10-26-2007, 11:10 PM
Trout fishing in Northeast Zone streams and Kinney Lake closes Oct. 31.
CUTSFORTH POND: trout
The pond has been stocked with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. Fishing is fair.
Steelhead
- Fish and Wildlife-<br />
GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout, steelhead
River flows are dropping after a recent freshet and fishing conditions are good. Expect fair to good angling for trout. Steelhead angling in the Imnaha River is improving and is very good in the lower Grande Ronde. Steelhead anglers surveyed on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged one steelhead for every 10 hours fished. Counts of adult steelhead moving upstream at lower Snake River dams are exceeding last years counts and the ten year average. We expect steelhead angling to continue to improve, especially after the recent flow increase.
JOHN DAY RIVER: bass
Steelhead and late season smallmouth bass fishing has been good. River flows have increased due to recent rains and snowmelt, so more steelhead are on the way. There is good potential for steelhead, especially in the lower river through the end of the year. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.
The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries will close to trout angling after Oct. 31. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.
Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station
JUBILEE LAKE: trout
No recent report.
KINNEY LAKE: trout
Trout to several pounds, most in the 8-12" range, water conditions are good and improving, bank angling only, use lures or bait and bobber.
Brook Trout<br />
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife -<br />
MAGONE LAKE: trout
Angling success for brook and rainbow trout has been good. Brook trout are preparing to spawn near the shoreline, so are not in prime condition for eating.
MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout
Angling is poor.
MORGAN LAKE: trout
Should be good for rainbow trout.
PENLAND LAKE: trout
Fishing is fair for rainbow trout 10-13 inches with an occasional fish in the 13-18 inch range. Weed growth has limited fishing to only small areas of the lake.
UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout
All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked.
Coho Salmon<br />
-U.S. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
UMATILLA RIVER: trout, steelhead, salmon
Fishing is fair to good for steelhead and coho below Threemile Dam. Open for adipose fin clipped steelhead from Sept. 1- Dec. 31. Open for coho salmon and jack fall Chinook Sept. 1- Nov.30. Coho numbers are increasing downstream of the Hwy 730 bridge. Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.
WALLOWA LAKE: trout
Good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good but the boat launches are a challenge for larger boats because of low water levels. Rainbow should be distributed throughout the lake Lures or worm and bobber can be effective for rainbow from the bank.
WESTON POND: trout
Fishing will be poor.
WILLOW CREEK: trout
Fishing is fair.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout,crappie, bullhead catfish
Trout angling should improve with cooler temperatures. Fair fishing for bullhead catfish
Back to the top
HUNTING
Visit the Northeast Fall Hunting Forecast
ATV users, please respect road closures designed to protect wildlife and improve the hunting experience.
Open: Rocky mt bull elk (general and controlled seasons-see regulations), pheasant, cougar, bear, forest grouse, controlled fall turkey, chukar, duck, mt. quail and California quail (open only in portions of zone)
UPDATE: The Malheur National Forest recently announced that the planned Murderers Creek closure will be further limited because salvage logging has been delayed. Forest Road 2150 going to Aldrich Lookout will remain open 7 days a week, throughout hunting season. Additionally, hunters may now access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area in the Murderers Creek Hunt Unit by foot.
For public safety, the following restrictions still apply:
Forest Road 2140 will remain closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.<br />
Forest Road 2170 where it travels into the fire perimeter remains closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.<br />
Off road motorized vehicle travel within the Shaketable Complex Fire Area is prohibited.<br />
UNION COUNTY
Mallard Ducks<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-<br />
This year's ELK calf survival numbers are consistent with 2006 which should produce yearling bull numbers similar to last season. Rain forecasted for this week will reduce fire danger and improve hunting conditions.
Waterfowl season opened in early October. Hunters had some success, where they could find water to hunt. Hunting will improve later in the season as standing water becomes more abundant.
Upland bird production is about average. Pheasant numbers appear slightly better than last year, probably due to the dry spring.
Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing in the area. Bears are congregated in drainages and low lands, feeding on fall fruits. Remember that a valid, unused deer tag is required to be on your person to hunt bear or cougar with a centerfire or muzzleloading rifle during Eastern Oregon controlled buck deer centerfire firearm season.
Chukar<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
GRANT COUNTY
The planned Murderers Creek access closure has been further limited; Forest Road 2150 gong to Aldrich Lookout will remain open seven days per week and hunters can access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area by foot. For more information, see above.
Chukars and Huns can be found on open slope were green up has started growing. Over all numbers of birds are low but chicks per brood is fair. Quail can be found in brushy draws and riparian areas along river system. Production is fair around the county.
Look for forest grouse in open ridges at high elevations and ruffed grouse in riparian areas. Philip W. Schneider Wildlife Area near John Day is open to the public and offers good bird hunting. Mt. quail season is open in Grant District.
Bear and cougar populations are healthy and increasing in the area.
MORROW COUNTY
Bucks in the Snow<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Elk hunting in the district for mature bulls should be average. Spike hunters are in for another tough year due to continued low calf recruitment. The district experienced wet and cold conditions last week should improve hunting conditions, especially for spot and stalk tactics. The predicted weather is for cooler conditions and rain towards the week end. Green up conditions are present on the forest, hunters should check fall foraging areas for recent elk sign.
Upland bird production was down in the district this year. The Chukar and Hun numbers about the same as they were last year. Quail and Pheasant numbers are down compared to last year. Overall hunters should expect a similar season to last year.
Bear populations are naturally lower in the district.
Cougar populations are healthy. As the winters snows arrive is the time to look for fresh cougar sign and calling with distress type calls or recorded cougar vocalizations can be effective. Dawn and dusk are the best times for calling.
Coyotes are abundant in the district. Finding a good location with coyote sign, watching the wind direction and using distress type calls or howlers can be effective.
WALLOWA DISTRICT
Cougar<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
COUGAR: Cougar are abundant throughout Wallowa County, but can be difficult to observe. Locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique.
COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.
BLACK BEAR: Black bears are abundant in all units. Bear hunting is best in drainage bottoms along riparian areas where bears are feeding on berries. Early in the morning and the last hour of daylight are best times to observe bears.
CONTROLLED BULL ELK: The controlled bull elk season opens Wednesday and hunters can expect to find good numbers of bulls in all units. Hunting conditions are good and should help improve hunter success.
MOOSE: Hunters may encounter moose during their travels, particularly in the Wenaha unit, and are encouraged to report sightings to the ODFW Enterprise district office.
Ruffed Grouse<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
UPLAND BIRDS: Blue grouse hunter success has been fair to poor, and hunters are reporting birds widely scattered. Grouse hunters can find blue grouse along ridges associated with older timber stands and near water sources. Ruffed grouse are common in riparian areas, and hunters should find good numbers in most areas. Chukar hunters can expect birds to be widely scattered as populations are still below normal.
WATERFOWL: Duck hunting is expected to remain slow until more birds arrive. Currently jump shooting provides the best opportunity for hunters.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, Shamrock, and Grouse-Lick Creeks travel management areas in the Sled Springs and Imnaha units will be in effect. In the Snake River unit the Lord Flat road north of Warnock Corral is closed to motor vehicles.
UMATILLA DISTRICT
Grouse: Blue grouse continue to be distributed along ridges with pine/Douglas fir overstory and deciduous shrub understory such as snowberry. Running timbered edges along the edges of canyons should net some birds. Ruffed grouse are going to continue to be found in forested bench or riparian areas dominated by shrubs. Old clear cuts with numerous sapling trees will also hold ruffed grouse in good numbers.
Tom Turkey<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Fall Turkey: Turkeys are still distributed in many parts of forested areas. Hunters will find the most turkeys in the Mt. Emily and Ukiah Units.
