Recreation Report
Central Area
Recreation Report
CENTRAL BIG GAME HUNTING
April 2, 2026
Currently open
Controlled Spring Bear, 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
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT (Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly)
Cougar: Present throughout the Maury, Ochoco, and Grizzly units. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public land and better accessibility.
Coyotes: Offer an exciting hunting challenge. Both 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.
Travel Management: Just a reminder that the Ochoco District has several cooperative Travel Management Areas that limit motor vehicle use on certain roads. These maps can be downloaded for free on Avenza.
Map of South Boundary (year-round)
DESCHUTES DISTRICT (Upper Deschutes, Paulina, North Wagontire, Northwest Fort Rock, Metolius)
Cougar: Found throughout the Deschutes District. Look for cougars wherever there are prey species. Locating a fresh kill and sitting on it can be the most effective method for locating a cougar. Predator calls are another effective method of locating a cougar.
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 signs and little human activity.