Recreation Report
Columbia Area
Recreation Report
Dec. 18, 2024
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)
Black bear (closes Dec. 31), cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote
Announcements, resources
Recreation Report holiday break
Due to the upcoming holidays, we'll be taking a break from the Recreation Report the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30. The Rec Report will resume publication the week of Jan. 6, 2025.
Please report elk with hoof disease
If you see elk showing signs of elk hoof disease, including lame or limping elk or elk with damaged, injured, missing or deformed hooves, please report it using this online form.
Coyote and wolf ID
Coyote hunters need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Test your ID skills.
Please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW using the online reporting system.
District updates
HOOD RIVER, WASCO, SHERMAN COUNTIES (Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs Units)
Habitat conditions: The Mid-Columbia district experienced some rainfall in August and September with minimal green up occurring. We receiving snow as 1,000 ft and are finally getting good rainfall. Several fires have impacted habitat throughout the district. The Larch Creek and Oak Canyon fires burned most of Postage Stamp Butte (on the White River Wildlife Area), Tygh Ridge and part of the Deschutes River Canyon. Other fires that burned in previous years are beginning to create excellent early-stage forest habitat for both deer and elk. Last update 12/4/24.
Elk: 241C White River Private, 242 Hood Private, 241T White Rvr – Hood youth* one antlerless are open till Dec 31.
Controlled 100 series deer any legal weapon: All buck seasons are closed.
General season antlerless elk damage: General season antlerless elk damage hunt is currently open from Aug. 1 through March 31 within the Biggs and Maupin Units. This hunt is designed to reduce elk damage on private lands. Hunters should not purchase this tag unless they have access to property to hunt. Very few elk exist on the limited public lands within this hunt area.
Black bear:Fall bear continues through Dec. 31. Clearcuts on private timber land in the Hood and White River Units provide a great opportunity to locate bears feeding at dusk and dawn. Predator calls can also be an effective method to locate and harvest a bear. REMINDER it is Unlawful to hunt with a centerfire rifle without a valid (used or unused) deer or elk tag during certain time periods and areas; see page 19 of the big game regs.
Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round. Driving logging roads in search of fresh tracks can be an effective strategy.
Coyotes: Try calling for them from open fields, meadows, and pastures. The best areas to find them will be near farm grounds on the eastern boundary of the district. Look for them in early morning or evening and pay close attention to wind direction.
Weather Conditions: Elevations as low as 2,500 ft are getting snow while the lower elevations are receiving a good amount of rain, with little sunlight there has not been a good green up event yet this fall.
Closures: There are no current closures related to fire. Several mountain roads are seasonal closed and unmaintained for vehicle traffic, but still open to winter activities (ex. Snow shoeing, snowmobiling).
The White River Wildlife Area started its winter closure on Dec. 1. Please call the White River Wildlife Area Headquarters with any questions 541-544-2126
Current road and weather conditions: As parts of the wildlife area are completely closed to any public access and others are open to nonmotorized access please be aware of these areas, you can find this in the roads map. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map.
The weather forecast shows temperatures dropping in to the 40'S and low temperatures in the low 30's, rain and a chance of snow are in the forecast which will improve hunting conditions. But this will decrease the quality of unmaintained roads.
Deer & elk: Seasons are closed
Black bear: Fall bear season continues through Dec. 31. You may purchase an additional fall bear tag if you purchase your general season bear tag prior to the tag sale deadline.
Coyotes: There are no seasons or bag limits on coyotes. Populations are good throughout the wildlife area. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing/tags and season limitations exist for these species.
Cougar: Try using predator calls to increase your odds of success. Here are 10 ways to be a better cougar hunter. Check to make sure the zone you are hunting in hasn't reached the harvest quota before you hunt by clicking here Cougar quota. White River Wildlife Area is in Zone A.
Cougar season is open in the White River Wildlife Area, Jan. 1 – Dec 31 unless the harvest quota has been met. Deadline to purchase your first cougar tag is Oct. 4, 2024. You may purchase an additional cougar tag if you purchase your general season cougar tag prior to the tag sale deadline.
Reminder: WILDLIFE AREA PARKING PERMIT required. Display your required parking permit when visiting the wildlife area. Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Again, campfires are NOT allowed in the wildlife area at this time. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles.