2025 spring bear hunting forecast

Statewide prospects

Bear emergence is closely tied to green up, when forbs and grasses start to emerge. These are important food sources for bears as they emerge from their dens.

The timing of green up, and bear emergence, will vary in parts of the state depending on winter snowpack and spring conditions. In areas with heavier snowpack, higher elevations won't be accessible until later in the season.

This year hunters should be prepared for snow and/or downed timber blocking roads. It might pay to have a back-up hunting location in case your original location is inaccessible. Please keep vehicles off wet and muddy roads to avoid damaging roads and fish and wildlife habitat.

Hunters often use this hunting season as an opportunity to scout new hunting areas for next fall's deer and elk seasons, turkey hunt or collect shed antlers. Remember it's legal to take naturally shed antlers, but not skulls with antlers attached. More information on shed hunting.

9 tips to be a better bear hunter

An avid bear hunter, and ODFW wildlife biologist, offers his tips for being a better bear hunter:‌

1. Watch conditions, not the calendar, for the start of the "season."
2. Save the midday hours for lunching and napping.
3. Start your season with some early or pre-season scouting.
4. Start walking later in the season.
5. Consider calf and fawn distress calls.
6. Stay downwind.
7. Remember it's illegal to harvest cubs and sows with cubs – err on the side of caution.
8. Take special care field dressing.
9. Check in your bear after the hunt.

Ready to read more? Check out 9 tips to be a better bear hunter on MyODFW.com.‌

Regulations

Check-in your bear

Successful bear hunters must check-in their bear’s skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of the harvest so biologists can collect a tooth and other biological information.

Please call your local ODFW office in advance to make sure a field biologist is available or to make an appointment. When you arrive, please make sure the bear’s skull is unfrozen.

Here’s more information you’ll need to check your bear in.

Report your hunt

All hunters who purchase a 2024 spring bear tag are required to report their hunt results online or at a license agent no later than Jan. 31, 2024. Reporting is required even for those who did not hunt or were unsuccessful. ODFW uses this information to determine harvest and effort, and set future hunting regulations.

2024 black bear harvest #s

In 2024 hunters reported harvesting 1,939 black bears in Oregon – 844 during the spring season and 1,095 in the fall. The links below break down these harvest numbers by WMUs.‌

• 2024 western Oregon black bear harvest (pdf)
• 2024 eastern Oregon black bear harvest (pdf)

Northwest/Willamette area -- Hunt 710A

The north Coast and north Cascade hunts have been combined into one hunt area now called 710A – NW Oregon. This hunt is made up WMUs 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 19.

Saddle Mtn – Scappoose units

Current data shows that bears are distributed throughout the Saddle Mtn Unit, with higher densities in the western half of the unit. There are very few bears harvested in the Scappoose unit. To find bears, hunters need to concentrate their efforts early in the season near food sources like skunk cabbage (typically found along riparian zones and wet bottomlands) and grass patches on south and southwest facing slopes.‌ Given the mild winter conditions this year, expect bears to be mobile early in the season.

Following a few sunny days, clear-cuts or open areas adjacent to drainages can also provide spot-and-stalk opportunities for foraging or traveling bears. As spring brings in warm sunny days, snow free areas where green-up is proceeding more rapidly can be very productive as hungry bears may utilize these areas during much of the day. As in most years, general bear activity should improve as weather patterns move away from freezing snaps and become more stable.‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. In the Saddle Mtn. unit, road access is available in the Clatsop State Forest. Non-motorized access to many private industrial forestlands is available but check with the landowner before you enter their lands.

The Scappoose Unit has very little public land available to hunt, and bears will be found primarily on private industrial forestlands. Most hunters contact private industrial forestland managers or go online to determine access policies. To protect future access, hunters are reminded to read and follow all rules posted near entry gates to private industrial forestland.‌

Wilson - Trask units

Spring green-up seems to be on track with many plants starting to come to life. Keep in mind that late freezing weather and snow could still come along and set this back, especially at higher elevations. Wet weather and cloud cover may delay some early season blooms, but green-up should develop more rapidly as sunny weather continues to be more present along the coast. Spring bears will target these blooming areas as well as grassy slopes (usually south-facing).‌

Barring any late snowfall, much of the Trask and Wilson units should be open to public access, even at higher elevations. Black bear concentrations tend to be highest in the western portion of the units, especially in the southwestern corner of the Trask Unit. ‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. State and federal lands in these units include the Tillamook and Clatsop state forests, Siuslaw National Forest and scattered BLM parcels.

