Recreation Report

Southwest Area

Recreation Report

Elk hunt — "Another good day" Waldport Bay dungeness crab
-Photo by Dan Holt-

Jan. 8, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌

If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen

Submit your hunting photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com.

Currently open (general seasons)

Cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote

Announcements, resources

Last big game update of season

With most big game hunting seasons done or winding down, the big game hunting section of the Recreation Report will go on hiatus after this week. Updates will resume in August 2025 with publication of the Big game hunting forecast.

Coming up next

Report your hunt by Jan. 31. If you bought a tag to hunt in 2024, you must report your hunt by Jan. 31, 2025 – even if you didn't hunt or harvest an animal. Here's information on who needs to report and how to do it.
Look for the spring bear hunting forecast. The forecast is published in late March, offering hunters a look at the upcoming season.
Spring bear hunting season opens April 1. The deadline for tag applications is Feb. 10.

District updates

COOS COUNTY (west Tioga, west Powers, north Sixes, southwest Siuslaw)

Habitat conditions: Conditions are just starting to get cooler and wetter in Coos county. Fire season restrictions ended on Oct. 21, which should open up more industrial timberlands to public access. Be sure to check with landowners for access restrictions or permission prior to entry.

That said, the relatively warm, wet spring on the Oregon Coast has resulted in good vegetative growth and production of wild fruits. These fruits are very important to the survival of many species. For example, in years where fruit production is low, winter survival of yearling black bears can be impacted, which can impact the overall abundance of black bears especially if poor fruit production occurs during multiple years in succession. Last updated 10/23/24.

General ALW deer: Black-tailed deer numbers on the coast appear to be continuing to rise slowly. Feed for them, however, is often limited by the drying effects of sun exposure in the early parts of the hunting season.

El Niño conditions this past spring and summer resulted in dry conditions on the Oregon Coast, as well as other places in Oregon. As a result, deer will be searching for green feed closer to water sources. Look for evidence of deer on north or east exposures where the feed is likely to be the best. Research conducted by ODFW has determined that clearcuts with a strong grass component tend to be the most attractive places for black-tailed deer on the Oregon coast. Look to the colder weather ahead in the fall for good opportunities to hunt as this cooler weather tend to make deer more active.

Black bear: Closed Dec. 31.

Cougar: 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.

The most productive way specifically to hunt cougar may be to use a predator call.

Coyote: Numbers are strong throughout Coos County. Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

Western gray squirrel (aka silver gray squirrel): Western gray squirrels are found in Coos County but they tend to be most abundant in elevations above 1,500 ft. Their primary food in the fall is myrtle nuts, seeds or nuts found in fir and pine cones, and tan oak acorns.

Most successful hunters find success by slowly still hunting stands of these trees where they exist in higher elevations. Western gray squirrels tend to be very noisy as they go through their daily routine, so a hunter can use that to their advantage.

DOUGLAS COUNTY (Dixon, S. Indigo, NW Evans Creek, Melrose, SW Siuslaw, E. Tioga and NE Powers Units)

Habitat conditions: Things remain hot and dry in Douglas County. We continue to get new fires starting and are still in extreme fire danger. Hunters need to be checking ODF, BLM and USFS websites for up-to-date information on access. Last updated 9/18/24.

Black bear:Fall bear closed Dec. 31.

Cougar: Look in areas adjacent to agriculture and within areas of higher concentrations of deer. The hot dry weather will further concentrate deer so pay extra attention to water sources at lower elevations. When fresh tracks are found, set up and call with either mouth or electronic predator calls.

Cougars are abundant throughout with indicators pointing to stable or increasing numbers. Hunting cougar is a challenge because these animals are very secretive, but harvest success is greatest adjacent to private land with high deer populations using a predator call.

Coyote: There are plenty of coyotes throughout Douglas County. Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

JACKSON, JOSEPHINE, CURRY COUNTIES (Applegate, Chetco, Evans Creek, Rogue, portions of Dixon, and Sixes)

Attention: Hunters in Jackson County should be aware of additions to our Jackson County Travel Management Area (JACTMA). Beginning Oct. 15, 2024, there is an additional portion of land included in JACTMA north of Butte Falls in the Fredenburg Butte Area. For more information see both of the linked maps:

Also: General west Cascade elk hunters, be advised many signs and map boxes around the Upper Rogue TMA were stolen. ODFW hopes to have replacements by Nov. 8. Please see links to Pages 1 and 2 of the Upper Rogue TMA if you are hunting in the Rogue and portions of the Dixon units.

Habitat conditions: the rain continues to accumulate and temperatures drop, be prepared for muddy, snowy, or icy roads. Carry proper cold weather gear (chains, traction devices, warm clothes, water, and emergency supplies). It is advised to stay off of undeveloped roads to prevent getting stuck and to prevent habitat degradation. Find current fire danger levels here.

Always watch local weather reports and prepare for possible weather changing conditions over the extension of your hunt. Always pack a warmer set of clothing for the temperature changes in the mornings and evenings and an extra pair of socks for your tired feet. Last updated 1/8/25.

Deer: Closed

Elk: General Season Antlerless Elk Damage tag is open until March 31 within the authorized areas, see page 48 of the Big Game Hunting Regulations. Several controlled elk hunts will continue until March 31.

Black bear: Fall black bear closed Dec. 31

Cougar: Season is open statewide year-round or until zone quotas are met (see zone quota page). Cougar hunting is more of an opportunistic hunt as cougars are primarily nocturnal. If a person is willing to spend the time, a successful harvest during daylight hours can be accomplished.

Place game cameras in locations that are easy for you to access, but away from the busy roads or trails. Game cameras give the hunter an idea of the best time of day to sit, in a safe spot, as cougars are very quiet and stealthy, and use predator calls. Be prepared to sit for an extensive amount of time, as still as possible, to keep movements to a minimum.

If you are successful in harvesting a bear or cougar, call the Central Point office at 541-826-8774 to schedule an appointment to check in your harvest.

Western gray squirrel: Western gray squirrel hunting is open in that portion of the Rogue unit south of the Rogue River and South Fork Rogue River and North of Hwy 140. See page 68 of the 2024 Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations for more information.

Coyotes: Coyotes are opportunistic predators who are always on the hunt for food. Scout areas with decent populations of rabbits, ground squirrels, and other small game animals.

Coyotes are found in nearly all habitat ranges, including rural areas and farmed fields. Areas around meadows, brush piles, and ditch banks can be a great place to search as these types of habitats are home to a multitude of prey species. Remember to ask for permission to hunt on all private lands.

Predator calls are very useful when used in conjunction to a known prey base. Set up in a high vantage point, upwind of your target, when calling as coyotes have sharp eyesight and a keen sense of smell. Being above them will make it more difficult for them to detect you. Remember to identify your target.