Waterfowl: Hunters can expect normal numbers of early local birds in areas on or adjacent to the Columbia River. As weather becomes cooler, fall migrants will begin to arrive to produce improved hunting opportunity. Rivers and creeks will provide consistent jump shooting opportunity throughout the season with brief times of high quality hunting in below freezing cold snaps.
Pheasant: Good numbers of pheasants are being sighted as a result of average production from this last springs hatch. Hunters should concentrate on brushy areas along creeks in agricultural areas.
Quail: Numbers are good and will provide some good recreation throughout the season. Hunters will be served best by concentrating on Shrub areas along creeks in low areas. The Columbia River Wildlife Areas are good locations for quail hunting (Irrigon, Power City, Coyote Springs, and Willow Creek Wildlife Areas).
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing. Bear densities are higher north of I-84 due to increased mast and berries which the bears feed on. Bears will be pulling down into lower areas to feed on hawthorn berries as the fall progresses. Most bears will be heading for the den by the last few days of October.
BAKER COUNTY
Chukar/Hun: While chukar numbers are low this year, decent bird hunting can still be found. For best success try portions of the Pine Creek and Lookout Mountain Units located along Brownlee Reservoir. Decent hunting can often be found for Hungarian Partridge which are an often underutilized opportunity.
Grouse: Blue grouse can be found along timbered ridges while ruffed grouse should be targeted in riparian corridors with abundant vegetation.
Quail: Look for quail around agricultural areas or lowland riparian areas with abundant forage. Try along Snake River Road in eastern Baker County.
Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunting has been decent, but will improve as cold fronts move through the area and bring in migrant waterfowl. Try areas along the Powder River.
Cougar: Populations are high across the county. Calling tactics or tracking once snow falls are good methods. Try Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee.
Elk: Controlled bull elk season starts Oct. 24. For best success try portions of the district under travel management restrictions or remote areas with few roads. Hunters should be prepared for snow in higher elevations.
VIEWING
Baker County
Big-horned Sheep<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Bighorn sheep are entering their breeding season offering some exciting ram viewing. Bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.
Elk are visible along the base of the Elkhorn Mountains in the early mornings and late evenings. Mule and whitetail deer are abundant this time of year in agricultural valleys throughout Baker County. Best locations to view deer are along Pocahontas Road west of Baker City and Highway 86 between Baker City and Richland. While traveling Highway 86, observe the many beaver dams that have been recently created on the Powder River.
Cooler weather heralds the waterfowl migration. For an opportunity to see a wide variety of waterfowl, try viewing the gravel ponds from Best Frontage Road in eastern Baker City.
Gilliam, Morrow, and Wheeler Counties
Osprey<br />
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
Columbia River
Waterfowl and osprey can be seen along the river. Raptors and shorebirds can be seen along the areas wetlands and waterways. Established in 1969, the Refuge has become a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Information and directions
Umatilla National Forest
The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for songbirds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Once winter snows have fallen it is a great time to find tracks of various animals as the cross the road or trail. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars are some of the most common and easiest to identify.
Information
Union County
Mule Deer<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Whitetail and mule deer can be seen in irrigated fields and near cover in the early morning and at dusk. Several species of raptors are visible, perched on power poles and irrigation structures. Watch for river otters, beaver, mergansers and wood ducks along the Grande Ronde River; driving west on Highway 244 from La Grande provides good access to river viewing.
Sandhill cranes have started to congregate for migration and can be seen in numbers along the south end of the Grande Ronde Valley. Mated pairs of Sandhill cranes stay together year round, and migrate south as a group with their offspring.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
Elk have been moving into the wildlife area and may be seen quite often from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Several large bulls have been seen in the wetlands below Foothill Road at dawn. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public entry except Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Umatilla County
Elk have been moving into the wildlife area and may be seen quite often from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Several large bulls have been seen in the wetlands below Foothill Road at dawn. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public
Wood Duck<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
entry except Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
ODFW's Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Pendleton
Visit the Willow Creek Wildlife Area to see waterfowl, raptors, game birds and passerines (perching birds). On the road through the farm lands to the Wildlife Area, glassing the irrigation pivots can reward the viewer with some of the areas rare visitors, Gyrfalcons, the largest of all falcons, and Snowy owls (Artic owl) if the winter is cold enough to bring them this far south.
