Central Area

Jan. 8, 2025‌‌‌‌‌‌

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Currently open (general seasons)

Cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote

Announcements, resources

Last big game update of season

With most big game hunting seasons done or winding down, the big game hunting section of the Recreation Report will go on hiatus after this week. Updates will resume in August 2025 with publication of the Big game hunting forecast.

Coming up next

• Report your hunt by Jan. 31. If you bought a tag to hunt in 2024, you must report your hunt by Jan. 31, 2025 – even if you didn't hunt or harvest an animal. Here's information on who needs to report and how to do it.
• Look for the spring bear hunting forecast. The forecast is published in late March, offering hunters a look at the upcoming season.
• Spring bear hunting season opens April 1. The deadline for tag applications is Feb. 10.

District updates

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

Habitat conditions: Winter is upon us, with deep snow starting to accumulate in spots at higher elevations. Access to some spots may be limited, especially in the shade. With snow comes easier tracking conditions. Last updated 12/4/24.

Elk: Seasons have closed

Black bear: Season closed 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. Take advantage of fresh snow for optimal tracking conditions.

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: Much of the higher elevations are deep in snow, and much of the remaining forested lands have anywhere from a couple of inches to a skiff of snow. The dry period over the last few weeks has resulted in some improved access, but with snow in the forecast, expect access to be limited again soon. Much of the sagebrush and juniper lowlands can be accessed, but be aware that as temperatures rise in the afternoon, the ground can thaw and turn into a muddy, sticky situation.

Reminder that there are several winter range closures went into effect on Dec. 1, and last until March 31. These (Tumalo, Metolius, and Cabin Lake-Silver Lake) are designed to limit motorized traffic and subsequent disturbance to wintering migratory deer and elk. These areas are still open to non-motorized activities.. Last updated 12/11/24.

Elk: There is one late season cow hunt active in the southern part of the district. Many of the elk for the North Lake hunt are actively on their winter ranges. These elk often make large daily movements, heading between bedding cover during the day, and private alfalfa pivots at night. The Cabin Lake winter range closures can be good places to look for elk for those remaining tag holders but be sure to follow the motorized restrictions and keep vehicles to open, green-dot roads only. These closed areas provide refugia from traffic and motorized activity which elk prefer.

Black bear: Season closed Dec. 31.

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.

Cougars will begin to congregate around winter populations of deer, so if you can find some wintering deer, you might be able to cut a set of cougar tracks. Be sure to limit your disturbance of the deer however, as they are in a vulnerable state due to the winter conditions and lack of available nutrients.

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.