you plan to hunt is open and accessible.

ELK

The Cascade Mountains (that area within Klamath County west of Hwy 97) offer the best opportunities for elk hunting in the Klamath District. The Keno Unit and those areas within the Sprague and Fort Rock Units west of Hwy 97 are limited entry only (231X-SE Cascades) through controlled hunts. Bull ratios are above management objective and some older age bulls are available. Best prospects are in the Keno and Fort Rock Units.

Elk numbers are lower in the eastern part of the county, and rifle seasons east of Hwy 97 are controlled hunts. Overall population trends are stable to slightly increasing in some areas but still below population management objectives. General season archery hunters will have a bull-only bag limit in all units except for the Fort Rock unit east of Hwy 97 where an either-sex bag limit is in effect.

BEAR and COUGAR

The Cascade Mountains region (Keno, Sprague, Fort Rock west of Hwy97) and the Interstate Unit have the highest concentrations of bears in the Klamath region. Hunters are reminded to purchase bear and cougar tags prior to opening day of buck season. Hunters can purchase an additional general fall bear tag.

Though cougar populations appear stable, harvest in the units is generally low. Harvest of cougars is generally incidental to deer and elk hunting and is evenly distributed throughout the district. Focused cougar hunting efforts are most successful later in the year after low elevation snow events when tracks can be observed. Finding a fresh cougar kill, or using a predator call, can also be an effective way to hunt cougars.

East Interstate, Silver Lake, East Fort Rock, Warner, and West Beatys Butte WMUs

DEER

Populations in Lake County continue to be below management objectives. Significant wildfires occurring in the Interstate and Silver Lake WMU's between 2018 and 2021 have created some improved habitat conditions generally, and mule deer in those areas are responding favorably. Fall of 2024 post season herd composition surveys showed an average of 57 fawns per 100 does across the County, which is higher than we've seen in recent years and reflects improved nutritional landscapes in the forested areas post-fire. Overwinter survival was mixed with some areas receiving significant precipitation and cold temperatures, especially in February. Overall, hunters should expect to see average to slightly above average numbers of yearling bucks with older age bucks available to those with a bit more patience.

While significant precipitation has come with many of this summer's thunderstorms, fire weather conditions have been in the "extreme" category for the past several weeks. You will find links to Forest Service, BLM and other landowner websites with updated fire restrictions and closure information here, and additional updates in the Recreation Report. As a hunter, it's your responsibility to make sure the area you plan to hunt is open and accessible.

At the time of writing, no large wildfires are active in Lake Co.

Some suggested areas to hunt and further breakdowns for hunters less familiar with the Lake District:

East Interstate Unit
Buck ratios remain strong, though measured adult doe survival continues to be low. Fawn recruitment has improved markedly in the last 2 years but remains insufficient to compensate for adult mortality rates. Much of this unit was impacted by wildfires occurring from 2018-2021. Portions of these burns have begun to produce higher quality forage and therefore are attractive to deer. Other portions were more severely burned and have yet to begin producing forage.

Targeting the areas along the fringes of these fires with new growth and water could be a good strategy. Hunters reported good success last year, primarily due to the increased observability of the deer within those fire-scars. If you are hunting in the fire scars, be aware of snags that tend to fall in windstorms.

Silver Lake Unit
While as much as 18 percent of the unit burned in the Bootleg fire of 2021, most of the unit remains unaffected by wildfire. Buck and fawn ratios improved over the previous years, which could lead to improved yearling buck numbers along with improved overall buck numbers.

Some of the areas within the Bootleg fire scar that are producing substantial growth could be a good place to look, along with prior burns with shrub growth. Harvest success was average last season, with yearlings comprising half of the harvest.

Warner Unit
Deer numbers remain low, however buck ratios continue to be above MO. Those hunting Warner should look to spend lots of time behind binoculars and spotting scopes glassing open pockets and aspen thickets at dawn and dusk. Many of the forested portions of Warner have been undergoing forest-health improvements through thinning and timber sales which should help promote beneficial forage for deer.

