Recreation Report
East Area
Recreation Report
-Photos by Fred Lewis-
Dec. 18, 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, rooster pheasant (closes Dec. 31), chukar/Hungarian partridge, California and mountain quail, duck, goose and Wilson's snipe
Announcements, resources
Recreation Report holiday break
Due to the upcoming holidays, we'll be taking a break from the Recreation Report the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30. The Rec Report will resume publication the week of Jan. 6, 2025.
Bird harvest statistics from ODFW wildlife areas
Wondering how good hunting has been on ODFW wildlife areas? Several wildlife areas post waterfowl (duck and/or goose) and upland game bird harvest statistics on MyODFW.com. Combine recent harvest numbers with current conditions in the field to decide where to hunt.
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.
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 experienced 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 in the coming months.
The Whiskey Creek fire has resulted in closure several forest roads and most of the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness and is set to extend until Nov. 30. A current map of these closures can be found here.
There has been little rain until late October early November which has resulted in little green up and has kept birds near springs and other water sources.
Elevations as low as 1500 ft are receiving snow which will impact the ability of hunters to access area, especially higher elevation grouse hunting. Last updated 11/20/24.
Mourning dove: Season is closed.
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.
Waterfowl: zone 1 for duck's snipes and mourning dove opened Oct 12th, Mid-Columbia zone for geese opened Oct 12. The migration is ramping up, birds along the Columbia are starting to slowly increase every week with widgeon and diver numbers rising the quickest. Farm ponds are still holding resident birds and provide great jump shooting opportunities, and we see an increase in mallard numbers as well.
Chukar and Hungarian Partridge: The Deschutes and John Day rivers provide ample recreation opportunities. Our bird counts are on track with years past and should supply hunters with opportunities. With the recent rain and the forecast in the future water will not be a limiting factor for bird dispersal, hunting pressure will now be the driving factor for location of birds.
White River Wildlife Area will begin its winter closure Dec. 1.
Current road and weather conditions: All roads are closed as of dec 1 to motorized travel with some areas completely closed to all public entry and the map of all the roads will show this. Look for maps with road information at entrances to the wildlife area or click here WRWA Map
Grouse: Grouse are very limited in the wildlife area, focus on the areas of the wildlife area that border the forest service lands. With the closure in place this makes the majority of the grouse habitat closed on the wildlife area.
Mourning dove: Season is closed.
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.
CENTRAL AREA
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT (Maury, Ochoco, Grizzly)
Habitat conditions: Temperatures have been warm, with no precipitation. Closures are still in place in Ochoco and Maury, and the most up to date maps can be found online (Wiley Flat; Crazy Creek). Temperatures look to be cooling down, with some precipitation in the forecast.
Mild weather this season should make for pleasant upland hunting, however, do consider safety in areas where there could be rattlesnakes. Check the fire closure maps before heading out to your favorite turkey spots in the Ochoco and Maury units.
DESCHUTES DISTRICT (Upper Deschutes, Paulina, North Wagontire, Northwest Fort Rock, Metolius)
Habitat conditions: Much of the higher elevation portions of the forest are deep in snow, with the lower elevation foothills ranging from a few inches to bare-ground. The desert is largely snow-free but be careful of mud, especially warmer days. Snow is in the forecast which could reduce access again in the coming week. Last updated 12/11/24.
Deschutes County contains lower densities of game birds than neighboring districts. There are some forest grouse that can be found in riparian areas throughout the east Cascades, look for places with water and berries. The eastern part of the county can contain some quail, once again look for riparian, brushy areas that birds can use as cover.
SOUTH CENTRAL AREA
KLAMATH COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Klamath county received snow this week. High elevations now have up to 24 inches with the lower elevations melting off after each storm. Temperatures should be low enough to keep some snow around in mid to higher elevations, which should push upland birds lower. Some of our waterfowl areas may start freezing up soon, but not before we have a week or two of new birds in the area.
California quail have had an above average year, and coveys are larger than we have seen in a few years. Mountain quail have had a successful summer as well. Forest grouse continue to be limited in range but have shown improved numbers in areas with good habitat. Last updated 11/20/24.
Mourning dove: Season closed Oct. 30.
Forest grouse: Season 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.
Klamath Wildlife Area
Last updated 12/11/24
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.
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. Accessibility for both areas is generally by boat.
Hunting Information Miller Island Unit:
Please remember to make sure hunters meet all the requirements listed in the 2024–25 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.
All hunters will need to obtain and have a daily hunting permit in their possession while in the field. Free daily hunting permits will be available by either self-serve or in-person check in at the checkstation. Check out is mandatory and easy -- simply fill out the "B" portion of the permit and drop it back off at the checkstation on your way out.
With recent freezing conditions waterfowl hunting has slowed down considerably. Numbers of waterfowl around the basin have continued to decrease as many migrate south.
For the best success, hunters should keep an eye on weather conditions and plan their hunts when weather events are occurring. When nighttime temperatures consistently reach the "teens" the Miller Island boat launch may be frozen and not usable.
All pheasant releases have been done for the year. Pheasant season runs through the end of December.
For past week harvest statistics please see: Klamath Wildlife Area Hunting Statistics
If you have any questions, please contact Klamath Wildlife Area at (541) 883-5732.
