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, rifle deer (controlled), forest grouse, upland bird (see regs).
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.
CONTROLLED RIFLE BUCK DEER: Season continues. Buck ratios are near or above management objective in all Prineville District units (Maury, Ochoco and Grizzly), and deer hunters should find good prospects for a buck this fall. The continued dry conditions have heightened fire concerns, and hunters should consult with the Prineville BLM and/or Ochoco National Forest for the latest fire restrictions.
Checked deer hunters in the Ochoco District over opening weekend had a success rate of approximately 5 percent during the opening weekend of Controlled Buck Season, which is on the low end of historic rates. In the past 10 years, harvest has generally varied between 5 and 14 percent, with an average of 8.8 percent. Harvest appeared weighted towards younger age class bucks, especially in the Ochoco Unit, which is typical of opening weekend. The weather for the opener was warm and dry, and the fire condition was extreme. There has been little precipitation since June, and none is expected in the near future.
Early 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: 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.