Some private industrial forestland owners allow spring bear hunting as well, usually on a walk-in or mountain bike-in basis. Hunters are reminded to contact private industrial forestland managers or go online to determine access policies before hunting.

Small private forest and agriculture lands dominate the eastern side of the Trask Unit; access is typically by permission only. A reminder that most Weyerhaeuser lands are likely to be managed under a fee access policy.‌

Santiam & McKenzie units

Bear densities remain good in the north and central Cascades. Fire closures in many areas have been lifted, but hunters will need to check with Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests about ongoing forest closures. Some of the areas previously closed because of fires could be good areas to target, especially if the fire severity was low to moderate.

The snowpack is in the Willamette Basin is about average, so hunters may have some difficulty accessing certain locations until early to mid-May, especially on north facing roads and slopes. Hunters should check road conditions and access before heading out, especially early in the season. The NRCS/USDA Oregon Snow Survey is a great resource for information on snowpack. Fortunately, hunters typically experience the highest success in the last 2-3 weeks of the season.‌

If you want to get out early, start along riparian corridors at lower elevations and focus on south and southwest facing slopes. The key to early success is to target days with some sun and mild weather. As green up starts to occur later in the season bears can be found feeding in clear cuts and grassy meadows. Obviously finding freshly torn up stumps and scat indicate a bear is in the area. Bears will often feed in the same area for multiple days at a time, so these areas are good spots to target. ‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. The boundary changed recently to include all of the McKenzie and Santiam units. However, many private timber companies still do not allow access. Make sure you check on access before you go hunting. ‌

Hunters can find good concentrations of bears in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness Area. The Forest Service has been doing meadow restoration projects that, once free of snow, often have good grass growth the bears will key in on. Hunters can find these areas on Google Earth. Other area to look include the Santiam State Forest, up the Breitenbush drainage, and in some of the "checkerboard" properties owned by USFS and private timber companies. In the McKenzie, hunting is best late in the season in some of the old, brushy clear-cuts in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Willamette River and South Fork McKenzie drainages.

Alsea & Stott Mt. units

This winter, the Coast Range experienced relatively normal weather patterns. Spring green-up has begun in the lowlands near the ocean and in some creek drainages. Skunk cabbage blooms are starting to appear, indicating that bear emergence will begin any day now. Although May is typically the best month for bear hunting, the entire season can be productive if the weather remains warm and green-up continues.

The black bear population is abundant, especially in areas with mixed forest habitats, such as clear-cuts, second growth, older growth, and meadows. Bear densities are notably higher in the western half of the Alsea and Stott Mountain units. Freshly sprouted grasses and other vegetation, like skunk cabbage, serve as important early food sources for black bears.

Hunters should first concentrate on low-elevation meadows, riparian areas, and wetlands rich in newly growing vegetation. As spring progresses, bears will migrate to higher elevations, including managed timberlands (thinned areas, clear-cuts, etc.) and montane meadows. When hunting in these higher elevation areas, focus on south—and southeast-facing slopes.

Bears often travel on bermed or gated forest roads. Walk along these roads and use binoculars to spot bears in open areas such as meadows and clear-cuts. Another effective strategy is to use a fawn or calf call during May, when elk and deer begin to fawn and calve. Bears will typically target their young as a food source. Find an area with fresh bear signs and attempt to call them in. When hunting bears, take measures to minimize your scent, as bears have a keen sense of smell.

It is illegal to harvest cubs of the year or a sow with cubs of the year. Sows generally emerge from winter hibernation later than boars but remain active throughout the season. Be patient and observe bears before making a harvest to ensure they do not have cubs with them. Always adhere to Oregon hunting regulations and remember to check in your bear at an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) office within ten days of your harvest. Call ahead to make an appointment. Good luck this year!

