South Coast closed to crabbing

Recreational bay crabbing is closed from Cape Blanco to the CA border. Closure includes Dungeness crab and red rock crab harvested from bays and estuaries in this area.

Winter steelhead restrictions on Illinois, Rogue rivers

Beginning Dec. 1, temporary wild winter steelhead harvest restrictions will be in affect on Illinois, Rogue rivers.

Razor clamming closed Cascade Head to CA border

Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

Parts of Eagle Creek closed to fishing

The lowest reach of Eagle Creek on Clackamas River closed to angling Sept. 27 through Oct. 31

Recreation Report

Central Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Coyote hunt
Coyote hunt -Photo by Erin Caspers-Holmes-

Nov. 13, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌

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), bear, coyote

Announcements, resources

Black bear harvest update

See the latest numbers for black bears harvested to date in each hunting unit.

CWD – what you can do

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease infecting deer and elk across North America. It has now been found in three bordering states – Idaho, Washington, and California, but has not yet been detected in Oregon. Hunters can do their part to protect local herds by getting their deer or elk harvest tested. ‌ Learn more about CWD and the threat to Oregon wildlife.

CWD check stations:

  • Elgin Stampede Grounds, 790 S 8th Ave, Nov. 17-18, 2024, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Google map coordinates)
  • Additional check stations will also be open in some districts throughout the state, and hunters should contact their district directly for more information on potential locations.

If you encounter a CWD check station while transporting an animal carcass you are legally required to stop.

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

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT (Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly)

Habitat conditions: Fall might finally be here. Cooler temps and some (much-needed) precipitation has arrived, with the first few days of the season expecting some rainfall. Last updated 10/30/24.

Black bear: Season continues through Dec. 31

Cougar: Present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public lands and better accessibility.

Coyotes: Offer an exciting hunting challenge. Both the Maury and Ochoco have sizeable areas of public lands that provide hunting opportunities. Hunters should use caution, and be properly equipped and prepared for whatever the weather might bring.

DESCHUTES DISTRICT (Upper Deschutes, Paulina, North Wagontire, Northwest Fort Rock, Metolius)

Habitat conditions: The opening weekend of first bull season is looking promising with rain in the lower elevations and snow on the forest. This will lead to helpful tracking conditions across the district that could lead to higher success rates. Fall has definitely set in across the district with cold nights, and crisp mornings. Last updated 10/30/24.

Elk: Controlled 1st ALW Bull Elk season opens across the district on Oct. 30 and runs until Nov. 3. The weather is looking promising for hunters with snow in the forecast across the forest which could lead to excellent tracking conditions. Mature bulls have separated from the herds at this point in the year and are licking their wounds from the rut. Look for areas away from roads and in dark holes to find the bulls.

Black bear: Season continues through Dec. 31. Most bears are opportunistically encountered while hunters are pursuing other big game species. This time of year, bears are beginning to wind down but are frantically trying to gain as much fat as they can prior to hibernation. Areas with late mast crops and locations with grubs in downed logs can be good places to look.

Cougar: Found throughout the Deschutes District. Look for cougars wherever there are prey species. Predator calls are the most effective method of locating a cougar. Be prepared to be patient as cougars can be slow to respond and cautious around predator calls.

Coyote: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout the Deschutes District. Calling coyotes with distress type calls has been effective for hunters. Calling in the early morning and late afternoon produces the best results. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.