Fall Hunting Forecast

Deer and Elk

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The good news: deer, elk and other big game harvested so far this year have been in good body condition. The reality check: hunters will still have to work at it to be successful.

“We’re hearing that the animals taken so far this year have been in good shape,” says Don Whittaker, ODFW game biologist. “Rains this summer certainly contributed to their healthy body condition.

But you will still have to do your homework to be successful,” he continued. “Go scout in advance of the season and get away from your truck. The happy hunters will be those that get away from the roads.”

The past winter was milder than the previous years and most units experienced good buck and bull survival from the previous hunting season. See each individual district’s forecast for more information.

And don’t forget to wear blaze orange for safety. Deer and elk won’t see you but other hunters will.

CWD Monitoring

Hunters are reminded that ODFW is still conducting Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring on deer and elk. Please cooperate with field biologists to collect samples or call a field office to set up an appointment for sample collection. There will also be check stations off some major highways Oct. 4 and 5 (buck deer season) and Nov. 1 and 2 (Rocky Mtn elk season).

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