Recreation Report
Columbia Area
Recreation Report
COLUMBIA BIG GAME HUNTING
August 6, 2026
Currently open
Bear, Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote
Season openings beginning in August
Archery & Youth Only Controlled series hunts; Premium, auction and raffle hunts *Check Big Game regulations for hunt details and purchase your tag before hunting.
Announcements and resources
Summertime is here for youth to get ahead of the game--Register for Hunter Safety Education before the hunt.
2026 Point Summary Reports are posted to help you plan this season's big game hunts.
It's not too late to purchase Point Savers for each series, available now until November 30, 2026.
Check the Leftover Tag List for an opportunity to hunt this year.
Big game harvest statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and maps that can help you decide where to hunt this season.
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.
Hunting in drought and wildfire season - actions you can take to protect wildlife and yourself.
For the most current fire closures and restrictions--KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
District updates
Habitat conditions:
Watch local weather reports and prepare for possible weather changing conditions over the extension of your hunt. Areas are showing warmer and drier than normal conditions, please be mindful when recreating outdoors.
HOOD RIVER, WASCO, SHERMAN COUNTIES (Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs Units)
Habitat Conditions:
It has been a dry summer leading to drought conditions. We have also had several fires that have impacted the landscape and have led to closures in areas. John Day was affected by the Hay Creek Fire Complex that resulted in the closure of BLM lands in the affected area, details can be found here or by contacting the Prineville BLM office. The Grasshopper Fire in the Mt Hood National forest west of Wamic is still active as of 08-05-2026 and has resulted in the closure of a portion of the national forest. More information can be found here or by contacting the Dufur ranger station.
Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round. Driving logging roads in search of fresh tracks paired with predator calling 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.
A fire ban is in effect, restricting campfires. Be fire aware when recreating on the wildlife area, stay on roads, do not park in tall grass, carry a fire extinguisher, a shovel, and water. With the Grasshopper fire that is active ODFW has shut down the northern portion of the wildlife area more information along with updates and contacts can be found here. Roads can be rough and dusty, four-wheel drive and higher ground clearance is recommended. A map for WRWA can be found here and at signs around the wildlife area in a PVC map holder.