Northwest Area

NW BIG GAME HUNTING

August 20, 2026

Currently open

Bear, Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote

Season openings beginning in August

Archery & Youth Only Controlled series hunts; Premium, auction and raffle hunts *Check Big Game regulations for hunt details and purchase your tag before hunting.

Announcements and resources

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

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 and yourself.  

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. 

District updates

Habitat conditions:

Watch local weather reports and prepare for possible weather changing conditions over the extension of your hunt. Areas are showing warmer and drier than normal conditions, please be mindful when recreating outdoors.

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

Black Bear: The statewide fall bear season opened August 1. With the strong berry production this summer, expect early season bears to be found gorging on ripening berries along seldom-used roads and trail systems. Hunters may find luck cruising these areas for fresh signs and shifting locations to follow the progressive ripening throughout August either by elevation or sun exposure.

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.

Coyote: Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

Elk: Youth only controlled elk hunts opened August 15. Hunting early on youth tags can be very productive, especially on public lands where elk have not yet felt the pressure of other hunting seasons.

Archery Deer and Elk: Deer and elk archery seasons open August 29. Expect early season deer and elk avoiding the heat in shady timber patches, north-facing slopes and creek bottoms.

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

Black Bear: The statewide fall bear season opened August 1. With the strong berry production this summer, expect early season bears to be found gorging on ripening berries along seldom-used roads and trail systems. Hunters may find luck cruising these areas for fresh signs and shifting locations to follow the progressive ripening throughout August either by elevation or sun exposure.

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.

Coyote: Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

Elk: General season antlerless elk damage hunts opened on August 1. Youth only controlled elk hunts opened August 15. Hunting early on youth tags can be very productive, especially on public lands where elk have not yet felt the pressure of other hunting seasons.

Archery Deer and Elk: Deer and elk archery seasons open August 29. Expect early season deer and elk avoiding the heat in shady timber patches, north-facing slopes and creek bottoms.