Recreation Report
East Area
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
Eurasian collared dove, ruffed and blue grouse, mourning dove
Upcoming seasons
Rooster pheasant (Oct. 12), chukar/Hungarian partridge (Oct. 12), eastern fall turkey (oct. 12), Zone 2 duck (Oct. 12), Zone 2 snipe (Oct. 12), goose (Oct. 12)
Announcements, resources
2024-25 game bird hunting forecast
A district-by-district look at how this year's upland bird and waterfowl seasons are shaping up.
Hunting and fire danger
Early season hunts often take place during the peak of the wildfire season. Experienced hunters know to check for fire closures before their hunt. Make sure to carry water or fire extinguisher, as well as a shovel and axe/polaski while traveling in this remote desert country. Bookmark this page – it has links to the most current fire closures and restrictions.
Buy your 2024-25 bird stamp(s) and validations
Don't forget to buy your HIP, upland bird and waterfowl validations – as well as federal duck stamps – before your first hunt. Buy them now and cross this off your fall hunting list.
Turn in wings and tails
Grouse and mountain quail hunters, please turn in your bird's wings and tails – our biologist use them to help assess bird populations and set seasons. Use this map to find blue collection barrels where you hunt.
Target mourning dove this season
These small, fast-moving targets offer a chance to hone your shooting (and swearing) skills. They can be a tasty treat, too. Learn more about hunting mourning dove.
District updates
ALL DISTRICTS
Eurasian collared doves: These birds have no protections in Oregon, so there are no closed seasons or limits to their harvest. A hunting license is required on public land. Focus around agricultural areas where food sources are abundant.
Be sure of your identification before you hunt these birds which are larger and lighter than mourning doves with a distinctive band around the back of the neck. Identify this species and its habitat.
COLUMBIA AREA (White River, Hood, West Biggs, and Maupin Units)
Habitat conditions: We have and are currently experiencing several fires in the Mid-Columbia district that are impacting bird hunting. The Larch Creek and Oak Canyon fires burned sections of the Lower Deschutes and White River Wildlife areas that had prime chukar habitat. These fires will likely have an impact on bird distribution as the season start in the coming months.
The Whiskey Creek fire is currently still burning in the Columbia Gorge. Closures associated with this fire may impact those looking to hunt forest grouse in the Hood WMU. See the Mt. Hood NF website for all current closures. Last updated 9/18/24.
Mourning dove: Mourning doves will mostly be concentrated near food sources such as agricultural fields, especially with nearby cover and water sources. The first hint of cooler weather usually sends most doves south, so make sure to head out earlier in the season if you want to see more birds. Learn more about hunting mourning dove.
Forest grouse and mountain quail: Sooty (blue) grouse can be found in forested portions of the White River and Hood units. They seem to be more heavily concentrated in the Hood unit and in the western portion of the White River unit. Targeting breaks of major ridges at higher elevations is a good strategy for finding sooty grouse.
Ruffed grouse are found at lower elevations and seem to be more difficult to find in these units but are generally associated with riparian areas. Young timber stands (3-10 years post harvest) and elderberry bushes can be good habitat features to target when searching for ruffed grouse.
Biologists have observed normal numbers of both sooty and ruffed grouse while conducting field work in the first two weeks of September. Hunting pressure appears to be about average based on wing barrel checks.
Current road and weather conditions: Roads in the area are dry and dusty. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many of the open green dot roads. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map. Campfires are not allowed anywhere in the wildlife area due to ODF fire restrictions. Wood cutting is also restricted to no operation between 1pm and 8 pm, with a one-hour fire watch after use. Carry a shovel, and a fire extinguisher or one gallon of water.
Grouse: Grouse are very limited in the wildlife area, focus on the areas of the wildlife area that border the forest service lands.
Mourning dove: Dove are scattered throughout the wildlife area. Look for concentrations of mourning doves near the wildlife area agricultural fields and grass fields, particularly those near water sources such as ponds and ditches. Learn more about hunting mourning dove.
Reminder: WILDLIFE AREA PARKING PERMIT required. Display your required parking permit when visiting the wildlife area. Camping in the wildlife area is only allowed in designated camping areas. Please pack out your trash. Again, campfires are NOT allowed in the wildlife area at this time. Only street legal vehicles are allowed in the wildlife area, no ATV's or snowmobiles.
SOUTH CENTRAL AREA
KLAMATH COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Low pressure weather patterns cooled temperatures and increased moisture a couple of weeks ago, but hot and dry temps have returned. Fire season is still in effect and hunters should be aware of fire restrictions. Last updated 10/2/24.
Mourning dove: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 30. Best prospects are near agricultural areas and water. Be sure of your identification before you hunt these birds which are smaller and darker than the Eurasian collared dove. Learn more about hunting mourning dove.
Forest grouse: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues through Jan. 31. Best prospects are in the Cascade Mountains for both blue and ruffed grouse, although there are fair numbers of blue grouse in forested habitat in eastern Klamath County. Hunters are asked to provide a wing and tail from each grouse harvested and drop them off at the Klamath District Office on Miller Island Road.