The habitat varies from open water to riparian woodlands. Bald eagles are an occasional visitor. The brush and thick vegetation areas in the uplands and fields are good spots for pheasant and California quail. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting. Take exit 151 off I-84, go south and follow the signs.
Wallowa County
Great Blue Heron<br />
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -
Great Blue Herons are common along rivers and streams throughout the Wallowa Valley. For hikers in the higher elevation alpine habitats, look along ridge tops for gray-crowned rosy finches and prairie falcons that are often observed along with mountain goats. Various raptor species including Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks can be observed in the Zumwalt Prairie grassland habitats. Mid-elevation timber habitats north of Enterprise and Wallowa are great places to see a variety of song birds and well as elk in meadow habitats during early morning and late evening hours.
During early morning and late evening hours mule and white-tailed deer are common in alfalfa pastures along Highway 82. If you travel down the rough Dug Bar Road, you may see bighorn sheep below the Cow Creek Bridge.
CUTSFORTH POND: trout
The pond has been stocked with legal-sized and trophy-sized trout. Fishing is fair.
Steelhead
- Fish and Wildlife-<br />
GRANDE RONDE, WALLOWA AND IMNAHA RIVERS: trout, steelhead
River flows are dropping after a recent freshet and fishing conditions are good. Expect fair to good angling for trout. Steelhead angling in the Imnaha River is improving and is very good in the lower Grande Ronde. Steelhead anglers surveyed on the lower Grande Ronde River last week averaged one steelhead for every 10 hours fished. Counts of adult steelhead moving upstream at lower Snake River dams are exceeding last years counts and the ten year average. We expect steelhead angling to continue to improve, especially after the recent flow increase.
JOHN DAY RIVER: bass
Steelhead and late season smallmouth bass fishing has been good. River flows have increased due to recent rains and snowmelt, so more steelhead are on the way. There is good potential for steelhead, especially in the lower river through the end of the year. Remember to keep those clipped hatchery fish and release the unmarked ones.
The John Day River above Kimberly and all tributaries will close to trout angling after Oct. 31. The John Day River below Kimberly is open to angling for steelhead and bass all year.
Stream flow levels, Service Creek gauging station
JUBILEE LAKE: trout
No recent report.
KINNEY LAKE: trout
Trout to several pounds, most in the 8-12" range, water conditions are good and improving, bank angling only, use lures or bait and bobber.
Brook Trout<br />
-U.S. Fish & Wildlife -<br />
MAGONE LAKE: trout
Angling success for brook and rainbow trout has been good. Brook trout are preparing to spawn near the shoreline, so are not in prime condition for eating.
MCNARY, HAT ROCK AND TATONE PONDS: trout
Angling is poor.
MORGAN LAKE: trout
Should be good for rainbow trout.
PENLAND LAKE: trout
Fishing is fair for rainbow trout 10-13 inches with an occasional fish in the 13-18 inch range. Weed growth has limited fishing to only small areas of the lake.
UMATILLA FOREST PONDS: trout
All ponds north of Ukiah and along the summit road have been stocked.
Coho Salmon<br />
-U.S. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife -<br />
UMATILLA RIVER: trout, steelhead, salmon
Fishing is fair to good for steelhead and coho below Threemile Dam. Open for adipose fin clipped steelhead from Sept. 1- Dec. 31. Open for coho salmon and jack fall Chinook Sept. 1- Nov.30. Coho numbers are increasing downstream of the Hwy 730 bridge. Open for warm water game fish. Trout angling is open above the Reservation boundary but is restricted to artificial flies and lures. All fish must be safely released.
WALLOWA LAKE: trout
Good for stocked rainbow trout to several pounds, lake conditions are good but the boat launches are a challenge for larger boats because of low water levels. Rainbow should be distributed throughout the lake Lures or worm and bobber can be effective for rainbow from the bank.
