Parts of Eagle Creek closed to fishing

The lowest reach of Eagle Creek on Clackamas River closed to angling Sept. 27 through Oct. 31

Razor clamming on Clatsop beaches opens Oct. 1

Razor clamming on the popular Clatsop County beaches reopens Oct. 1 after the annual conservation closure.

Coho fishing opens above Willamette Falls on Oct. 1

Several areas above Willamette Falls open to coho fishing on Oct. 1 -- including parts of the McKenzie, and mainstem, Coast and Middle Forks of the Willamette.

E-taggers, update your app

Update to the new version on or after Sept. 30. If you've already e-tagged this season, make sure you sync your phone to the app BEFORE Sept. 30.

Softshell clam advisory for Alsea estuary

ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell clams from the Alsea Bay estuary due to biotoxin risks.

More fall salmon on Columbia River

Salmon fishing on the mainstem Columbia is now open through Sunday, Oct. 13.

Recreation Report

Southeast Area

HuntingMap_v2
Recreation Report

Table of Contents

Recreation Report

Oct. 2, 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

Black bear, cougar (Check current harvest numbers), coyote

Announcements, resources

E-taggers: Update your app

ODFW's Electronic Licensing System (ELS) and the MyODFW companion app got a major update on Monday, Sept. 30. Be sure to visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone and update your MyODFW app to version 4.0.

2024 big game hunting forecast

Our local wildlife biologists describe winter survival, population trends and current conditions in this sneak peek at the 2024 hunting season.

CWD – what you can do

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease infecting deer and elk across North America. It has now been found in three bordering states – Idaho, Washington, and California, but has not yet been detected in Oregon. Hunters can do their part to protect local herds by getting their deer or elk harvest tested.

Check stations for 2024 opening weekend deer rifle season:

Check stations for 2024 opening weekend rifle Rocky Mtn elk season:

Smaller check stations will also be open in some districts throughout the state, and hunters should contact their district directly for more information on potential locations.‌ Learn more about CWD and the threat to Oregon wildlife.

If you encounter a CWD check station while transporting an animal carcass you are legally required to stop.

Tagging: One reminder, one tip

  • You must purchase your tag BEFORE the hunt begins, not necessarily before the day you plan to hunt.
  • ODFW's electronic licensing system makes it easy to tag your harvest on your phone. Here are some tips for making it go smoothly.

Hunting during fire season

Archery deer and elk opened Sept. 1, in the midst of the wildfire season. Hunters should be prepared for hot, dry condition and should check for access before they go. Learn more about hunting and fire danger.

Big game blinds on federal lands

More and more hunters – especially archery and pronghorn hunters – are using blinds to hunt. During drought there's increased competition among hunters and among animals for what watering holes remain on the landscape. Help do your part by setting up your blind at least 300 feet from water sources and following these BLM and Forest Service rules for hunting blinds.

Rocky Mountain elk hunting

In this podcast, ODFW wildlife biologist Brian Ratliff talks about hunting Rocky Mountain elk – from the sage steppes to alpine areas and everything in between. Take a listen.

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

HARNEY COUNTY (Silvies, Malheur River, Steens Mt, Juniper, portions of Beatys Butte, Wagontire, and Whitehorse)

Habitat conditions: The past week, Harney County has seen temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 80s. Conditions are still relatively dry and fire restrictions have not been lifted. Keep in mind where you park your vehicle and make sure to stay off tall grass and brush. Water sources such as ponds, creeks, and springs can be a great place to target when searching for game birds during this weather. Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. Last updated 9/18/24.

Closures due to wildfire are in place on the Malheur National forest in both the Silvies and Malheur River wildlife management units. For more information check out the Malheur NF News and Events page. Last updated 9/25/24.

Black bear: Fall bear opened Aug. 1 and will end Dec 31.

Cougar hunting is open year around. Populations are healthy and distributed throughout the district in any area with a big game prey base.

Coyote populations are good throughout Harney County. Coyote vocalizations calls should work well but mixing it up with prey in distress can be an advantage this time of year. Be aware that bobcats and cougars also may respond to predator calls, and there are separate licensing and season limitations for these species.

MALHEUR COUNTY (Whitehorse, Owyhee and Beulah)

Habitat conditions: Cooler temperatures and some precipitation over the last few weeks have brought fire danger ratings down. Fire restrictions have been lifted on public lands throughout the county. ODFW still recommends hunters to be very careful and cautious in the field as the area remains to be generally dry and another stretch of hot weather is predicted. Despite dry topsoils and vegetation, water sources are relatively available over the landscape due to high annual water tables. Unmaintained road access is good. Last updated 9/25/24.

Controlled ALW deer: Opportunity should be as good as it has been since the winter of 2016-2017 as populations gradually rebound throughout the district. The Beulah WMU has seen the best of that recovery and will have the most deer. Nice bucks are being harvested in the desert units given additional time and persistent efforts. More deer will be found in the higher elevations although they are distributed throughout the district due to good water availability and agricultural holdings.

Black bear: Fall bear opened Aug. 1. In the Malheur District. Bears are found almost exclusively in the National Forest and surrounding juniper woodland portions of the Beulah unit. Some black bear are being opportunistically harvested by hunters seeking other species.

Cougar: Most of the cougars in the district have retreated to forest habitats along with their prey base of deer and elk. Isolated cougars will remain around the human-wildland interface, the Snake and Owyhee Rivers, and near pockets of bighorn sheep habitation. Some cougar are being opportunistically harvested by hunters seeking other species.

Coyote: Hunting is available throughout the district. Reproduction this year appears to be good which should enhance calling opportunities. Be aware that bobcats and cougars may respond to predator calls, and separate licensing and season limitations exist for these species.