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. Access is good on mainline forest roads but expect numerous roads to have extensive tree fall due to windstorms that hit the mid-coast. Some roads will be impassable until the roads are cut open. Always check with private timber landowners (e.g., Weyerhaeuser, Manulife, Starker forests, Hampton Timber, Sierra Pacific) for recreational access questions and permits. Also, pay attention to the travel management restriction signs in the Stott Mountain/North Alsea Travel Management Area (West TMA, East TMA). Remember, roads designated with a yellow or white sign that reads "No Motorized Vehicles" are closed to all vehicles, including electric bicycles.‌

Watch out for log trucks and logging activity while on forest roads. Obey "Closed due to Logging Activities" signs as these areas can be dangerous while logging activities are occurring.‌

Southwest Area -- Hunt 722A

This hunt includes all the southwest Oregon wildlife management units (20-30), except within one mile of the Rogue River between Grave and Lobster creeks, and the BLM North Bank Habitat Management Area in Roseburg. These areas are closed. ‌

Bear numbers in the southwest are relatively high and likely increasing. However, the bear population density is highest closer to the coast in the Coast Range. Bear numbers are also very high in the Southern Cascades and Siskiyou mountains, including the Applegate, Rogue, and Evans Creek WMUs.‌

Black bear hunting this spring should be good right from the start of the season. We have had a relatively average winter and our snowpack in the mid elevation is moderate so the grass green up bears rely on this time of year should start mid-April.‌

Storm events late in the winter this year brought significant wind. It is likely that wind blew down timber in many areas. Downed trees will likely be an issue for hunter access to some areas in the Coast Range. Hunters should be prepared to deal with downed trees or have a backup plan for hunting locations in the event they can't get to their preferred hunting areas.‌

Typically, May is the better month to hunt as bears will be moving around more prior to the June rut, and vegetation growth accelerates with warmer temperatures. Also, by May most roads have been cleared of downed trees.‌

Boars tend to emerge from their dens earlier than sows and cubs. Remember it's illegal to harvest a sow with cubs. In general, it's good to start the season by glassing open hillsides during sunny mornings and evenings. Bears will most likely be out at this time feeding on grasses and anything else that can fill their bellies.‌

The southwest Cascade Range is above average for total precipitation and above average snow water equivalent this year, but conditions vary greatly across the southwest region. Hunters should check here for specific information.‌

The southwest Coast Range had extensive snow events this winter but most of it should be melted off (except higher elevations in Siskiyou mountains) by the April 1 opening date. Due to heavy snow and ice, a lot of roads will be blocked by trees and branches. Be prepared to traverse alternate routes due to road blockages. Green-up is starting in the creek bottoms now and will progress to higher elevations and clear cuts as the season warms up and goes into May. ‌

Hunters are encouraged to keep checking the website for updates as the hunting season approaches and throughout the duration of the season. In general, lower elevations tend to green up first so hunters should focus their efforts there during the early part of the season, and then move up in elevation as the snow melts. Early in the season, focus on bear foraging evidence and tracks. After a couple weeks, bear digestive tracts will become more active and scat will serve as another indicator of bear activity.‌

Increased bear activity will most likely occur on decommissioned untraveled skid roads with high grass production. When bears are active, they will be looking to feed in these grassy openings or similar meadow-type ranges. Coastal wetlands, mid-elevation meadows, mountain prairies and riparian areas are other good places to look for bears. Hunters with access to private timberlands will find bears in clear-cuts, either feeding on green grass or tearing apart stumps looking for insects. Focus on south-facing hillsides in the early mornings and evenings, typically bears will be more active during these times.‌

Please be mindful of road access conditions. Even this winter's mild snowfall has the potential to create impassable snowdrifts, especially on north-facing slopes. Hunters may want to drive roads they intend to hunt ahead of time to make sure that the roads are passable.‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. Hunters have access to plenty of public land including national forestland (Siuslaw, Rogue-Siskiyou, and Umpqua), BLM land and state-managed property like Elliott State Forest. Hunters should do their homework and call private timberland companies as some offer access. Local landowners include Weyerhaeuser, Rayonier, Financial Investment Associates (FIA), Roseburg Forest Products, and Lone Rock Timber Co.‌