WESTON POND: trout
Fishing will be poor.
WILLOW CREEK: trout
Fishing is fair.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR: Trout,crappie, bullhead catfish
Trout angling should improve with cooler temperatures. Fair fishing for bullhead catfish
Back to the top
HUNTING
Visit the Northeast Fall Hunting Forecast
ATV users, please respect road closures designed to protect wildlife and improve the hunting experience.
Open: Rocky mt bull elk (general and controlled seasons-see regulations), pheasant, cougar, bear, forest grouse, controlled fall turkey, chukar, duck, mt. quail and California quail (open only in portions of zone)
UPDATE: The Malheur National Forest recently announced that the planned Murderers Creek closure will be further limited because salvage logging has been delayed. Forest Road 2150 going to Aldrich Lookout will remain open 7 days a week, throughout hunting season. Additionally, hunters may now access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area in the Murderers Creek Hunt Unit by foot.
For public safety, the following restrictions still apply:
Forest Road 2140 will remain closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.<br />
Forest Road 2170 where it travels into the fire perimeter remains closed to motorized vehicles. Foot travel is permitted.<br />
Off road motorized vehicle travel within the Shaketable Complex Fire Area is prohibited.<br />
UNION COUNTY
Mallard Ducks<br />
- Photo by Greg Gillson-<br />
This year's ELK calf survival numbers are consistent with 2006 which should produce yearling bull numbers similar to last season. Rain forecasted for this week will reduce fire danger and improve hunting conditions.
Waterfowl season opened in early October. Hunters had some success, where they could find water to hunt. Hunting will improve later in the season as standing water becomes more abundant.
Upland bird production is about average. Pheasant numbers appear slightly better than last year, probably due to the dry spring.
Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing in the area. Bears are congregated in drainages and low lands, feeding on fall fruits. Remember that a valid, unused deer tag is required to be on your person to hunt bear or cougar with a centerfire or muzzleloading rifle during Eastern Oregon controlled buck deer centerfire firearm season.
Chukar<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
GRANT COUNTY
The planned Murderers Creek access closure has been further limited; Forest Road 2150 gong to Aldrich Lookout will remain open seven days per week and hunters can access the entire Shaketable Complex Fire area by foot. For more information, see above.
Chukars and Huns can be found on open slope were green up has started growing. Over all numbers of birds are low but chicks per brood is fair. Quail can be found in brushy draws and riparian areas along river system. Production is fair around the county.
Look for forest grouse in open ridges at high elevations and ruffed grouse in riparian areas. Philip W. Schneider Wildlife Area near John Day is open to the public and offers good bird hunting. Mt. quail season is open in Grant District.
Bear and cougar populations are healthy and increasing in the area.
MORROW COUNTY
Bucks in the Snow<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Elk hunting in the district for mature bulls should be average. Spike hunters are in for another tough year due to continued low calf recruitment. The district experienced wet and cold conditions last week should improve hunting conditions, especially for spot and stalk tactics. The predicted weather is for cooler conditions and rain towards the week end. Green up conditions are present on the forest, hunters should check fall foraging areas for recent elk sign.
Upland bird production was down in the district this year. The Chukar and Hun numbers about the same as they were last year. Quail and Pheasant numbers are down compared to last year. Overall hunters should expect a similar season to last year.
Bear populations are naturally lower in the district.
Cougar populations are healthy. As the winters snows arrive is the time to look for fresh cougar sign and calling with distress type calls or recorded cougar vocalizations can be effective. Dawn and dusk are the best times for calling.
Coyotes are abundant in the district. Finding a good location with coyote sign, watching the wind direction and using distress type calls or howlers can be effective.
WALLOWA DISTRICT
Cougar<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
COUGAR: Cougar are abundant throughout Wallowa County, but can be difficult to observe. Locating fresh cougar sign and patiently calling attempting to imitate a fawn or calf in distress can sometimes be an effective technique.