LAKE COUNTY
Chukar and California quail: Chukar brood counts in Lake County this year were higher than recent averages. Anecdotal accounts indicate second nesting efforts were largely successful. Hunting has been good this season depending on weather patterns and snow accumulations. Look to rocky rims and south facing slopes during the late season. If you find a covey or sign, remain at a similar elevation to increase your odds of success. Walk along rim tops as birds may be foraging later throughout the day and may be scattered farther from the rim edge in search of food.
California quail are almost exclusively found in riparian areas near valley bottoms. Most quail hunting opportunity in the area occurs on private lands, though quail hunting can be found on public lands where streams and steep draws offer riparian vegetation. Be sure to ask permission before entering private lands for any hunting pursuit. The west slope of the Coglan Hills contain both chukar and California quail.
Waterfowl: Duck and Canada goose seasons close Jan. 31. Water levels across most Lake County wetlands are average this year. Wet areas remain in the larger wetland systems such as Summer Lake and the Warner Wetlands east of Adel.
Resident duck species that nested in Lake County this spring are still present and relatively abundant in localized wetlands. Most common species include mallard, wigeon, gadwall and northern shoveler, though many other duck species are present and can be targeted at various points in the season.
Canada geese are locally abundant on wetland areas as well. Recent observations show pockets of Canada geese still around the area utilizing freshwater ponds and streams. Light calling and realistic decoy spreads mimicking smaller flocks should be useful tactics. Those seeking to target white (snow geese and Ross's geese) and white-fronted geese will find best prospects around Summer Lake Wildlife Area, though hunters should check local counts and conditions (available weekly) before traveling to the area. Last updated 12/03/24.
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.
Waterfowl season is currently open.
Please remember to make sure hunters meet all the requirements listed in the 2024–25 Oregon Game Bird Regulations. Summer Lake no longer has a point-of-sale license agent and cellular service for electronic licensing is sometimes spotty.
All hunters will need to obtain and have a daily hunting permit in their possession while in the field. Free daily hunting permits will be available by either self-serve or in-person check in. Check out is mandatory and easy -- simply fill out the "B" portion of the permit and drop it in one of the check-out boxes at major access areas.
Traditional areas are open and posted refuges are closed to all hunting. All areas now have excellent water conditions. Summer Lake proper is nearing half full. Winter is here, so many areas are often frozen.
Maps are available in the Headquarters lobby area or online.
Non-toxic shot is required for all game bird hunting and posted refuges are closed to hunting. Please see gamebird regulations page 37 for detailed wildlife are regulations.
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: Harney County has had some precipitation events in the form of both snow and rain. Temperatures are now ranging from 15 to 55 degrees, depending on the time of day. Higher elevations in both the forest and desert have an accumulation of snow, causing for animal movement throughout the county. Take note that there are still closures on the Malheur National Forest due to the fires that have occurred. For more information on the most current closures look online at Malheur National Forest - Home. Last updated 11/6/24.
Mourning dove: Season closed Oct. 30.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season runs through Jan. 31, 2024. Grouse can be found in the forested portions of the Silvies and Malheur Units, but population numbers are low.
Chukar: Season continues through Jan. 31, 2025; with a daily bag limit of 8 and possession limit of 24. High availability of water and forage this year has led to good opportunity for hunters. Look for rocky, talus slopes, and ridges with water sources nearby which should harbor birds.
Quail: Quail are typically scarce on public lands in Harney County; however, surveys suggest fair production for this year.
Pheasant: Pheasant hunting opportunities are limited in Harney County and occur primarily on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
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 is closed.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season 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 closed Oct. 30.
Blue and ruffed grouse: Season 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.
Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area
The Flat Cr entrance can be a great place at lower elevation to find quail, Hungarian partridge and some chucker on the slopes.
Oliver Cr and Jackass Cr also provide great walk in opportunities for upland gamebird hunting.
** Wildlife Area Closure in effect, all ODFW and BLM lands south of Jackass Cr are closed to all public access to accommodate wild horse gather operations until further notice.
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 closed on Oct. 30.
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.
Closed to all public access for the winter.
UNION COUNTY
Habitat conditions: We are starting to get some high elevation snow. Access may be limited in higher elevations.
Grouse: Grouse hunting is starting to slow down. Hunters should work ridge tops above 5,000 feet for blue grouse and stream corridors with heavy cover and water for ruffed grouse.
Pheasant: Pheasant numbers are high this year, and Ladd Marsh is great place to get out on the opener. Private lands are also a good option for pheasant hunting, our brood routes throughout the county showed a good hatch and overall numbers were high.
Quail: Quail numbers were very good during our summer brood routes. Brood size was very large. Similar to pheasants, Ladd Marsh is a great place to hunt quail for hunters without access to private property.
WALLOWA COUNTY
Habitat conditions: Access may be limited due to snow in higher elevations. Last updated 12/11/24.
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. Hunters have been submitting a lot of wings through our grouse barrels, especially in the Chesnimnus, Imnaha, and Snake River units.
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.
Turkey: December-January turkey hunting is restricted to private lands only. Respect private ownership and have permission before entering private lands.