Central Area

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)

Cougar (Check current harvest numbers), bear (closes Dec. 31), 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

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT (Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly)

Habitat conditions: Winter is upon us, with deep snow starting to accumulate in spots at higher elevations. Access to some spots may be limited, especially in the shade. With snow comes easier tracking conditions. Last updated 12/4/24.

Elk: The Grizzly Grassland (238A) continues through Dec. 31, as does the Ohoco Private lands hunt (237A).

Black bear: Season continues through Dec. 31. Bears will be starting to settle down for winter.

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. Take advantage of fresh snow for optimal tracking conditions.

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)

Habitat conditions: Much of the higher elevations are deep in snow, and much of the remaining forested lands have anywhere from a couple of inches to a skiff of snow. The dry period over the last few weeks has resulted in some improved access, but with snow in the forecast, expect access to be limited again soon.

Reminder that there are several winter range closures going into effect on Dec. 1. These (Tumalo, Metolius, and Cabin Lake-Silver Lake) are designed to limit motorized traffic and subsequent disturbance to wintering migratory deer and elk. These areas are still open to non-motorized activities.. Last updated 12/11/24.

Elk: There are two late season cow hunts active along with youth cow tags. Many of the elk are either transitioning to their winter ranges or are already present on their winter ranges. The Metolius and Cabin Lake winter range closures can be good places to look for elk for those remaining tag holders but be sure to follow the motorized restrictions and keep vehicles to open, green-dot roads only. These closed areas provide refugia from traffic and motorized activity which elk prefer.

Black bear: Season continues through Dec. 31. Most bears are opportunistically encountered while hunters are pursuing other big game species. This time of year, bears have mostly settled down for the winter, but there are still a few up and active around areas with remaining food stores. And additional food they can add on this time of the year is a benefit for a pre-wintering bear. Areas with late mast crops and locations with grubs in downed logs can be good places to look.

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. Be prepared to be patient as cougars can be slow to respond and cautious around predator calls.

Cougars will begin to congregate around winter populations of deer, so if you can find some wintering deer, you might be able to cut a set of cougar tracks. Be sure to limit your disturbance of the deer however, as they are in a vulnerable state due to the winter conditions and lack of available nutrients.

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.