Another strategy could be to walk through the aspen thickets, as many of the deer will bed down and not leave those during the day. However, the visibility is low, and the vegetation is thick. North Warner harvest remained relatively stable, and south Warner harvest rebounded from a tough 2023.

East Fort Rock Unit
Buck ratios remain above MO, however due to the migratory nature and large summer range of Fort Rock deer, locating them on their summer range can be tricky. Natural openings or old clearcuts with shrubs in the understory within a few miles of springs and riparian areas are going to be the most productive. Hunter harvest returned to the typical levels in 2024, with archery season continuing to see an uptick in participation and success.

ELK

Elk populations in the district are generally stable but low when compared to other areas of the state. Elk season should be fair to good depending on weather conditions. The Fort Rock and Silver Lake units offer the best opportunity for elk hunting in the Lake District. However, herds are at relatively low densities and cover a lot of country, so hunter success is typically low.

As a reminder, hunters should stay up to date with public land closures prior to their hunt beginning. The Cabin Lake-Silver Lake Winter Range closure goes into effect on Dec. 1 and will limit motorized vehicle access to much of the North Lake cow tag area. This is an annual closure designed to limit disturbance to wintering deer and elk.

The elk are most consistent in their daily patterns near alfalfa fields. Hunters should select their target animal carefully when elk are in open country in large herds to avoid wounding or hitting multiple animals.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear numbers are on the rise throughout the forested units, but still lower than other, more timbered portions of the state. Hunters focusing on bear generally have the best success finding an area with fresh sign, then using predator calls. The berry crop is poor this year, so bears may have increased movement compared to years where they are concentrated on a food source. Look for ripe berries and wild plums along old logging roadbeds as those make up the bulk of a bear's diet this time of year.

Cougar populations have been slightly increasing for many years. Harvest has been stable over the past 3-5 years, largely because most cougar harvest is incidental to other outdoor pursuits. Remember to carry a cougar tag when hunting deer and elk. Predator calling can be an effective method, but locating and sitting on a fresh kill can lead to the most success.

 

Southeast Area

ODFW wishes people the best under this last year of the traditional deer hunting structure and cautions that the names, numbers, hunt areas, and tag allocations will change significantly in 2026. We urge deer hunters to visit https://myodfw.com/articles/eastern-oregon-deer-hunts starting now to prepare for the upcoming 2026 Controlled Hunts and Hunting Season.

Silvies, Malheur River, Steens Mt, Juniper, Beatys Butte, Wagontire WMUs

This past winter came early in Harney County. Snow events occurring in November and December gave way to above average snowfall. January stayed relatively dry but was soon followed by heavy snowfall in February. March temperatures warmed which brought heavy snowmelt but was followed by a dry spring. Summer precipitation events were above average, and sporadic rain was not uncommon for the county. Temperatures are now cooling down going into the fall season.

DEER

All Harney County units are currently below population management objective (MO) for deer. Most populations declined steadily after the harsh winter of 2016-2017 and have somewhat stabilized since 2020. Buck-to-doe ratios are above MO for Malheur River, Trout Creeks, Beatys Butte, Juniper, and Silvies units however hunter success is expected to stay around the average for what it has been the past 5 years.

ELK

Elk populations are stable in most portions of the Harney District. Elk populations are not above management objective (MO) in Malheur River, Silvies, and High Desert units. Bull ratios have declined in recent years and as a result hunter success rates have also declined. Hunter success for elk hunts is forecasted to remain relative to that of the five-year average.

BEAR and COUGAR

Harvest rates for bear and cougar have been stable over the past five years with this year seeing an increase in bear harvest. Always carry a tag just in case you cross paths with either of these predators. For bear and cougar, focus on prey species that they utilize.

Coyote

Coyote hunting in the county should be good. Remember to ask permission before hunting private property. Best times for calling are in the early morning and late evening.