COYOTE: Good numbers of coyotes can be found throughout Wallowa County. Calling coyotes with rabbit distress type calls has been effective for hunters. It is important to choose areas with abundant coyote sign and little human activity.
BLACK BEAR: Black bears are abundant in all units. Bear hunting is best in drainage bottoms along riparian areas where bears are feeding on berries. Early in the morning and the last hour of daylight are best times to observe bears.
CONTROLLED BULL ELK: The controlled bull elk season opens Wednesday and hunters can expect to find good numbers of bulls in all units. Hunting conditions are good and should help improve hunter success.
MOOSE: Hunters may encounter moose during their travels, particularly in the Wenaha unit, and are encouraged to report sightings to the ODFW Enterprise district office.
Ruffed Grouse<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
UPLAND BIRDS: Blue grouse hunter success has been fair to poor, and hunters are reporting birds widely scattered. Grouse hunters can find blue grouse along ridges associated with older timber stands and near water sources. Ruffed grouse are common in riparian areas, and hunters should find good numbers in most areas. Chukar hunters can expect birds to be widely scattered as populations are still below normal.
WATERFOWL: Duck hunting is expected to remain slow until more birds arrive. Currently jump shooting provides the best opportunity for hunters.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS: Noregaard, Whiskey Creek, Shamrock, and Grouse-Lick Creeks travel management areas in the Sled Springs and Imnaha units will be in effect. In the Snake River unit the Lord Flat road north of Warnock Corral is closed to motor vehicles.
UMATILLA DISTRICT
Grouse: Blue grouse continue to be distributed along ridges with pine/Douglas fir overstory and deciduous shrub understory such as snowberry. Running timbered edges along the edges of canyons should net some birds. Ruffed grouse are going to continue to be found in forested bench or riparian areas dominated by shrubs. Old clear cuts with numerous sapling trees will also hold ruffed grouse in good numbers.
Tom Turkey<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
Fall Turkey: Turkeys are still distributed in many parts of forested areas. Hunters will find the most turkeys in the Mt. Emily and Ukiah Units.
Waterfowl: Hunters can expect normal numbers of early local birds in areas on or adjacent to the Columbia River. As weather becomes cooler, fall migrants will begin to arrive to produce improved hunting opportunity. Rivers and creeks will provide consistent jump shooting opportunity throughout the season with brief times of high quality hunting in below freezing cold snaps.
Pheasant: Good numbers of pheasants are being sighted as a result of average production from this last springs hatch. Hunters should concentrate on brushy areas along creeks in agricultural areas.
Quail: Numbers are good and will provide some good recreation throughout the season. Hunters will be served best by concentrating on Shrub areas along creeks in low areas. The Columbia River Wildlife Areas are good locations for quail hunting (Irrigon, Power City, Coyote Springs, and Willow Creek Wildlife Areas).
Black Bear<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Bear and cougar populations are healthy to increasing. Bear densities are higher north of I-84 due to increased mast and berries which the bears feed on. Bears will be pulling down into lower areas to feed on hawthorn berries as the fall progresses. Most bears will be heading for the den by the last few days of October.
BAKER COUNTY
Chukar/Hun: While chukar numbers are low this year, decent bird hunting can still be found. For best success try portions of the Pine Creek and Lookout Mountain Units located along Brownlee Reservoir. Decent hunting can often be found for Hungarian Partridge which are an often underutilized opportunity.
Grouse: Blue grouse can be found along timbered ridges while ruffed grouse should be targeted in riparian corridors with abundant vegetation.
Quail: Look for quail around agricultural areas or lowland riparian areas with abundant forage. Try along Snake River Road in eastern Baker County.
Waterfowl: Waterfowl hunting has been decent, but will improve as cold fronts move through the area and bring in migrant waterfowl. Try areas along the Powder River.
Cougar: Populations are high across the county. Calling tactics or tracking once snow falls are good methods. Try Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee.
Elk: Controlled bull elk season starts Oct. 24. For best success try portions of the district under travel management restrictions or remote areas with few roads. Hunters should be prepared for snow in higher elevations.
