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: Controlled rifle deer (opens Oct. 2), cougar, bear, forest and blue grouse.

PRINEVILLE/OCHOCO WILDLIFE DISTRICT

GENERAL: Weather conditions have been variable, with wide temperature extremes, and cold temperatures at higher elevations. The Ochoco National Forest and Prineville BLM should be contacted regarding the latest information on motorized access, camping and fire concerns. (BLM 541-416-6700, Ochoco National Forest 541-416-6500). Two cooperative travel management areas (Rager and South Boundary) will be in effect in the Ochoco unit. Maps will be available at entry portal signs and at ODFW and Ochoco National Forest offices in Prineville.

Buck: The rifle buck season starts Saturday. The recent cool and wet weather improved conditions, but the predicted hot and dry weather could make hunting challenging opening weekend. Buck ratios have improved compared to last year, and animals appear in excellent shape. Hunters are reminded the Rager and South Boundary Travel Management Areas (TMAs) will be in effect in the Ochoco unit.

Early antlerless elk: Hunts are ongoing in the Maury, Ochoco and Grizzly units. These hunts include private agricultural and range lands where permission from the landowner is needed. 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: Are present at all elevations in the Maury, Ochoco and Grizzly units. Like coyotes, cougar will be attracted to deer and antelope, but also elk. The Maury and Ochoco units are recommended because of their greater amounts of public lands and better accessibility. Remember cougars must be checked in at an ODFW office within 10 days after harvest. Please consult the synopsis for all required parts and be sure to call first to make an appointment.

Bear: The best opportunities will be on forest lands at higher elevations on the Ochoco National Forest. The better locations will be on the more densely forested north slopes of the Lookout Mountain and Paulina Ranger districts in the Ochoco Unit. Remember check-in of harvested bears is mandatory. Please check the synopsis for more information and call ahead of time to make an appointment.

Forest grouse: Opportunities are limited to higher elevation forest lands on the Ochoco National Forest. Hunters should check the more heavily forested portions of the Lookout Mountain and Paulina Ranger districts for these elusive birds.