Beulah, Owyhee, East Whitehorse WMUs

DEER

Beulah Unit
More deer, elevated buck ratios, and optimal weather made the 2024 Beulah hunting season better than anticipated. The unit saw an overall success rate of 53 percent for its buck hunts. That represented a 25 percent increase in total buck harvest compared to the prior 6-year average. This drove post-season buck ratios down to the management objective of 15 bucks per 100 does. Unfortunately, poor late season forage conditions, high snowpack, and delayed breakup resulted in considerable winterkill of deer throughout the southeastern Blue Mountains and associated herd ranges. Biologists expect fewer available yearling bucks and success rates to decline notably in 2025. While plenty of opportunities still exist, finding bucks will be more difficult. However, if you do harvest one, there is a better chance it will be a more mature animal.

Owyhee Unit
In contrast to Beulah, snow accumulation in the Owyhee and Whitehorse units was minimal. Stable-to-increasing fawn ratios and largely increased buck ratios in Owyhee will make for more deer and more bucks to harvest in 2025. While ODFW has remained conservative with tag allocations following winter 2016, 2025 marks the third consecutive year of tag increases. Hunter success has remained relatively high during that time and 2025 should be as productive a hunting season Owyhee has had since 2016.

East Whitehorse Unit
A mild winter and jump in buck ratios should make for an improved 2025 hunting season. East Whitehorse remains a low-density deer unit with a majority of its population migrating in from Idaho in late fall-early winter. This makes weather a major factor in deer occupancy during hunting season. The more time you spend before, during, and after season identifying migration behavior and pinpointing resident deer, the better your chances of harvest success during hunting seasons. ODFW recommends high ridges and topographical gradients in and around riparian corridors as the best landscape features to encounter deer.

Trout Creek Mountains 
The 2025 population estimate of the Trout Creeks herd range showed an initial decline in deer numbers in the Trout Creek Mountains. Although declines have not been detected in the Trout Creeks for several decades, ODFW will continue to monitor the ongoing health of the herd there. Little effect is anticipated on the Trout Creeks hunting experience as buck ratios remain above management objective and overall hunt quality will remain with low numbers of tags allocated. Deer will be spread throughout the unit at the mid and high elevations as elevated water tables have made water sources readily available despite dry weather conditions this summer. Challenging, high-elevation terrain can make finding deer difficult at times, but persistence and willingness to get downslope in big canyons or hike into high plateaus will pay dividends.

ELK

Beulah Unit
Elk populations in the Beulah remain healthy. However, an already unpredictable hunting experience will be more complex in 2025 as elk redistribute and adjust seasonal patterns in response to the loss of major winter range in the Cow Valley and Durkee wildfires of 2024. Traditional success rates of 20% are idealistic this early season as herds appear smaller but more dispersed over the landscape. Late season hunts will continue to be dependent on weather as elk move out of the national forest to the north and down across the woodland and sage to agricultural valleys in the far southern and eastern portions of the unit. The more time you can spend in the area during the Any Elk late seasons, the better your chances are of filling your tag.

Whitehorse and Owyhee Units
The Whitehorse and Owyhee units are part of the High Desert Any Legal Weapon hunt area but can also be hunted on a General Archery Season tag or an antlerless ALW Tag for the respective unit. The Whitehorse unit has very few elk with the majority found along the Oregon-Idaho border and throughout travel corridors in the winter months. The Owyhee unit is also a low-density desert elk unit but has several areas holding additional elk as herds in adjacent units expand.

Healthy sagebrush systems, rolling hills and basalt buttresses away from roads on the north and west side of the Owyhee unit are the best places to see elk. Elk in both units can be difficult to find due to their nomadic nature. Being mobile and covering as much ground as possible while glassing from high points can be a productive strategy hunting in open country. Small basins, pockets, and draws can turn up desert elk in unexpected places.

