Columbia 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

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

Habitat conditions: The Mid-Columbia is receiving snow as 800 ft and we are finally getting good rainfall. Several fires have impacted habitat throughout the district. The Larch Creek and Oak Canyon fires burned most of Postage Stamp Butte (on the White River Wildlife Area), Tygh Ridge and part of the Deschutes River Canyon. Other fires that burned in previous years are beginning to create excellent early-stage forest habitat for both deer and elk. Last update 12/8/24.

Elk: Columbia Plataea 244 remains open for one antlerless elk until March 31, all bull seasons are closed.

Controlled 100 series deer any legal weapon: All buck seasons are closed.

General season antlerless elk damage: General season antlerless elk damage hunt is currently open from Aug. 1 through March 31 within the Biggs and Maupin Units. This hunt is designed to reduce elk damage on private lands. Hunters should not purchase this tag unless they have access to property to hunt. There are very few elk on the limited public lands within this hunt area.

Black bear: Fall bear closed Dec. 31.

Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round. Driving logging roads in search of fresh tracks can be an effective strategy.

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.

Weather Conditions: Elevations as low as 800ft are getting snow and rain mixed in, the lower elevations have received good rain fall.

Closures: There are no current closures related to fire. Several mountain roads are seasonal closed and unmaintained for vehicle traffic, but still open to winter activities (ex. Snow shoeing, snowmobiling).

White River Wildlife Area

The White River Wildlife Area started its winter closure on Dec. 1. Please call the White River Wildlife Area Headquarters with any questions 541-544-2126

Current road and weather conditions: As parts of the wildlife area are completely closed to any public access and others are open to nonmotorized access please be aware of these areas, you can find this in the roads map. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map.

The weather forecast shows temperatures dropping to the 40s with lows in the low 30s, rain and a chance of snow are also in the forecast. This is affect the conditions of unmaintained roads.

Black bear: Fall bear season closed Dec. 31.

Coyotes: There are no seasons or bag limits on coyotes. Populations are good throughout the wildlife area. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing/tags and season limitations exist for these species.

Cougar: Try using predator calls to increase your odds of success. Here are 10 ways to be a better cougar hunter. Check to make sure the zone you are hunting in hasn't reached the harvest quota before you hunt by clicking here Cougar quota. White River Wildlife Area is in Zone A.

Cougar season is open in the White River Wildlife Area, Jan. 1 – Dec 31 unless the harvest quota has been met. Deadline to purchase your first cougar tag is Oct. 4, 2024. You may purchase an additional cougar tag if you purchase your general season cougar tag prior to the tag sale deadline.

Reminder: WILDLIFE AREA PARKING PERMIT required. Display your required parking permit when visiting the wildlife area. Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Again, campfires are NOT allowed in the wildlife area at this time. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles.