Alsea Bay clam harvest advisory

ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams after the Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.

Mussel harvest closure Cape Blanco to CA border

Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to high levels of domoic acid, a marine biotoxin.

 

What is a conservation closure? Read here.

Razor clamming on Clatsop beaches is closed beginning 12:01 a.m., July 15. The last day to harvest is July 14.

Recreation Report

Columbia Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

white tail deer
White tail deer--Photo by Alex Powell

COLUMBIA BIG GAME HUNTING

September 10, 2026

Currently open

Archery deer and elk, bear, cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote, youth only controlled series hunts, general season antlerless elk damage, premium, auction and raffle hunts.

Season openings beginning in September

Western gray squirrel

*Check Big Game regulations for hunt details and purchase your license and required species tag before hunting.

Announcements and resources

Gear up for this year's Big Game Hunting Forecast and get ahead of the game!

Big game statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and maps that can help you decide where to hunt this season.

Check the Leftover Tag List for an opportunity to hunt this year.

Youth can register for the Mentored Youth Hunter Program free of charge online, find more youth hunting opportunities here.

Point Savers available for purchase until November 30, 2026.

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.

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.  

District updates

Habitat conditions:

Watch local weather reports and prepare for possible weather changing conditions over the extension of your hunt. Areas are showing cooler than normal conditions, please be mindful when recreating outdoors. There has been a small rain event the beginning of September this has not resulted in any closures lifting but has lowered the fire danger slightly and is moving in a promising direction if it continues.

HOOD RIVER, WASCO, SHERMAN COUNTIES (Hood, White River, Maupin, West Biggs Units)

Habitat Conditions:

It has been a dry summer leading to drought conditions. We have also had several fires that have impacted the landscape and have led to closures in areas. John Day was affected by the Hay Creek Fire Complex that resulted in the closure of BLM lands in the affected area, details can be found here or by contacting the Prineville BLM office. The Grasshopper Fire in the Mt Hood National forest west of Wamic is still active as of 8-31-26 and has resulted in the closure of a portion of the national forest. More information can be found here or by contacting the Dufur ranger station. Green Diamond has closed its land and its sister company's land; details can be found here. Hood River County has closed most of their gates, while still allowing walk-in and bicycle access, no motorized access on trails or behind locked gates allowed until closures are lifted. More information about Hood River County land closures can be found on their website here.

Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round. Driving logging roads in search of fresh tracks paired with predator calling can be an effective strategy. If you find a stashed carcass from a kill sitting that may also be effective.

Coyotes: Try calling for them from open fields, meadows, and pastures. The best areas to find them will be near farm grounds on the eastern boundary of the district. Look for them in early morning or evening and pay close attention to wind direction.

Elk: General season antlerless elk damage hunts opened on August 1. Youth only controlled elk hunts opened August 15. Hunting early on youth tags can be very productive, especially on public lands where elk have not yet felt the pressure of other hunting seasons.

White River Wildlife Area (WRWA)

A fire ban is in effect, restricting campfires. Be fire aware when recreating on the wildlife area, stay on roads, do not park in tall grass, carry a fire extinguisher, a shovel, and water. With the active Grasshopper Fire ODFW continues to monitor and update wildlife area closures and restrictions, more information along with updates and contacts can be found here. Roads can be rough and dusty, four-wheel drive and higher ground clearance is recommended. A map for WRWA can be found here and at signs around the wildlife area in a PVC map holder.