BEAR and COUGAR

Cougar densities are low, and animals are widely distributed throughout the district in areas where there is a big game prey base available. Early season cougar hunting is difficult as cats ranges expand in response to the mobility and dispersal of summer prey. Hunting gets easier as prey congregates on winter grounds and cougar consequently move into these areas.

Bear harvest in the Beulah unit is up so far early in the Fall General Season of 2025. If interested and hunting other species there this fall, this would be a good year to have a bear tag available as well in case the opportunity arises.

Southwest Area

Black-tailed deer research is ongoing in several wildlife management units in the southwest area. Preliminary results show the local deer population is stable or slightly higher than previously projected.

The long-term weather forecasts indicate El Niño conditions will develop this fall. Often this creates an extended fire season. Hunters need to check with landowners to determine their access policies, particularly on private lands in the early fall.

W Tioga, Powers, and portions of Sixes WMUs

The Coos Mountain Access Area is open. Only roads marked with green dots are open to vehicle traffic. All other roads are open to walk-in access or bike access. E-bikes are considered motor vehicles and are restricted to green dot roads. Private landowners within the Coos Mountain Access Area may close roads on a case-by-case basis for administrative purposes such as logging or road construction.

DEER

Populations in the district have been increasing over the past several years. ODFW survey and research work has indicated deer populations in many parts of the Tioga, Sixes and Powers units are high in comparison to population levels of the early 2000s. However, they may have leveled off in more recent years.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's fall and winter weather forecast indicates there is a higher likelihood that we will experience La Niña weather conditions this year than last year. La Niña conditions result in wetter and cooler conditions. Usually there is a greater likelihood of snow accumulation in higher elevations and flooding in lower elevations. If this forecast plays out hunters should expect more rain during the fall seasons and snow accumulation later. This will cause deer to focus on feeding on south slopes where sun exposure warms the soil resulting in better vegetative growth.

Hunters with early season bow tags should still focus on north slopes since the feed will be better there. Hunters with tags for later in the fall may find better opportunities on south slopes. ODFW research has shown that local deer prefer grassy clearcuts. While they feed both on browse and grass, research has shown grass is a more important component in their preferred habitats. As a result, hunters should look for young clear-cuts dominated by grasses and forbs.

Winter survival for deer was good. There were some reports of mortality due to Deer Hair Loss Syndrome, but this impact was not significant. Based on surveys conducted after the close of the season last year, the buck ratios locally are at the benchmark for deer. Last year also indicated a relatively large fawn crop with good survival so deer populations may increase.

Fire-related conditions and closures may change at any time. Hunters can find local fire information on the Coos Forest Protective Association's website.

ELK

Elk in the Sixes, Powers and Tioga Units are at or close to the management objectives. However, with relatively low calf ratios, elk populations in local units may be in a declining trend. Bull ratios looked better in Powers Unit from these surveys. Also, the bull ratio appears to be strong in the Sixes Unit. However, the bull ratio may be down in Tioga Unit. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions during the survey period Tioga was not surveyed well this year. ODFW will be watching the bull ratio in Tioga closely.

Private timber lands can be very productive due to timber harvest activities, though hunters will need to find out if there is public access to these properties. Public land with thinning operations also can be good places to concentrate hunting effort. Elk on the coast will look for areas with minimal disturbance and relatively flat terrain. Experienced hunters will use a map to find places with low road density and relatively flat topography.

BEAR and COUGAR

The highest bear densities appear to be near the Umpqua River close to the coast. Anecdotally it appears bear populations were negatively affected by the winters of 2021-22 and 2022-23 in Coos and coastal Douglas Counties. It appears bear numbers locally may have declined those winters possibly due to the poor berry production that occurred during the corresponding summers. This year, however, it appears bears survived better. So, hunters should find reasonably high bear populations this year.

