Northwest Area

NW BIG GAME HUNTING

July 8, 2026

Currently open

Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote

Announcements and resources

Summertime is here for youth to get ahead of the game--Register for Hunter Safety Education before fall.

2026 Point Summary Reports are posted to help you plan this season's big game hunts. 

It's not too late to purchase Point Savers for each series, available now until November 30, 2026.

Check the Leftover Tag List for an opportunity to hunt this year.

Big game harvest statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and maps that can help you decide where to hunt this season.

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.

Hunting in drought and wildfire season - actions you can take to protect wildlife.  

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--Bookmark this page. 

District updates

NORTH AND MID-COAST (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask, western Stott Mt., western Alsea, north Siuslaw wildlife management units)

Cougar: The most productive way to hunt cougar on the north coast is to use a predator call. By mimicking the sound of a cougar's prey (elk, deer, etc.), a cougar can be enticed into entering an area. They are normally very cautious when approaching, so keep an eye out and bring a buddy to help.

Also, watching deer and elk in clearcuts is another productive way to hunt cougars as they are often seen hunting these game species.

WILLAMETTE UNITS (Scappoose, eastern Trask, Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, N. Indigo wildlife management units)

Cougar: A productive hunting technique is to use predator calls to mimic a distressed prey species, but don't be afraid to switch up your sound and experiment with something different. Cougar vocalizations have been known to entice other cougars into range as well. Approaching cougars can be difficult to see when you are predator calling so hunting with a partner is advised.