Recreation Report
Northeast Area
Recreation Report
Jan. 8, 2025
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), coyote.
Announcements, resources
Last big game update of season
With most big game hunting seasons done or winding down, the big game hunting section of the Recreation Report will go on hiatus after this week. Updates will resume in August 2025 with publication of the Big game hunting forecast.
Coming up next
- Report your hunt by Jan. 31. If you bought a tag to hunt in 2024, you must report your hunt by Jan. 31, 2025 – even if you didn't hunt or harvest an animal. Here's information on who needs to report and how to do it.
- Look for the spring bear hunting forecast. The forecast is published in late March, offering hunters a look at the upcoming season.
- Spring bear hunting season opens April 1. The deadline for tag applications is Feb. 10.
District updates
BAKER DISTRICT (Sumpter, Keating, Pine Creek, Lookout Mt.)
Habitat conditions: The fall was dryer than normal in Baker County. Most areas did not see the amount of green up that the area would usually experience. Game should be concentrated around areas that have good forage and a southerly exposure. Snow free areas will also concentrate animals as they have an easier time accessing available forage. Last updated 12/11/24.
Black bear: Fall bear ended Dec. 31.
Cougar: Can be found throughout Baker County but hunters should target areas with high concentrations of deer and elk. Setting up on a fresh kill or using distress calls can all be productive techniques. Looking for tracks after a fresh snow is a good place to start.
Coyote: Numbers are good throughout the district. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.
GRANT DISTRICT (Murderers Creek, Northside, Desolation)
Habitat Conditions: The spring was wet with a fair amount of rain throughout the district, but the summer has been extremely hot and dry. The hot dry summer has resulted in large wildfires in numerous places around the county. The Rail Ridge fire burning South of Dayville has a portion of the Murderers Creek WMU closed to access. Hunters should check with the Forest Service (541-575-3000) prior to heading out for updated fire closure information or click this link for information about the Rail Ridge Closure information. Last updated 10/9/24.
Black bear: Fall bear ended Dec. 31.
Cougar: Cougar are well-distributed in our forested areas. Calling with distress calls or cougar vocalizations can be effective. However, locating a fresh, naturally made kill has the best chance of success.
Coyote: Numbers are good in most of the district. Coyotes may respond to distress calls. Try calling in the early morning and late evening.
HEPPNER DISTRICT (Heppner, Fossil, East Biggs, southern Columbia Basin)
Black bear: Fall bear ended Dec. 31.
Cougar: Cougar are well-distributed in our forested areas. Calling with distress calls or cougar vocalizations can be effective. However, locating a fresh, naturally made kill has the best chance of success.
Coyote: The population is healthy with good numbers of coyotes available for those who wish to pursue them. Watch wind direction to help prevent giving away your location. Calling with game distress calls can be very successful.
UMATILLA DISTRICT (Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, Ukiah, eastern portion of Heppner, northern Columbia Basin)
Habitat conditions: There has been some green-up on the forest in places from rains during the middle of archery season but it looks like we may have warm temperatures for the opener of any legal weapon buck season. Warm temperatures may make hunting challenging in the early season. Last updated 10/2/24.
If you have questions about where to go hunting in Umatilla County, please call the Pendleton office at 541 276 2344.
Black bear: Fall bear ended Dec. 31.
Cougar: Well-distributed in forested areas of the Walla Walla, Mt. Emily, and Ukiah units. Hunters will have best success by finding a fresh naturally made kill and hunting near it, or by using predator calls. Some success has come from following tracks until the cougar is located.
Coyote: Numerous throughout the county and hunters should have good success calling. Remember to ask permission before hunting on private lands.
The wildlife area is closed to all access until April 15, 2025.
UNION COUNTY (Starkey, Catherine Creek, East Mt. Emily, southern portion of Wenaha, southwest portion of Sled Springs)
Habitat conditions: Much of the high country is covered in snow, with more likely on the way. Access will be somewhat difficult in these areas, but most of the mid elevation habitats are going to be bare and elk may start pushing down. Last updated 11/13/20.
Black bear: Fall bear ended Dec. 31.
Cougars: Common in Union County. Focus on game rich areas with long ridgelines or saddles that cats typically travel. Setting up downwind of a deer or elk killed by a cougar can be productive.
Coyote: Numbers are high throughout the district. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Remember to ask for permission before hunting on private properties.
Phillip Schneider Wildlife Area
** Wildlife Area Closure in effect, all ODFW and BLM lands south of Jackass Cr are closed to all public access to accommodate wild horse gather operations until further notice. The annual winter range closure goes into effect soon, closing the entire wildlife area to all access Feb. 1 to April 14.
Habitat conditions: The hot and dry summer conditions have continued through the conclusion of archery season. Although grass growth was decent, no precipitation is forecasted in the next 10 days. With the dry conditions, the woods are very loud. Hunters might consider finding a good advantage point and glassing. Last updated 10/2/24.
All lands north and east of Foothill Road are open to hunting weekends, Wednesdays and all federal holidays. Please refer to Big Game and Game Bird regulations for season dates and additional regulations.
Hunting equipment is limited to short range (shotgun, archery or muzzleloader) equipment only. Rifles and handguns are prohibited at all times.
The Glass Hill portion of the wildlife area is open seven days a week April 1 through Jan. 31. Please refer to the ODFW big game and game bird regulations for season dates.
The wildlife Area is closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. In addition, there is no camping on the wildlife area.
Please call the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area with any questions 541-963-4954.
WALLOWA COUNTY (Wenaha, Sled Springs, Chesnimnus, Snake River, Minam, Imnaha)
Habitat conditions: Be prepared for limited access in higher elevations due to snow and ice.
Cougar: Populations are moderate throughout Wallowa County. Most lions are taken incidental to other hunting. However, calling with fawn bleat, or locating a cougar kill and waiting for a cat to return are often successful techniques. Please remember to check in your harvest at your local district office to help with population estimates.