Bear hunting opportunities will be best near blackberry patches and streams in the early part of the fall season. These patches can be found in creek bottoms and clearcuts or along deactivated forest roads that are "brushing in." Good moisture early in the growing season and warm conditions have contributed to a very good wild fruit production year. Bears will be keying in on blackberries and other wild fruits until those options go away in the later fall. Bears can be taken with a tree stand or ground blind set up near berry patches or fruit trees associated with old homesteads. They tend to get comfortable going to these places to feed and are less wary.

The berry crop of 2024 seems to be very good. Black berries are plentiful, and the berries themselves are large and full. Other berry sources such as evergreen huckle berries, thimble berries and cascara are productive this year, as well. This means there should be waves of berry production through the summer and fall. Bears will use this to their advantage. Bear hunters should, too.

In addition, calls imitating calf elk or fawn deer might bring bears to the hunter. Because bears are big predators that can move through the woods almost silently, it's a good idea to hunt in pairs. One person should call while the other keeps an eye out. Many experienced bear callers recommend calling continuously for longer than you might for other predators. This is because bears seem to lose interest if calling is sporadic.

Cougars are difficult to locate in Coos County. Most cougars are taken incidentally during deer and elk seasons by hunters who have also purchased a cougar tag.

Other hunters find success using predator calls in areas where the hunter finds fresh cougar sign or areas where deer and elk concentrate. Cougars will often approach calls slowly and they are easily distracted if calling is not consistent. Many cougar hunters find electronic calls to be useful tools to hunt cougars. Fawn or calf distress calls may be the best choice for hunting.

Dixon, Indigo, Evans Creek, Melrose, E Tioga and NE Powers WMUs

DEER and ELK

Deer hunting should be good again in Douglas County this fall. Last fall's survey numbers were decent for deer; we had another mild winter and no major disease issues. Wildfires in the Cascades over the last few years have created some great habitat and the deer are taking advantage of it. The deer population in the western portions of the county seems to be holding stable and hunters should see similar numbers to last season.

Hunters should be aware there is no longer a gap in the Cascade units for general deer season. It now runs the same time as the rest of western Oregon general deer season - Oct. 4 - Nov. 7 for 2025.

Elk numbers in the Tioga Unit are close to population management objective and doing well. Higher elevation elk populations in the Cascades continue to trend downward, and elk will be difficult to find in these areas.

Elk hunters in the Cascades have averaged around a 5 percent success rate over the past few years and this year is expected to be similar. Cascade elk rifle season is Nov. 8-14 this year.

All archery and rifle hunters in the first part of the season should be monitoring fire restrictions and access issues. Check access restrictions where you are planning to hunt. The Oregon Department of Forestry fire page has links for corporate timber closures and fire danger levels.

Also be sure to double-check the ownership of timber company land you wish to hunt. New companies are purchasing land in the area and public access policies are changing.

Hunters should be looking at clearcuts, thinnings or wildfire scars for deer and elk. Recent fires in the Dixon, Evans Creek and Indigo units are already producing good forage and cover for deer. Focus on fire scars from 2020.

Hunters unfamiliar with this area are advised to hunt smarter, not harder. Use Google Earth, Google Maps (satellite layer) or other available apps such as OnX to explore the area with a birds-eye view to get an idea of the terrain and vegetation. Maps from the Forest Service/BLM/Local Fire Protection Association will also help to locate areas away from roads and crowds.

Still, the strongest deer and elk populations occur on private lands where timber harvest results in improved forage. Please remember to check access restrictions before hunting on private land.

BEAR and COUGAR

There was another good berry crop this year; hunters should be looking for ripe berries to locate bears. Predator calling can also yield good results, focus on using a fawn distress call in early morning and late evening. During hot weather, bears will be found around cooler wet drainages, with the best times in early morning and late evenings. Hunters can expect a good harvest year as bear numbers continue to be high.

Cougars are found throughout the district and can be hunted all year long. They are challenging to hunt, but many hunters increase their odds by using predator calls along major ridgelines. Don't forget to purchase a tag since most cougars taken are by hunters pursuing other species.

