Attachment 3

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STAFF PROPOSALS

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction……………………………………………………………..……….. Page 2

Public Meeting Schedule……………………………………………………...…. Page 3

Legislative Regulation Changes………………………………………………… Page 4

Regulation Changes and Concepts Under Consideration for 2018……….…….. Page 5

Baiting Game Mammals ………………………...……………………… Page 5

LOP Tag Limitations in Special Opportunity Hunts………..................... Page 6

Hunt Dates for Auction, Raffle, and Premium Hunts………….…….….. Page 7

General Topics and Updates…….……………………………………………….. Page 8

Elk Damage Tag Program Implementation……………………….……... Page 8

Mule Deer Limited Landowner Preference Tags………………………... Page 9

Wildlife Area and Travel Management Area Changes….………………. Page 13

Mandatory Reporting of Hunter Harvest and Effort Update.…….……… Page 14

Hunting Seasons and Species Specific Information……….……………………... Page 16

Proposed Changes to 2017 Hunts for Adoption in September…………… Page 16

Proposed General Season Bag Limits and Dates ………………………... Page 18

Proposed Application and Tag Sale Deadlines…………………..………. Page 19

Proposed Controlled Hunt Tag Numbers……..………………..………… Page 20

Premium Hunts…………………..………………………………………. Page 21

Bear Season Summaries and Recommendations..……………………….. Page 26

Cougar Season Summaries and Recommendations …………………….. Page 29

Bighorn Sheep Season Summaries and Recommendations …….………. Page 32

Rocky Mountain Goat Season Summaries and Recommendations ….…. Page 35

Pronghorn Antelope Season Summaries and Recommendations …….…. Page 37

Deer Season Summaries and Recommendations …………………….….. Page 41

Elk Season Summaries and Recommendations …………………………. Page 54

Western Gray Squirrel Season Recommendations ...…………………...… Page 72

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INTRODUCTION

This document contains information regarding the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) proposed seasons and regulation changes for 2018 Big Game Regulations, including tables of controlled hunts with tag numbers for 2018 hunts. The 2018 Oregon Big Game Regulations are expected to be available at Point of Sale License Agents and Department offices in November 2017. Soon after distribution of the 2018 Big Game Regulations, the process of developing seasons and regulations for 2019 will begin. Following is the tentative Big Game Regulation development timeline for 2019 seasons. Dates cannot be finalized until after Commission Meeting dates for 2018 have been set. NOTE: Dates may shift a week or two depending on the final dates of 2018 Commission Meetings. • November, 2017 – March, 2018: Districts conduct field surveys

• April 1, 2018: Deadline for canceling 2018 hunts or making emergency tag reductions

• May 15, 2018: District proposal deadline

• June 11-15, 2018: Wildlife Division meets with Biologists

─ Discuss 2019 seasons, tag numbers, and regulations

• June 30, 2018: Information for public outreach/meetings distributed to Districts

• July 9-20, 2018: Districts conduct public outreach/meetings

• Early August 2018: Commission packet due to Division Administrators

• September 2018: Commission Adoption of 2019 seasons and tag numbers

• November, 2018: 2019 Big Game Regulations printed and delivered to vendors

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Wildlife District Public Meetings At public meetings held throughout the state during July (Table 1), the Department’s Wildlife Districts provided information including regulation concepts and proposals for discussion and comment. If proposals are adopted, they will be incorporated into next year’s Big Game Regulations.

Table 1. Location, date, and time for 2017 Oregon big game regulation public meetings. City Date Time Location

Seaside July 6 4 – 7 pm Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Seamist Room 415 First Ave., Seaside OR

Salem July 6 7 – 9 pm ODFW Headquarters Office, Commission Room 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem OR

Lakeview July 11 6 - 8 pm Eagles Lodge 27 South “E” Street, Lakeview OR

Redmond July 11 6 – 8 pm Redmond High School, Community Development Rm 675 SW Rimrock, Redmond OR

Ontario July 11 12 – 7 pm (MT) Ontario ODFW Field Office (Open House) 3814 Clark Blvd, Ontario, OR

Roseburg July 11 6:30 pm ODFW Roseburg District Office Conference Rm, 4192 N Umpqua Hwy, Roseburg OR

Springfield July 11 6:30 – 8:30 pm Oregon Dept. of Forestry 3150 East Main St, Springfield OR

Newport July 11 6 pm OSU Extension Office 1211 SE Bay Blvd., Newport, OR

Burns July 12 7 - 9 pm Harney County Community Center 484 N Broadway, Burns OR

Heppner July 12 6 pm ODFW Heppner District Office 54173 Highway 74, Heppner OR

La Grande, Baker & Enterprise July 12 6 – 9 pm La Grande City Library, Conference Room

2006 Fourth St, La Grande, OR 97850

John Day July 12 5:30 – 7 pm John Day District State Forestry Office 415 Patterson Bridge Rd, John Day OR

