Columbia Area

Sept. 13, 2023‌

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.

Open seasons

Black bear,), cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote, general archery elk, controlled archery deer (through Oct. 1).‌

Announcements, resources

2023 big game hunting forecast‌

Our local wildlife biologists describe winter survival, population trends and current conditions in this sneak peek at the 2023 hunting season.‌

2023 CWD check stations‌

Oct. 7-9 (10 am - 6 pm) and Nov. 4-6‌ (10 am - 5 pm)‌

• Elgin, Elgin Stampede Grounds, 790 S 8^th Ave, 97827 (Google map coordinates)
• Baker City, ODOT parking lot off Hwy 86 (Google map coordinates)

Oct. 8-10 (9 am to dusk) and Nov. 4-6 (9 am to dusk)‌

• Prineville, Crook County Fair Grounds, 1280 Main St., 97754 (Google map coordinates)
• Celilo Park, Exit 97 off I-84 (Google map coordinates)

Smaller 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.‌ Learn more about CWD and the threat to Oregon wildlife.‌

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

Tips for e-tagging‌

ODFW's electronic licensing system makes it easy to tag your harvest on your phone. Here are some tips for making it go smoothly. ‌

Hunting during fire season‌

Archery deer and elk opened Sept. 2, in the midst of the wildfire season. Hunters should be prepared for hot, dry condition and should check for access before they go. Learn more about hunting and fire danger.‌

Big game blinds on federal lands‌

More and more hunters – especially archery and pronghorn hunters – are using blinds to hunt. During drought there's increased competition among hunters and among animals for what watering holes remain on the landscape. Help do your part by setting up your blind at least 300 feet from water sources and following these BLM and Forest Service rules for hunting blinds.‌

Rocky Mountain elk hunting‌

In this podcast, ODFW wildlife biologist Brian Ratliff talks about hunting Rocky Mountain elk – from the sage steppes to alpine areas and everything in between. Take a listen.‌

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

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

Archery deer and elk: General archery elk and controlled archery deer seasons are currently open through Oct. 1. Archery hunting pressure within Hood, White River, Maupin, and West Biggs Units has been low with few animals being harvested to start the season. ‌

General Season Antlerless Elk Damage: General season antlerless elk damage hunts are 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. ‌

Black bear: Fall bear opened Aug. 1. Clearcuts on private timber land in the Hood and White River Units provide a great opportunity to locate bears feeding at dusk and dawn. Predator calls can also be an effective method to locate and harvest a bear. ‌

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: Most areas received some rain in the beginning of September. This helped quiet the woods and settle some dust, but conditions remain dry. Temperatures have been warm during the first part of archery season but will continue to cool later into fall. ‌

Closures: The Boulder Fire closure within the White River Unit remains in effect. Updates on the closure can be found here. Hunters accessing private timberland including Green Diamond should check their website for updates on closures and fire restrictions. As of Sept. 8, all Green Diamond land is has been re-opened to public entry. Be aware of active logging area closures near Godberson Rd. ‌

White River Wildlife Area‌

White River Wildlife Area is open for hunting. Please call the White River Wildlife Area Headquarters with any questions 541-544-2126 ‌

Deer: Archery deer season opened Sept. 2 and closes Oct. 1. This hunt is a controlled hunt for one buck with visible antler. ‌

Elk: Archery elk season also opened Sept. 2 and closes Oct. 1 and is a general season tag for one elk. ‌

Black bear: Oct 6 is the deadline to purchase your fall bear tag. Fall bear season is Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023. You may purchase an additional fall bear tag if you purchase your general season bear tag prior to the tag sale deadline. ‌

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. 6, 2023. You may purchase an additional cougar tag if you purchase your general season cougar tag prior to the tag sale deadline. ‌

Current road and weather conditions: Roads in the area are dry and dusty. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many of the open green dot roads. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map. ‌

The weather forecast is hot with high temperatures in the 80s and low temperatures in the low 50s. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the wildlife area due to ODF fire restrictions. Wood cutting is also restricted to no operation between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., with a one-hour fire watch after use. Carry a shovel, and a fire extinguisher or one gallon of water. ‌

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.