Statewide waterfowl hunt benefits veterans and active duty military personnel

A day of waterfowl hunting is set aside just for veterans and active military each year (January 31, 2026 this season).

Sturgeon retention closes on the John Day Pool after Jan 9

The last day to retain a white sturgeon in the John Day Pool (mainstem Columbia River from John Day Dam upstream to McNary Dam and adjacent tributaries) is Friday, Jan. 9.

2026 Winter Steelhead validation starting 2025

2026 Rogue South Coast Winter Steelhead Validation is required to target steelhead starting December 1.

Update: Dangerous algae bloom in Barnes Unit

ODFW is urging waterfowl hunters to use extreme caution with their dogs after laboratory results revealed high levels of microcystin in a water sample collected from

Mussel harvest open coastwide

Mussel harvesting open coastwide. 

Recreation Report

South Central Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Bow hunters
Bow hunting in Southern Oregon. Photo by Joseph Ritzinger

SOUTH CENTRAL BIG GAME HUNTING

January 22, 2026

Above average snowpack in higher elevations coupled with a low snowpack on winter range bodes well for a great year of antler growth and fawn/calf survival in Lake and Klamath counties. Significant snowpack helped offset a dry spring and early summer. Mild temperatures and late summer rains have us looking forward to an excellent upcoming big game season. Fire areas in recent years have begun to recover and recruitment for deer and elk is up from prior years.

Open seasons

Cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote

https://www.eregulations.com/oregon/hunting/elk-seasons

Announcements, resources

2025 Big Game Hunting Forecast

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 next season.

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

KLAMATH COUNTY

Black bear: Fall black bear season closed Dec 31. Those looking to apply for Spring Bear must complete their controlled hunt application by Feb 10.

Cougar: Cougar season is open year-round, and populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base. Most harvest occurs while hunters are pursuing deer and elk.

Predator calling or locating a fresh cougar kill can increase chances of success. Oregon does offer an additional cougar tag good all year throughout the state.

Coyote: Populations are currently low but distributed throughout the county. Fawn in distress calling may increase chance of harvest as fawns are typically born in June.

LAKE COUNTY

Black bear: Fall black bear season closed Dec 31. Those looking to apply for Spring Bear must complete their controlled hunt application by Feb 10.

Cougar: Cougar populations are healthy throughout the district. Predator calls can be an effective cougar hunting method though bobcats and bears may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species. Hunters should be prepared for predators other than cougar to respond.

Coyote populations are generally low, but some hunting is available throughout the district. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.