Applegate, Chetco, Evans Creek, Rogue, portions of Dixon, and Sixes WMUs

DEER

Current data shows the recent 3-year average buck ratio is above benchmark within the district. In general, the Rogue, Dixon, Evans Creek and Applegate units within Jackson County have mostly migratory deer populations. Most of the winter migration happens somewhere around mid-October. Hunting at elevations above 4,000 feet during the first half of the season and below 4,000 after deer have migrated, may be a great strategy.

The concentration of migratory deer on winter range during the rut provides especially good hunting opportunity for archery hunters in the Evans Creek and Rogue, and for muzzleloader hunters with a tag for the Applegate. Deer in Josephine and Curry counties are more likely to be found at all elevations throughout the season, only getting pushed out of the higher elevations with large weather events.

Big game hunting statistics indicate that most units within Jackson, Josephine and Curry counties had a hunter success last year consistent with previous years. The Rogue Unit's hunter success in the general deer rifle season was 24 percent, Evans Creek 47 percent, Applegate 36 percent and Chetco 47 percent success. However, over the past five years deer hunter harvest has remained roughly the same or slightly increasing in all five units, indicating that this year should be the same. Compared to 2024, there will be slightly wetter conditions, yet hunters should still be aware of any potential fire restrictions and take that into consideration while determining areas to hunt.

Remember to check local restrictions on campfires and hunting on private timber company land during fire season.

ELK

Elk hunters had a similar success rate in 2024 compared to previous years. For archery hunters, early season elk may not be very vocal and locating them may be more difficult than later in the season. During the early season when it's hotter and drier, look for water sources and cool/shaded north facing hillsides where elk tend to spend their time during the heat of the day.

As the season progresses and cooler temperatures prevail, elk will begin the rut. They will become more vocal, and cow-calling or bugling may be a great way to locate them. Keep in mind that food consumption in preparation for the winter will also be a priority for elk. Grassy pocket meadows and windswept ridgelines may be a great place to hunt.

During the Cascade Any Weapon Elk season, ODFW partners with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to implement the Upper Rogue Travel Management Area. This provides larger road-closure areas in the High Cascades Ranger District of the RRSNF. Hunters should focus on this closure area as it can provide elk with an escape from more heavily trafficked roads, which they tend to avoid. Upper Rogue and other TMA maps can be found here https://www.dfw.state.or.us/maps/.

This year the Cascade elk season will be slightly earlier than last year so hunters should be mindful of potential weather-related impacts that may occur on travel and camping. On the coast, both seasons of the Chetco unit-controlled rifle hunt showed the same consistent hunter success as in previous years.

BEAR and COUGAR

Bear numbers remain high in all units. Densities in southwest Oregon are high with Applegate continuing to produce the highest harvest in the district and third highest in the state during fall season.

Berry crops in many areas are abundant as of mid-August, most likely due to the wet weather we had this spring as well as good snowpack we had this past winter. To find bears, look for the areas with blackberries, huckleberries, manzanita berries, choke cherries, acorns and for recent feeding activity by bears (fresh droppings). Depending on the weather, the bears may be at these food sources all day or towards the late afternoon.

Hunters may also find success by using fawn-in-distress calls to draw bears out from heavy cover. Set up in a spot that gives you a good view of the area and keeps your scent away from approaching bears. A fawn-in-distress call may also draw in other predators like cougar, bobcat, coyote and fox.

Cougar numbers continue to remain stable. Because of their elusiveness, cougars are best hunted during other big game seasons, although hunters have had success with predator calls. Targeting cougars after recent snows where tracking conditions are good can be successful. Cougars have large home ranges and use major ridgelines to travel. If you know a cougar has moved through an area, they likely will again. Going back to the same area as often as possible increases your chances. Be prepared this hunting season and purchase a cougar tag just in case you happen to run into one.