Hunters can access public land and some private timberland through the Jackson Cooperative Travel Management Area (JACTMA). JACTMA restricts use of certain roads through April 30; for a map contact an ODFW office or download a free geo-referenced pdf. Remember lands within one mile of the Rogue River between Grave and Lobster creeks are closed. The eastern portion of the Applegate unit has open timber draws and south-facing meadows that provide good glassing opportunities to locate feeding bears.‌

Columbia Area -- Hunt 741A

Bear densities remain high in the Hood and White River WMUs, especially in forested areas. In general bear densities are slightly higher in the western portion of the hunt area (Hood WMU) but be aware that dense vegetation on National Forest land can make it difficult to spot bears.‌

Lower elevations across the hunt area are great for spot-and-stalk hunting. Areas that have been logged or have other recent disturbance can provide good glassing opportunities, especially on county forest and private timberlands west of the Hood River valley. As you move higher into more densely forested portions of the hunt area, look for scat, turned over logs and rocks to indicate that bears are using the area. Slowly walking gated roads with abundant grass along the edges can also be a successful tactic to hunt more densely vegetated areas. ‌

The edges of the major drainages, such as White River, Badger Creek and Tygh Creek should be good places to find bears in the eastern edge of the hunt area. The White River burn is open to walk-in access and should provide excellent spring forage and open hillsides for hunters to glass. ‌

Forested areas south of Mosier provide plenty of open hillsides and oak dominated areas in the western portion of the unit. Good optics and patience while glassing in these areas should increase your odds of spotting a bear.‌

Due to recent warm temperatures, snow is starting to melt off and forage is beginning to green up at lower elevations. As of now, most forest roads are clear and accessible up to 3,500 feet. As the snow melts, focus on higher elevations and follow the green up in vegetation.

Bears are beginning to emerge and be more active on the landscape. Bears will be the most active in late April into May providing the greatest opportunity to locate and harvest a bear.‌

Locations: The western edge of the hunt unit has a significant amount of private land owned by Hood River County Forest and private timber companies. These private timberlands are primarily owned by Green Diamond and Twin Creeks Timber and are open to the public to access. The portion of Twin Creeks Timber between Lost Lake Rd and Green Pt Rd is closed to the public.

Access will remain the same as in previous years, but please obey all posted signs and drive only on designated open roads in this area. Up to date information on access and closures can be found on the Green Diamond website here. Utilizing a private mapping software such as OnX is a great tool to identify landownership and locate old burns.

South Central Area -- Hunt 731A

Snowpack is well above average due to the significant amount of snow we received this winter. While some of the lowlands are snow-free, the foothills and higher up in the mountains still contain up to several feet of snow. The current warm stretch will likely remedy some of the access problems in the lower elevations of Lake County, but later snow events are probable.

Access will be limited in many areas early in the season, so look for warm weather stretches to open new habitat as the season progresses.‌ While many roads may be free of snow, mud will continue to be an issue as the higher elevation snow melts. Please be cognizant of road conditions and avoid driving on soft or muddy roads.

Bear populations continue to increase throughout the hunt area but remain lower than other portions of the state. Historically the highest bear densities are in the Cascade Mountains with lower densities in the drier, ponderosa pine forest area further east in the hunt area. However, over the past several years there have been population increases in the Silver Lake, Warner and Interstate WMU's as well as increased hunter success in these units.‌

Bear activity will increase as the season progresses, as the temperatures warm and more food becomes available. This increase in activity will result in more bears moving around and increasing the odds of hunters encountering a bear. Often, the afternoon/evening can be the best time of the day.‌

Locations: As mentioned above, the highest density bear populations occur in the Cascades, in this case, the Keno and western Sprague units. Hunting access is limited, even in the southern portions of the Keno Unit. Many two-track roads and trails will be too muddy to drive on without causing damage to the road. Access should improve by later in the season. Please respect private property and avoid driving on soft or muddy roads.‌

Yamsey Mountain and Winter Rim areas of the Silver Lake Unit are also places to begin looking as those areas can hold good numbers of bears. The Gearhart Mountain area in the Interstate Unit is another place to begin. Much of this hunt area has burned over the last five years, so focusing on the fringes of the burns can yield success.