- Dove season opened Sept. 1 and runs through Oct. 30.
- Sept. 28-29 is reserved for the Youth Waterfowl Hunt and youth hunters only.
- Oct. 12 is the opening of Zone 2 duck, merganser, coot, snipe and pheasant.
- Oct. 26, all of Miller Island Unit is open to youth hunters only on a first-come basis.
Miller Island Unit:
- The Miller Island Unit is located 6 miles south and west of Klamath Falls. Miller Island Unit is closed to all access from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m.
- Discharging firearms is prohibited except during authorized game bird hunting seasons or by special permit.
- Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: Open to public use Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
- Open to game bird hunting Oct. 12 and 13 and every following Monday, Wednesday and Saturday during authorized game bird seasons.
- All other days are closed to all entry, except public roads, parking areas, boat ramp, designated birding trail and designated dog training area.
- Upland game bird shooting hours begin at 10 a.m.
- Overnight camping is not allowed on the Miller Island Unit.
Gorr Island Unit:
Gorr Island is located four miles south of the Miller Island Unit in the Klamath River, accessible only by boat. Gorr Island is open daily with no wildlife area permit required during authorized seasons.
Shoalwater Bay Unit and Sesti Tgawaals Unit:
Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals are both located on the west side of Upper Klamath Lake approximately 10 miles to the north and west of Klamath Falls. Shoalwater Bay and Sesti Tgawaals Units are both open for hunting daily with no wildlife area permit required during authorized seasons.
Hunting Information Miller Island Unit:
Mourning dove hunting is generally good for the first couple of days of the season. It does tend to drop off after that. Hunters should focus on areas around some of the old homesteads where there are plenty of trees and shrubs for roosting.
Sept. 28 and 29 is the statewide youth waterfowl hunt. The Klamath Wildlife Area is open on a first come first served basis. The majority of the area's wetlands will have some water in them by that time. Hunters usually are very successful.
If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5732.
LAKE COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Moderate temperatures and some welcome rains fell a couple of weeks ago in much of Lake County providing good opportunity for some fall green up, but hotter and drier conditions have returned. Wildfires in the area have been extinguished or are in the mop up stage, but expect to see firefighters in the Buck Creek fire area. Silver Lake hunters should check the closures associated with the Buck Creek fire and remain out of the way of firefighters. Last updated 10/2/24.
Mourning dove: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues until Oct. 30. Hunters should focus around agricultural areas and forest openings where food sources are abundant. Additionally, open areas near water can be productive. Hunters are reminded to ask permission to hunt private lands. Daily bag limit is 15 birds with a possession limit of 45.
Be sure of your identification before you hunt these birds which are smaller and darker than Eurasian Collared Dove. Identify this species and its habitat.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues until Jan. 31. Daily bag limit is 3 birds of each species with a possession limit of 9 birds of each species. Some areas to look for blue grouse are along ridge tops in more open forest habitats such as Winter Rim and the Warner mountains. While there are very few ruffed grouse in Lake County, they are generally found along riparian areas.
Dove season is currently open. Self-service permits are available inside the lobby at the wildlife area Headquarters.
Youth Waterfowl Weekend is Sept. 28 - 291. General duck season opens on Oct. 12.
Summer Lake Wildlife Area harvest statistics and weekly bird counts can be found on the ODFW website.
Please contact Summer Lake Wildlife Area at (541) 943-3152 for additional information.
SOUTHEAST AREA
HARNEY COUNTY
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. 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.
Mourning dove: Season opened Sept. 1, most mourning doves have migrated out of Harney County shortly after season opens, so successful hunters will get out early in the season. How to hunt mourning dove.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season opened Sept. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2024. Grouse can be found in the forested portions of the Silvies and Malheur Units, but population numbers are low.
MALHEUR COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Cooler temperatures and some precipitation over the last few weeks has 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 throughout the landscape due to high annual water tables. Unmaintained road access is good. Last updated 9/25/24.
Mourning dove: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 30. Summer surveys counted doves at 56 percent over 3-year and 43 percent over 10-year averages. Mourning doves can be found throughout the district in areas adjacent to farm ground and on the range in draws and around water sources. Remember to get permission to hunt private lands. How to hunt mourning dove.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season opened Sept. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2025. Most grouse hunting occurs on the Malheur National Forest portions of the district.
NORTHEAST AREA
GRANT COUNTY
Habitat conditions: The spring was fairly wet with a fair amount of rain throughout the district, but the summer has been extremely hot and dry. The hot dry summer has resulted in large wildfires in numerous places around the county. These fires may impact hunting access or has burned up large areas of bird habitat, especially chukar. Last updated 9/11/24.
Mourning dove: Season opened Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 30. Doves can be found throughout the lower elevation of the district in areas adjacent to farmed ground. Remember to get permission to hunt private lands. How to hunt mourning dove.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season opened Sept. 1 and runs through Jan. 31, 2020. Most grouse hunting occurs on the National Forest portions of the district. With blue grouse being found on ridge tops and ruffed grouse along creek bottoms with good riparian shrub cover.