Charleston July 12 7 – 8:30 pm North Bend Public Library 1800 Sherman Ave, North Bend OR

Pendleton July 12 4 – 7 pm ODFW Umatilla District Office 73471 Mytinger Lane, Pendleton, OR

Klamath Falls July 13 6 – 8 pm Shasta Grange Hall 5831 Shasta Way, Klamath Falls OR

The Dalles July 13 6 pm The Dalles Screen Shop 3561 Klindt Dr., The Dalles OR

Clackamas July 19 5:30 – 7:30 pm ODFW Clackamas District Office (Open House) 17330 SE Evelyn Street, Bldg. 16, Clackamas OR

Grants Pass July 20 7 pm Elmer’s Restaurant 175 NE Agness, Grants Pass OR

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Legislatively Required Regulation Changes House Bill 2030 removed the 3% limitation on nonresident bear tags for the General Fall Bear Season. The 3% nonresident limitation for bear tags was put in place decades ago when dogs could be used to hunt bear in Oregon. With the ban on the use of dogs, the demand for bear hunting by nonresidents declined and need for the regulation no longer exists. The Department, with the assistance of the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), worked with the Oregon legislature to eliminate the 3% nonresident limitation for the General Fall Bear Season. A Temporary Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) was put in place for fall 2017 seasons. Note, the statutory 3% nonresident limitation is still in effect for all spring bear hunts. House Bill 2566 extended the Mentored Youth Program by two years to include youth 14 and 15 years of age. Administrative rule changes will be proposed in December; the change will take effect January, 2018. House Bill 3158 requires the Commission to implement a program to encourage persons to report violations of the wildlife laws. The program will include offering a person either preference points in a scaled system determined by the Fish and Wildlife Commission or a cash reward for information leading to citations or arrest for unlawful take, possession or waste of antelope, bear, cougar, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, mountain sheep or wolf. The reward for reporting violations will be vary depending upon species. For example, violations related to bighorn sheep will provide more incentive (preference points or dollars) than violations involving deer. Administrative rules for the program will be developed with input from the public and OSP and presented to the Commission for implementation during 2018. Senate Bill 372, the “roadkill bill”, requires the Commission to adopt rules to implement a program to issue wildlife salvage permits for human consumption of deer or elk accidentally killed as result of vehicle collision. If the animal is a buck or bull, the antlers must be surrendered to the Department. The State of Oregon will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the recovery or consumption of a deer or elk collected pursuant to a salvage permit. Details of the program, including the form and method for applying for and receiving a wildlife salvage permit, have not been established. Administrative rules for the program will be developed with input from the public and OSP and presented to the Commission for implementation during 2018. A primary concern is to minimize poaching being reported as “salvage”. Senate Bill 373, the “town deer” bill, directs the Commission to develop a pilot program for urban deer population control. Before deer would be removed under this program, the governing body of the city must “adopt by ordinance restrictions on placing, depositing, distributing, storing or scattering food, garbage or any other attractant so as to knowingly constitute a lure, attractant or enticement for deer.” After passage of a city ordinance declaring that deer populations have risen to levels that constitute a public nuisance, the city may petition the Department for assistance in reducing deer population levels within city limits. If the Department determines/agrees the deer population is a public nuisance, the local government body or an appropriate agent may be allowed to take deer to reduce the population.

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The program must include provisions for ensuring edible portions of deer taken are distributed, at the expense of the local government, to a local food bank or other charitable organization. Details of the urban deer population control program will go into effect by January, 2019.

Regulation Changes and Concepts Under Consideration for 2018

Regulation Change Considered, not Proposed Baiting game mammals is legal in Oregon except for black bear and on the North Bank Habitat Area near Roseburg. There has been a recent request to the Commission to make baiting illegal. The request arose over a conflict with hunters that had sites baited on federal land. In 2008, the Department reviewed the baiting regulations for all 50 states. Baiting deer and elk (where present) was legal in 15 states, legal in parts of 13 states, and illegal in 22 states. “Partial” states generally allow baiting on private lands or ban baiting on Wildlife Areas. Some states ban baiting on state and federal lands. Arizona and Washington were considering making baiting illegal. Washington decided to limit baiting to 10 gallons of bait accessible to wildlife. Arizona imposed a ban but left significant exceptions, such as salt and salt-based materials produced for the livestock industry. The Department is not proposing to expand the prohibition on baiting to include deer and elk at this time. The Department will continue to collect information related to biological concerns related to baiting, particularly disease transmission at bait sites, and may revisit the topic in the future. Regulation Change Proposals Slash INsetBlade® Arrows are considered illegal for big game in Oregon. Not only are the blades moveable, once deployed they are “barbed”. One reason for the restriction on mechanical broadheads is reduced penetration. Alaska does not allow their use on larger animals including elk, moose, bison, muskox, and brown bear. The Department is proposing the wording of the regulation be changed slightly to make it clearer to hunters these arrows are not legal.