The fringes can provide cover in the unburnt portions, and fresh feed in the burned portions of the units. Other places to look include south-facing slopes which will often become snow-free and green up with fresh forage faster than other areas.

Southeast Area -- Hunt 746A

The area had a mild winter this year with lower areas accessible to hunters; however, higher elevations may still be inaccessible during the start of the season. Spring green-up is already occurring on the lowest elevations and south-facing slopes, providing ideal conditions for pre-season scouting. Bear populations are stable or increasing but this hunt is still challenging due to the heavily forested terrain that makes it difficult to spot bears. Hunters can find bears widely distributed through all units but harvest in the spring has been highest in the Desolation unit. ‌

Hunters often use this tag as an opportunity to scout new hunting areas for next fall's deer and elk seasons, turkey hunt or collect shed antlers. Remember it is legal to take naturally shed antlers, but not skulls with antlers attached. More information on shed hunting.‌

Locations: Hunters in the Heppner and Desolation units should focus on the area along the breaks of the North Fork John Day River. See the Oregon Hunting Access Map for more hunting locations. Bears are well distributed across Grizzly and Ochoco units. Focus on riparian drainages and open areas. Snowpacks are relatively small this year so green up may be at higher elevations than spring hunters are used to. ‌

Snowpack in the Silvies, Malheur River, and Beulah units are above average this year. Snow accumulated on roads in the forest is beginning to melt, but access to the higher elevations may be difficult. Think of accessing these areas later in the season when snow begins to melt off. ‌

Early in the season, it's best to work the lower elevation fringes of the forest, concentrating on areas with green-up, particularly rocky outcroppings near meadows and other open areas.‌

Northeast Area -- Hunts 762A, 764, 754A, 752A, 756, 757A, 759A, 760A

BAKER COUNTY

The district experienced moderate snowfall in the mid to upper elevations. Hunters should expect access to be limited early in the season with access to high elevations by mid to late season. Access to lower elevation areas should be good if the weather conditions hold and there are no late season snows. Look for bears in areas of early green-up. Usually south-facing slopes are the first to become snow-free and can be good places to glass for bears.‌

Higher elevations near Pine Creek and McGraw Overlook will have deep snow early in the season but should become accessible by mid to late season. Hunters planning on traveling the 39 Road to access the McGraw area should be aware that the road is still snow covered from about the Lake Fork Campground on.

For up-to-date road conditions please contact the Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Baker Ranger District at 541-523-6391. In the Keating Unit, hunters will find better access in some of the mid to low portions of the national forest. ‌

The Catherine Creek Unit will produce good bear numbers this year. Much of the unit's lower elevations are on privately-owned land. The higher elevations of the Catherine Creek Unit are mostly within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and contain excellent bear habitat.

Snow may limit access to the highest elevations in April but this area should open by mid-season. Walking in on roads that are inaccessible by vehicle can be a productive way to find early season bears.‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. The Little Catherine Creek Travel Management area just east of Union provides walk-in access to Hancock Forest Management lands; maps are available at entrance points or at ODFW's La Grande Office.‌

Lookout Mt. Unit – Hunt 764

Moderate snow in high elevations will limit access in the early season. Try south-facing slopes near the timberline above Brownlee Reservoir. Private lands limit access; make sure you obtain landowner permission before hunting private land. ‌

‌Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. ‌

GRANT COUNTY

S Blue Mountains – Hunt 746A

Controlled spring bear season opens April 1^. There is a fair amount of snow at higher elevations and access may be restricted during the early part of the season. Lower elevations have already lost most of their snow and should be accessible during the earlier parts of the season. Most bears become more active around the first of May and can be found on open slopes feeding on newly sprouted vegetation. Bears are scattered throughout the hunt area, but bears are most abundant in the Desolation, West Beulah and Northside units. ‌

Hunters need to remember the Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Areas is not open to public access until April 15. ‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map.‌