Chukars: Brood counts indicated good chick production this year. Chukars can be found along in steep rocky areas in lower elevations of the county. Most public access is in the South Fork John Day River.
Quail: Brood counts indicated good chick production this year. Quail can be found throughout the county with birds generally found in riparian area with good shrub cover.
Habitat conditions: The hot and dry summer conditions have not been favorable to wetlands. With two weeks left until duck season, wetlands continue to dry up. Currently there are three ponds that have huntable water for 1 group each. With no precipitation in the forecast, there could be less by the time season arrives. Waterfowl use of the huntable areas is also tailing off. Duck hunters might want to consider alternative hunting spots if they are looking to get out for the opener.
Contrary to bad wetland conditions, uplands and upland game birds are having a good year. Over winter survival was good, and the survival of spring broods seems to be up for Pheasants and Quail. The cooling trend is beneficial to all and we are looking to have a good upland bird season. Last updated 10/2/24.
Ladd Marsh is open Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays Aug. 1 through Jan. 31.
Mourning doves: The season opened on Sept. 1. Success has been very low, and bird sightings are also down.
The wildlife Area is closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. In addition, there is no camping on the wildlife area.
Please call the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area with any questions 541-963-4954.
UMATILLA COUNTY
Habitat conditions:
Cooler temperatures have finally arrived, and Umatilla County is starting to see some fall green up. Last updated 9/18/24.
Forest grouse: Forested areas of Umatilla County have healthy populations of both ruffed and dusky (blue) grouse. In general, dusky grouse prefer ridgetops and ruffed grouse prefer riparian areas, but there are always exceptions to this rule.
Hunting dusky grouse in the early season can be great as they can be found foraging on grasshoppers in open areas near ridge breaks, usually in the morning. As the grasshopper numbers go down, they will be found more in timbered areas and become more challenging to get shots at.
Hunters should target ruffed grouse along closed forest roads, riparian areas and edges of lodgepole thickets.
ODFW does not conduct surveys for forest grouse in Umatilla County but local reports from archery hunters are showing that the numbers may be a bit down from the phenomenal 2023 season, but still good numbers of grouse. Please put forest grouse wings and tails in wing barrels located throughout the county if you come across one or view the barrel locations here.
Pheasant: District surveys show a good pheasant hatch this year. Most access is on private lands, so make sure you have permission before hunting private property. There is some opportunity to hunt areas on the Umatilla Indian Reservation[RAJ*O1] . Visit this site for more information.
You may also consider hunting McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge or Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge.
Quail: District surveys indicate that quail numbers are up 37 percent from the ten- year average. Quail are abundant throughout the county and access for quail hunting is similar to pheasant access mentioned above.
Chukar: Chukar hunting in Umatilla County is limited to only a few areas and most are private. Please call the Pendleton office at 541 276 2344 if you would like some ideas on areas to go chukar hunting. Chukars had a similar hatch to all other game bird species this year.
Waterfowl: Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge, McKay Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Wanaket Wildlife Area and Irrigon Wildlife Area are potential locations to hunt waterfowl on public land in Umatilla County. There is also lots of goose hunting opportunity if you can find a willing landowner to allow access.
UNION COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Current conditions are cool and wet, as we are experiencing a much needed break from the hot and dry weather we've had most of the summer. The rest of the week and most of next week are showing the same, so hunters should be prepared for possible muddy roads and colder temperatures than they have been having. Some fire closures are still in effect, so make sure to call your local ODFW office with any questions about access. Last updated 9/18/24.
Grouse: So far, the 2024 grouse season has been off to a very good start. Hunters should work ridge tops above 5,000 feet for blue grouse and stream corridors with heavy cover and water for ruffed grouse. Hunters are submitting a lot of wings in our wing collection barrels all over the county.
WALLOWA COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Conditions will be warm and dry this week. Manulife (formerly Hancock) properties in NE Oregon have reopened for overnight camping as of Sept. 17, however there are still some restrictions in effect, including no campfires. For other information on recreation on Manulife lands call 541-962-2184. TMAs are in effect in the Sled Springs and Chesnimnus units.
Hunters in the Imnaha and Snake River units should be aware the U.S. Forest Service is planning a controlled burn this week near the Black Horse and Ollokot campgrounds, this burn could start as soon as 9/26 and last for four days. Last updated 9/25/24.
Mourning dove: Closes on Oct. 30.
Grouse: Grouse numbers are up from previous years. Blue grouse experienced a good hatch this year, likely due to a mild winter. Blue grouse hunters should expect fair to good hunting in the forested areas of the Sled Spring and Chesnimnus units and ruffed grouse hunters will find more success in the riparian areas.
Chukar: Chukar numbers are doing well, and brood surveys were up compared to last year. Hunters should expect to do well chasing chukars. Best places to find chukar are in the steep, rocky areas of the Sled Springs and Chesnimnus units and along the Imnaha River.
Quail: Quail numbers are doing great, and brood surveys are above the 10-year average, especially in the lower Wallowa valley.