Columbia Area

April 10, 2024‌‌‌‌‌‌

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.

Currently open

Cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote, controlled spring bear

Announcements, resources

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.‌. ‌

Shed hunt responsibly‌

Deer and elk shed their antlers at a time when they're not finding a lot of nutritious food and need to be conserving energy so they can migrate to summer ranges a bit later in the year. Follow these tips to help protect vulnerable animals.‌

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)‌

Black bear: Spring bear season opened April 1 and will remain open through May 31. As temperatures begin to warm and vegetation is greening up, bears are becoming more active as they forage to regain body condition and begin to locate mates. During the early season, hunters should focus efforts on south facing slopes that have lush and abundant forage. Walking grassy gated roads can also be a good tactic to spot and harvest a bear.‌

Portions of the Hood and White River Units containing private timber and county forestland have high densities of bears and can provide a great opportunity to spot a bear. These lands are actively logged, providing openings in the forest that contain an abundance of food for bears. Setting up and glassing these clear cuts can provide a great opportunity to spot and stalk a bear. Past wildfire burn scars including the White River Fire, Boulder Fire, and Government Flats Fire also hold bears and may be worth checking out. ‌

As cubs begin to emerge from their den and are more active, be diligent to look for cubs before pulling the trigger. It is unlawful to take cubs less than one year old or sows with cubs less than one year old. ‌

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.‌

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 ‌

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Coyotes: There are no seasons or bag limits on coyotes. Populations are good throughout the wildlife area. Be aware that bobcats, cougars and fox 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 2024 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. ‌

Current road and weather conditions: Roads in the area are very wet and muddy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many of the open green dot roads. Many of the seasonal roads are closed Dec. 1 through March 31. The Wildlife Area lands north of Forest Rd 27 are closed to all public access from Dec. 1 through March 31. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map. ‌

The weather forecast includes rain, snow and some dry periods with the high temperatures in the high 40s and low temperatures in the low 30s. Be prepared for unexpected weather like snow and ice, carry chains, a shovel and warm, dry clothing. ‌

Campfires are allowed only in designated campsites. Firewood cutting is closed for the season. ‌

Reminder: WILDLIFE AREA PARKING PERMIT required. Display your required parking permit when visiting the wildlife area. If you are using ELS, you must print out your parking permit and display it. Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles. WRWA headquarters 541-544-2126.