Central Area
Table of Contents
Recreation Report
April 10, 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
Cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote, controlled spring bear
Announcements, resources
Big game harvest statistics
You'll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply for.
Shed hunt responsibly
Deer and elk shed their antlers at a time when they're not finding a lot of nutritious food and need to be conserving energy so they can migrate to summer ranges a bit later in the year. Follow these tips to help protect vulnerable animals.
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
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT (Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly)
Black bear: Season continues through May 31.
Cougar: Present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public lands and better accessibility.
Coyotes: Offer an exciting hunting challenge. Both the Maury and Ochoco have sizeable areas of public lands that provide hunting opportunities. Hunters should use caution, and be properly equipped and prepared for whatever the weather might bring.
DESCHUTES DISTRICT (Upper Deschutes, Paulina, North Wagontire, Northwest Fort Rock, Metolius)
Black bear: Season continues through May 31.
Cougar: Found throughout the Deschutes District. Look for cougars wherever there are prey species. Predator calls are the most effective method of locating a cougar.
Coyote: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout the Deschutes District. Calling coyotes with distress type calls has been effective for hunters. Calling in the early morning and late afternoon produces the best results. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.