Northwest Area

NW BIG GAME HUNTING

October 1, 2026

Currently open

Bear, cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote, youth only controlled series hunts, general season antlerless elk damage, premium, auction and raffle hunts and western gray squirrel.

• Western general and select controlled deer season opens Oct 3

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

Announcements and resources

Reminder -- tag sale deadline and sports pac tag pickup for deer, bear, and cougar – by Oct 2!

Get tested – hunters must check in for CWD at these locations.

Make a plan with 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, don't miss 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 now through Nov 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 normal to dry conditions with welcomed rain the last two weeks, please be mindful when recreating outdoors.

NORTH AND MID-COAST (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask, western Stott Mt., western Alsea, north Siuslaw wildlife management units)

Black Bear: As berry crops are starting to deplete, bears will begin to transition towards late season fruit trees, as well as the remaining grasses and roots on the landscape. Hunters may find luck cruising these areas for fresh signs and shifting locations to seek out these established food sources.

Cougar: The most productive way to hunt cougar on the north coast is to use a predator call. By mimicking the sound of a cougar's prey (elk, deer, etc.), a cougar can be enticed into entering an area. They are normally very cautious when approaching, so keep an eye out and bring a buddy to help.

Coyote: Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

Elk: Youth only controlled elk hunts opened Aug 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.

Deer: Any legal weapon deer opens on Oct 3. Deer can often be found in open clearcuts and meadows during the early morning and late evening, but hunters should take advantage of quiet conditions to stalk deer in thick timber during midday. Bucks will typically become more active as the season progresses, with the rut peaking in November.

WILLAMETTE UNITS (Scappoose, eastern Trask, Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, N. Indigo wildlife management units)

Black Bear: Reminder--tag sale deadline Oct 2. With the strong berry production this summer, expect early season bears to be found gorging on ripening berries along seldom-used roads and trail systems. Hunters may find luck cruising these areas for fresh signs and shifting locations to follow the progressive ripening throughout fall either by elevation or sun exposure.

Cougar: A productive hunting technique is to use predator calls to mimic a distressed prey species, but don't be afraid to switch up your sound and experiment with something different. Cougar vocalizations have been known to entice other cougars into range as well. Approaching cougars can be difficult to see when you are predator calling so hunting with a partner is advised.

Coyote: Using predator calls to lure them in can be an effective method for harvesting coyotes. Try calling in early morning and late afternoon. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land.

Elk: General season antlerless elk damage hunts opened on Aug 1. Youth only controlled elk hunts opened Aug 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.