UMATILLA COUNTY

Mt Emily-Walla Walla-- Hunt 754A

The district experienced above average snowfall at higher elevations this winter and average snowfall at lower elevations (below 4000 ft.). Hunters should expect limited access to higher elevation areas off of Hwy 204 in early to mid-season. ‌

Some areas you might consider for early season access are Lincton and Blalock Mountains in the Walla Walla Unit and the forks of the Umatilla River in the Mt. Emily Unit. This year hunters may have difficulty accessing the 31 road (Summit Road) off of I-84 in the Mt. Emily Unit in the early season. Access to higher elevation areas should increase as the season progresses. Hunters can call the Pendleton ODFW office (541-276-2344) for information on access and snow conditions throughout the season. ‌

Early season bear activity is concentrated along the lower elevation fringes of national forestland. Bears follow the green-up elevation band; concentrate on timbered slopes with small openings with lush green moss, sedge or grassy areas.

If the spring is wet, bears will be out on open slopes foraging on wild onions and sedges. If the day is cool, bears will be out in the open for longer periods. However, in warm weather, bear activity will be concentrated early in the morning and late in the day near sundown.

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map.‌

UNION COUNTY

Starkey-Ukiah-- Hunt 752A‌

The district has experienced a relatively moderate winter especially at the lower elevations, with considerable snowpack at higher elevation. Hunters should expect limited access to areas of higher elevation early in the season. However, with warmer temperatures expect the snow to continue moving up slope allowing for more access as the season progresses. The lower elevations are beginning to green up with plant species that bears forage on. Expect the green up to move upslope as the snow continues to melt off.

Bear hunters should focus their efforts at mornings and evenings, however any time of day is a good time to see a bear as long as temperatures do not get too hot. Early on in the season hunters should focus on lower elevation, green, somewhat timbered slopes, as bears will begin to start cruising around looking for fresh forage. Later in the season when forage is abundant, look on big open slopes as bears will be foraging heavily on balsamroot and wild onions.‌

Hunters should spend considerable time glassing. Find a knob with a good field of view and glass along these pockets of early green up. A lot of times early in the season bears will be on timbered slopes so make sure to be set up and ready to shoot when you do glass one up, because they can disappear quickly.‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. The Dry Beaver Ladd Canyon road closure area offers diverse habitat and provides limited motorized travel. Other areas that have good bear densities are Spring Creek, open slopes along Fly Creek and public lands surrounding Vey Meadows. It is also quite possible to encounter a cougar in these areas, so having a cougar tag could provide a bonus opportunity. ‌

WALLOWA COUNTY

Wallowa District Hunts - Hunts 756, 757A, 759A, 760A

Expect vehicle access at higher elevations to be difficult until early May, due to existing snow and drifts. ‌Access will likely be limited in areas such as Eden Bench and Bartlett Bench in the Wenaha Unit, spur roads in the Sled Springs and Chesnimnus Units, Hat Point Road in the Snake River Unit, and the 39 Road to Salt Creek Summit in the Imnaha Unit.‌ Look for access points and campsites along lower elevation rivers, creeks, and drainages. ‌

Bear activity will depend on late winter, early spring weather, with warm and wet weather resulting in more bear activity. In the early season, most bears will be found in canyon areas. Glass south-facing meadows and timbered slopes at low and mid-elevations for green up. ‌

Lower elevation areas in the Imnaha, Snake River and Wenaha Units are already experiencing green up, especially in burned areas. If hunting later in the season, you may focus on predator calls in open meadows with adjacent timber. Overall, harvest numbers have remained consistent in past years. ‌

Locations: See the Oregon Hunting Access Map. Be mindful of public land access and consult travel management area maps where applicable. The Noregaard, Whiskey Creek and Shamrock travel management areas in the Sled Springs Unit, Grouse Lick in the Imnaha Unit, and Chesnimnus travel management areas will be in effect through May 31.‌

There is no public access from the Imnaha Highway at Big Sheep Creek, Bear Gulch, and Devil's Gulch in the Imnaha nor access from the west into Lightning Creek and Horse Creek in Snake River.‌