Northwest Area

December 7, 2022

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.

Big game reports updated monthly

Reports are updated the first Thursday of each month. Sign up for email notification.

Currently open

Western Oregon General Archery Deer (closes Dec. 11), black bear (closes Dec. 31), cougar (check current harvest numbers), coyote.

Announcements, resources

Report your hunt

If you purchased a tag for a 2022 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn’t hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.

Get your CWD test results

If you had your deer or elk tested for chronic wasting disease, your can check for your test results here.

Help prevent the spread of CWD

Learn more about CWD and what hunters can do to help prevent its spread to Oregon.

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

NORTH AND MID-COAST (Saddle Mt., Wilson, western Trask, western Stott Mt., western Alsea, north Siuslaw wildlife management units) Last updated 11/2/22.

Black bear: Season closes Dec. 31. On the north coast, the bears have mostly denned up for the winter but may occasionally be active on exceptionally warm days. Typically, by December, most bears have become inactive and have gone into hibernation. Those that are still active will be looking to feed on whatever might still be available, such as apple trees along rural areas or old homesteads, carrion or possibly salmon carcasses along spawning areas.

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.

WILLAMETTE UNITS (Scappoose, eastern Trask, Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, N. Indigo wildlife management units) Last updated 11/2/22.

Black bear: Fall bear closes Dec. 31. Bear activity is winding down for the year. Most food resources have diminished or passed their seasonal productivity. However, a few bears may still be active so hunters should be on the lookout.

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. Make sure to buy your cougar tag before going hunting.