Columbia Area

Nov. 20, 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, cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote

Announcements, resources

Black bear harvest update

See recent numbers for black bears harvested to date in each hunting unit.

CWD – what you can do

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease infecting deer and elk across North America. It has now been found in three bordering states – Idaho, Washington, and California, but has not yet been detected in Oregon. Hunters can do their part to protect local herds by getting their deer or elk harvest tested. ‌ Learn more about CWD and the threat to Oregon wildlife.

CWD check stations:

• Additional CWD check stations will also be open in some districts throughout the state, and hunters should contact their district directly for more information on potential locations.

If you encounter a CWD check station while transporting an animal carcass you are legally required to stop.

Rocky Mountain elk hunting

In this podcast, ODFW wildlife biologist Brian Ratliff talks about hunting Rocky Mountain elk – from the sage steppes to alpine areas and everything in between. Take a listen.

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 & September with minimal green up occurring. we are just now receiving the first dusting of snow in higher elevations and lower elevations 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 10/9/24.

Controlled 100 series deer any legal weapon: : All season have ended expect for 141C White River No.2 and 142B Hood No.2 both seasons are Nov. 16- Dec. 1.

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 opened Aug. 1. 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.

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: The upper elevations are receiving the first dusting of 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: Green Diamond timberlands have opened on Sept. 20 (for Green Dimond's website click here). Hunters can check their website for the most recent updates on closures and fire restrictions. The Whiskey Creek fire has resulted in closure several forest roads and most of the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness and is set to extend until Nov. 30. A current map of these closures can be found here.

White River Wildlife Area

White River Wildlife Area is open for hunting. Please call the White River Wildlife Area Headquarters with any questions 541-544-2126

Current road and weather conditions: Roads in the area are dry and dusty. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many of the open green dot roads. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map.

The weather forecast shows temperatures dropping into the 40s and low temperatures in the low 30s, rain and a chance of snow are in the forecast which will improve hunting conditions.

Deer: All seasons have ended expect for 141C White River No.2 that goes from Nov. 16- Dec. 1.

Elk 241Y one bull starts Nov. 9 and ends Nov. 17.

Black bear:Oct 6 is the deadline to purchase your fall bear tag. Fall bear season is Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. 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.