Central Zone

December 4, 2025

Crook County

Fall ungulate migration will soon be upon us. You can find mule deer transitioning from high elevation summer feeding areas to the lower elevation sagebrush and agricultural areas.

There are red-tailed, rough-legged and ferruginous hawks, northern harriers, American kestrels, prairie falcons and golden eagles throughout Crook County and they're usually associated more closely with open/agricultural areas. Bald eagles and ospreys, on the other hand, are more closely associated with water bodies. Look for northern goshawks throughout the Ochoco National Forest, and for ducks and geese in rivers and lakes.

Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area

The Prineville Reservoir Wildlife Area offers access to view a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, otter, beaver, raptors, shorebirds and waterfowl. Maps of the wildlife area are available at the Prineville ODFW office, at Prineville Reservoir State Park office and the ODFW website. Vehicles must remain on open roads, designated by a green dot, and cross-country motorized travel is prohibited.

Deschutes County

With the mornings becoming colder, fall is in the air. Much of the forest is still accessible, but the days are dwindling before snow comes back into the picture. Fall migrations are underway for migratory birds, and hooved critters.

Wintering raptors are arriving across the county. This can range from red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, American kestrels, prairie falcons, bald eagles and the occasional golden eagles. Look for migrating Swanson's hawks moving through the country as well. Rough-legged hawks may also be found as they look to spend winter across the high desert. Areas with agricultural fields can be good places to view these raptors as they hunt for small mammals in the fields.

For songbirds, wetlands and other areas with diverse habitats remain the hotspots. Hatfield Lake and the Deschutes River corridor can be great spots to see migrating birds that are passing through.

In the waterfowl world, much of our open water should hold birds, but higher elevations will begin to vacate as fall progresses. Lakes such as Crane Prairie, Wickiup Reservoir, and Davis Lake can be good places to see large numbers of waterfowl. Wickiup can also hold strong numbers of shorebirds.

In terms of larger critters, many of our deer are migrating to their winter ranges, while elk can still be found on summer and transitional ranges. Deer are typically moving east towards the lower elevation desert country where they will spend the winter, whereas elk can still be found on the forest, albeit not at as high of elevations as during the summer.

Are you interested in observing wildlife to support science and management? ODFW is teaming up with researchers at Oregon State University to expand our knowledge on the distribution and resilience of American pikas in the central Oregon Cascades. We are seeking volunteers to assist with data collection by conducting observational surveys at randomly selected survey points along designated hiking trails in central Oregon. American Pikas are a species of greatest conservation need in Oregon, and volunteers can help collect the data that informs our Statewide Wildlife Action Plan, which guides the work that goes into protecting species like Pikas. Search for American pika Monitoring in the Oregon Cascades on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Wasco, Sherman, Hood Counties

The Lower Deschutes River provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities. California bighorn sheep are frequently observed in the canyon and can provide fantastic viewing all times of the year. The best spot to view sheep is from the BLM access road just downstream and across the river from Sherars Falls (along Hwy 216). Focus your efforts near large cliff complexes for best viewing. You can also see sheep from The Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area access trail on the east side of the river by hiking up from the mouth of the river. Sheep can be seen as low as river miles 7 or 8.

The John Day River Canyon also is home to bighorn sheep, but access is a bit more limited. The easiest place to access the canyon is at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Hike up or downstream from the access point to look for sheep.

Also, while in these river canyons keep an eye out for a variety of native songbird species. Bullock's orioles and western kingbirds can be commonly seen in alders and willows near the riverbanks. The iconic song of the canyon wren can be heard throughout the Deschutes and John Day. Also brush up on rockwren calls, which are often heard in similar habitats. On the water keep an eye out for mallards, geese, and common mergansers. Several species of upland game birds including pheasants, chukar, quail, and turkeys are found in these canyons and throughout the district.

Oak woodlands throughout Hood River and Wasco counties provide food and cover for many wildlife species. Acorns from these trees are a particularly important food source for western gray squirrels and deer. Woodpeckers such as Lewis's woodpeckers, may be found scouring live and dead oak trees for insects found in the wood.

You can see a variety of common raptor species throughout the Mid-Columbia district. Common species this time of year include red-tailed hawk, osprey, golden eagle, bald eagle, American kestrel, and northern harrier. Other less commonly seen species include prairie falcon, and peregrine falcon.

Winter sports enthusiasts may find snowshoe hairs and ermine. More information about these animals and more can be found here.

White River Wildlife Area

The primary purpose of the White River Wildlife Area is to provide winter range habitat for black-tailed deer and Rocky Mountain elk and to minimize big game damage to adjacent private agricultural lands. Although the primary objective is to benefit the wildlife resource, excellent opportunities exist for recreational pursuits. The nearly 30,000-acre wildlife area provides excellent hunting opportunities for big game species, turkeys, and Western Gray Squirrels. Limited opportunities exist for upland birds and waterfowl. It is not recommended to travel to the wildlife area for upland or waterfowl hunting, but for those with direct experience at White River, birds can be found in limited numbers.

In addition to hunting opportunities, White River has two stocked ponds, and several streams open for fishing. These areas can be excellent camp sites for combined hunting and fishing opportunities, especially during early season hunts like Turkey season.

Current Conditions

No Campfires Allowed at this time

Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires, and warming fires. The use of portable appliances such as camp using liquified or bottled fuels are allowed in clear areas free of flammable vegetation. The following is required where open fires and appliances are allowed; one shovel and one gallon water or one 2 ½ pound fire extinguisher.

For updated fire restrictions on White River Wildlife Area, please refer to the Oregon Department of Forestry website oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/restrictions.aspx

Current weather

More rain and high elevation snow expected as fall progresses into winter. Be prepared for changing conditions. A parking permit is required to park in designated sites at White River Wildlife Area. Find out how to buy a parking permit.

Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles. WRWA headquarters (541) 544-2126.