Here is the weekly hunting report for selected areas in and around Central Oregon, provided by wildlife biologists for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife:
CENTRAL ZONE
OPEN: cougar, bear, archery deer/elk, forest grouse, dove, Sept. Canada goose, band-tailed pigeon (open Sept. 15-23)
PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT
Fire danger remains a concern and recreational users should check with Ochoco and Prineville BLM offices for the latest access and camping information.
Bear: Successful hunters must check in unfrozen bear skulls at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please call ahead and make an appointment to ensure a biologist is present for the check in. It’s also a good idea to prop the bear’s mouth open with a stick for easier tissue sampling, teeth collection and tagging. Remember that cubs and sows with cubs are illegal to take, so if in doubt use caution. See regulations for details.
Archery: Buck and elk seasons are open. The hot and dry conditions have heightened fire concerns, and hunters should consult with the Prineville BLM and/or Ochoco National Forest for the latest fire restrictions. Although days are warm and dry, the nights are beginning to cool off and we have received some reports of bulls becoming more vocal. Hunters are reminded that the Maury is now a controlled entry unit for deer and elk hunters, who must have the controlled entry deer tag in order to hunt in it. Conversely, the Ochoco remains a controlled entry unit for elk, and archery deer hunters must have the controlled entry elk tag in order to hunt in it.
Antlerless elk: Hunts are ongoing in portions of the Maury, Ochoco and Grizzly units. These hunts are primarily on private agricultural and range lands where hunters need permission from the landowner. Typically elk move into these hunt areas in greater numbers during the late summer to take advantage of the irrigated pastures and hay fields.
Cougar: Cougars are present throughout the Maury, Ochoco and Grizzly units but are more likely near deer and elk herds. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of accessible public land. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days of harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.
