Recreation Report
Northwest Area
Recreation Report
NW BIG GAME HUNTING
December 4, 2025
Currently open
Fall bear, Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote, Deer and Elk (Check regulations for specific dates and units)
Upcoming season
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 next 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.
District updates
NORTH AND MID-COAST (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask, western Stott Mt., western Alsea, north Siuslaw wildlife management units)
Black bear: Fall black bear season is open through Dec 31. Damage information shows bears are distributed throughout the North and Mid-coast, with higher densities in the western half of the region.
Bears continue to stay active along the North Coast and as a result, some elk hunters were lucky enough to harvest in late November. With much of the foliage dropping, bears will be in search of a broader range of food sources packing on as many calories as they can before the Winter. Hunters may have luck finding fresh signs along seldom used roads and trail systems, particularly near marshy water sources with plenty of vegetation.
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.
Saddle Mtn/Wilson/Trask WMU's
Elk: The 2nd season elk closed November 28. There are several controlled hunts that will continue through the coming months. Population numbers and bull ratios all remain around management objectives for the North Coast WMU's, with higher densities typically along the western half of each unit. Elk are typically active in openings only for the very first portion of the morning after daylight and will usually move quickly into cover afterwards and bed down for the bulk of the day. They may emerge again just before dusk to begin feeding for the evening. Weather can play an important role, with fog or heavy rain extending elk use of forest openings later into the morning or find them leaving cover earlier in the afternoon. Hunters may find better success in areas with less vehicular traffic or in areas of non-motorized access as elk are keen on avoiding busy forest roads.
Deer: There are a few controlled deer hunts that will continue through December. Population densities for deer remain steady within the North Coast WMU's. With rainy weather continuing across the coast, hunters should benefit from more deer up and moving throughout the day.
Higher hunter concentration/density may be an issue for some units due to fire season private land closures and hunters shifting to the west side WMUs due controlled east side hunts. Be prepared to encounter more hunting pressure than in the past. Many private timber companies in Northwest Oregon are enrolled in the North Coast TMA. See our website for more information on hunting access within these lands.
Alsea/Stott Mtn WMUs
Elk: Population and bull ratios are below management objectives for both units. Highest elk densities are on private lands that may be locked up due to fire seasons. Pay attention to fire season levels, changes on private lands and what lands and roads are open and closed to motor vehicles. Private forest land closures, Weyerhaeuser and Manulife lands in the North Alsea and Stott WMUs are enrolled in our A&H TMA project, check out ODFW TMA maps on our website for more information. Additional map resources.
Deer: Deer population densities are on a decline in the Stott/Alsea units. Highest densities are found on private/state lands with diverse early successional shrubby vegetation and edge habitats. Federal lands have lower densities of deer due to a lack of early successional vegetation.
Siuslaw WMU
Elk: Population is below management objectives, but the bull ratio is up at 16 bulls per 100 cows. Elk herds are very scattered in this rugged unit; a lot of scouting is needed to locate elk. Elk are at higher densities on private lands with pastures.
Deer: Densities of deer are down but with the checkerboard mix of federal and private lands it provides ideal habitats especially in the eastern portions of the unit.
WILLAMETTE UNITS (Scappoose, eastern Trask, Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, N. Indigo wildlife management units)
Black bear: Black bears can be hunted through December 31. As black bears prepare for hibernation, they will spend a significant amount of time feeding each day including during daylight hours. Finding good food sources, such as Himalayan blackberry patches, huckleberries, and salal can be the most effective means of finding a bear. Bears also require water and are often found on steep slopes. Glassing clearcuts and drainages with food sources can help locate black bears.
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.
Deer and Elk: Early season access can be limited due to fire season restrictions on private industrial timber company access. Check for current information on forestland closures. Elk and deer densities tend to be highest on private property although state owned lands and some federal lands with adequate early seral habitat can be great public land opportunities. Ungulates tend to congregate in areas with a diversity of early seral and forested habitat. With the shorter days and colder weather, you can expect elk rut activity to pick up as the season progresses.
Scappoose
Bull ratios were slightly below management objective in the Scappoose WMU during the 2025 survey season. Buck ratios were slightly below average for the unit during the 2024-2025 survey season. Access can be difficult in this WMU with many different industrial timber companies having a variety of different access policies. Please pay attention to property ownership and ensure you have the proper permissions and necessary permits, etc. for the area you are hunting.
Eastern Trask
Bull ratios were slightly above management objective in the eastern Trask. Black-tailed deer buck ratios were consistent with the long-term average. For elk, the highest densities tend to be in the easternmost portion of the unit near the transitional areas between the agricultural and industrial timber properties. Check out the North Coast Travel Management area map for information about participating properties that are open for hunting access.