Recreation Report
Southeast Area
Recreation Report
SE BIG GAME HUNTING
April 2, 2026
Currently open
Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote
Announcements, resources
Find more details for your hunt area in the 2026 Spring Bear Forecast
Reminder to report your late season 2025 big game tags by April 15: Report your hunt
Submit your applications for 2026 controlled hunts by May 15.
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 this season.
Remember to submit your Furtaker Harvest Report by April 15.
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
HARNEY COUNTY (Silvies, Malheur River, Steens Mt, Juniper, portions of Beatys Butte, and Wagontire)
Cougar: statewide season for cougar is Jan. 1 – December 31. An additional cougar tag may be purchased throughout the season; however, hunters must purchase the general season tag to be eligible for the additional tag. Look to winter range of prey species where cougars target this food source. Utilizing fresh snow to follow tracks and predator calls can give you an advantage at targeting cougar.
Coyote: Coyote hunting in the county should be good. Remember to ask permission before accessing private property or refer to the Access and Habitat program where enrolled access areas give way to private ground for hunting.
MALHEUR COUNTY (Beulah, Owyhee, and Whitehorse)
Beulah, Whitehorse and Owyhee Units
Cougar: Cougar densities are low, and animals are widely distributed throughout the district in areas where there is a big game prey base available. Early season cougar hunting is difficult as cats ranges expand in response to the mobility and dispersal of summer prey. Hunting gets easier as prey congregates on winter grounds and cougar consequently move into these areas.
Coyote: A big year for small mammal populations in 2024 has bolstered coyotes in 2025. Hunting opportunities abound throughout Malheur County with potential for success utilizing a variety of methods. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.