VIEWING
Baker County
Big-horned Sheep<br />
Oregon Fish and Wildlife<br />
Bighorn sheep are entering their breeding season offering some exciting ram viewing. Bighorn sheep can be viewed in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland.
Elk are visible along the base of the Elkhorn Mountains in the early mornings and late evenings. Mule and whitetail deer are abundant this time of year in agricultural valleys throughout Baker County. Best locations to view deer are along Pocahontas Road west of Baker City and Highway 86 between Baker City and Richland. While traveling Highway 86, observe the many beaver dams that have been recently created on the Powder River.
Cooler weather heralds the waterfowl migration. For an opportunity to see a wide variety of waterfowl, try viewing the gravel ponds from Best Frontage Road in eastern Baker City.
Gilliam, Morrow, and Wheeler Counties
Osprey<br />
- Photo by Robert Mutch -<br />
Columbia River
Waterfowl and osprey can be seen along the river. Raptors and shorebirds can be seen along the areas wetlands and waterways. Established in 1969, the Refuge has become a mecca for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Information and directions
Umatilla National Forest
The Umatilla National Forest provides good birding opportunities for songbirds, woodpeckers, forest grouse, turkeys and raptor species. Deer and elk can also be seen in the forest. Once winter snows have fallen it is a great time to find tracks of various animals as the cross the road or trail. Snowshoe hares, deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, and cougars are some of the most common and easiest to identify.
Information
Union County
Mule Deer<br />
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
Whitetail and mule deer can be seen in irrigated fields and near cover in the early morning and at dusk. Several species of raptors are visible, perched on power poles and irrigation structures. Watch for river otters, beaver, mergansers and wood ducks along the Grande Ronde River; driving west on Highway 244 from La Grande provides good access to river viewing.
Sandhill cranes have started to congregate for migration and can be seen in numbers along the south end of the Grande Ronde Valley. Mated pairs of Sandhill cranes stay together year round, and migrate south as a group with their offspring.
Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area
Elk have been moving into the wildlife area and may be seen quite often from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Several large bulls have been seen in the wetlands below Foothill Road at dawn. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public entry except Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Umatilla County
Elk have been moving into the wildlife area and may be seen quite often from Pierce Road, Foothill Road or Hot Lake Lane. Several large bulls have been seen in the wetlands below Foothill Road at dawn. Use binoculars or a spotting scope for the best views as the wildlife area is closed to public
Wood Duck<br />
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife-<br />
entry except Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
ODFW's Willow Creek Wildlife Area, Pendleton
Visit the Willow Creek Wildlife Area to see waterfowl, raptors, game birds and passerines (perching birds). On the road through the farm lands to the Wildlife Area, glassing the irrigation pivots can reward the viewer with some of the areas rare visitors, Gyrfalcons, the largest of all falcons, and Snowy owls (Artic owl) if the winter is cold enough to bring them this far south.
The habitat varies from open water to riparian woodlands. Bald eagles are an occasional visitor. The brush and thick vegetation areas in the uplands and fields are good spots for pheasant and California quail. The Wildlife Area is open to hunting. Take exit 151 off I-84, go south and follow the signs.
Wallowa County
Great Blue Heron<br />
- Photo by Kathy Munsel -
Great Blue Herons are common along rivers and streams throughout the Wallowa Valley. For hikers in the higher elevation alpine habitats, look along ridge tops for gray-crowned rosy finches and prairie falcons that are often observed along with mountain goats. Various raptor species including Ferruginous and Swainson's hawks can be observed in the Zumwalt Prairie grassland habitats. Mid-elevation timber habitats north of Enterprise and Wallowa are great places to see a variety of song birds and well as elk in meadow habitats during early morning and late evening hours.
During early morning and late evening hours mule and white-tailed deer are common in alfalfa pastures along Highway 82. If you travel down the rough Dug Bar Road, you may see bighorn sheep below the Cow Creek Bridge.