2026 Winter Steelhead validation required thru April 30

2026 Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead Dec. 1-April 30.

Recreation Report

Northwest Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Black bear out standing in a grassy field.
Standing black bear. Photo by USFWS.

NW BIG GAME HUNTING

April 2, 2026

Currently open

Controlled Spring Bear, Cougar (check current harvest numbers), Coyote

Announcements, resources

Find more details for your hunt area in the 2026 Spring Bear Forecast

Reminder to report your late season 2025 big game tags by April 15: Report your hunt

Submit your applications for 2026 controlled hunts by May 15.

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 this season.

Remember to submit your Furtaker Harvest Report by April 15.

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.

Hunting in drought and wildfire season - actions you can take to protect wildlife.  

For the most current fire closures and restrictions--Bookmark this page. 

District updates

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

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.

Also, watching deer and elk in clearcuts is another productive way to hunt cougars as they are often seen hunting these game species.

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

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.