Below is a news release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Over-winter survival was generally good for Oregon’s deer and elk herds. Parts of the state even got a reprieve from years-long drought this spring but dry conditions came back in late summer and fall, and big game body condition heading into the fall season will vary by district.
Click here to see the district reports for details on what to expect.
Get your animal tested for CWD: While it’s never been found in Oregon, CWD has been detected in most surrounding states and animals can carry the disease (and spread it) for years without showing symptoms. By getting your deer or elk tested, hunters can help detect the disease early and slow its spread. There are several ways to submit a sample: contact an ODFW office for appt, drop a sample in a collection bin, submit at participating meat processor or taxidermist or visit a check station open the first weekend of any legal weapon deer and elk seasons at some locations. Hunters who submit a CWD test will automatically be entered to win a Weatherby Vanguard 7mm Rem in First Lite Specter (Value $1,150), to be provided by Oregon Hunters Association. Learn more at https://myodfw.com/CWD.
Out of state hunters: Don’t bring home banned animal parts
If you harvest a deer, elk, moose or caribou in any other state or Canadian province, it is illegal to bring certain parts of the animal back into Oregon. Banned parts include any central nervous system tissue of an animal, which includes the brain and spinal column. For more guidance on what parts can be brought into Oregon, see the parts ban section under general hunting regulations (page 16) in the 2025 Big Game Hunting Regulations.
Fire restrictions – Check for fire-related closures before going afield. The hunting and fire danger page has some helpful links and reminders on common restrictions, plus policies on reinstating points when there are fire-related closures.
(Photo credit: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)