“Broadhead blades must be fixed, unbarbed and at least 7/8” wide (except for western gray squirrel). It is illegal to hunt with or possess broadheads or arrows with mechanical or moveable blade(s) when hunting game mammals, except western gray squirrel.”

Handheld FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed), or other thermal or night vision optics are currently legal to use for hunting in Oregon unless it is incorporated into the sight. The current regulation is: No Person Shall:

• Hunt any wildlife with infrared or any other night vision sight. The Department is proposing to change the regulation to make night vision equipment illegal when hunting.

No Person Shall: • Hunt or locate or scout for the purpose of hunting any wildlife with infrared or any

other night vision equipment.

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LOP Tag Limitations in “Special Opportunity” Hunts The Landowner Preference (LOP) Program was first implemented in 1982, when controlled hunts were increasing, replacing general seasons. The Program provided landowners the opportunity to obtain tags to hunt on their property, and recognized the importance of wildlife habitat on private lands. In 2000, LOP tags were limited “in certain controlled elk hunts with a bag limit of spike or better in units where the usual bag limit for bull elk is spike only”. The initial elk hunts that included branch bulls in the bag limit where most of the bull hunting was restricted to spike only, included Catherine Creek, Pine Creek, Mt Emily, Walla Walla, Wenaha, and Starkey WMUs. In 2008, six new mule deer hunts with small tag numbers (10-20 per hunt), that provide a special opportunity to hunt during the late season, were added to the list of limited LOP hunts. The formula used to limit tags for these deer and elk hunts is five tags or 10% of the tags authorized by the Commission, whichever is greater. In 2015, the same five tags or 10% formula was used to limit LOP mule deer buck tags in WMUs where the population was below Management Objective (MO). At the March 2017 Commission Meeting, the Commission adopted a new three tiered system for limiting LOP mule deer tags, depending primarily on how close the mule deer population is to the Population MO for the WMU. The Commission was also asked during public testimony to consider adding hunts that provide a very limited opportunity, particularly the Metolius Bow hunt for buck deer, to the hunts that are permanently restricted to five tags or 10% of the tags authorized by the Commission. Following the request, the Commission directed Department staff to review special opportunity hunts and prepare information for the September 2017 Commission Meeting. The Department review focused on the opportunity to hunt and recent harvest data. The information is focused on the late Metolius Bow Hunt (139R1) because it has generated most of comments including testimony to the Commission. Following, is a summary of the average annual Metolius Unit buck deer harvest for the past five years (2012-2016); note, there is very limited LOP interest in the centerfire rifle (139) and muzzleloader (139M1) hunts; late Metolius archers (public and LOP), have very similar harvest success rates:

• 139R1 Public: 25 hunters/year, 65% success, 16 bucks including 14 (88%) 4 point + • 139R1* LOP: 21 hunters/year, 68% success, 14 bucks including 12 (87%) 4 point +

* Does not include 2015 when LOP tags were limited to five.

• Sept. Gen Bow: 550 hunters/year, 20% success, 107 bucks including 29 (27%) 4 point +

• 139M1 Public: 33 hunters/year, 45% success, 15 bucks including 7 (45%**) 4 point + • 139M1 LOP: 3 hunters/year, 66% success, 2 bucks, primarily (80%) 4 point +

** Overall 78% success including average of nine does harvested per year.

• 139 Rifle Public: 405 hunters/year, 45% success, 184 bucks including 66 (36%) 4 point + • 139 Rifle LOP: 8 hunters/year, 25% success, 2 bucks including 1 (50%) 4 point +

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Regarding the opportunity to hunt. From 2012-2017, excluding 2015 when LOP tags were limited to five, there was an average of 29 successful LOP applicants for the late Metolius bow hunt annually, some individuals drew LOP tags each year. In 2017, it required 18 preference points for a resident hunter to be sure of drawing the late Metolius bow hunt (Table 2). If the late Metolius buck hunt was a limited LOP hunt, and there continued to be ~30 LOP applicants on average, an individual with their name on only one tag distribution form, could expect to draw a tag about every six years. Table 2. Special Opportunity Deer Hunts

2014 - For Comparison Prior to

Any LOP Limitations

Hunt # Hunt Name

Controlled Hunt Tags

Authorized LOP Tags

Authorized

LOP Tags Sold

2017 First Choice

Applicants

Preference Points to

Draw Tag in 2017

Hunts Already LOP Restricted to 5 Tags or 10% of Tags Authorized 141C WHITE RVR UNIT NO 2 10 5 5 1,850 18 142B HOOD UNIT NO 2 10 5 3 262 13 154C MT. EMILY 10 5 5 2,141 16 156R2 N WENAHA BOW, WTD 30 5 0 22 2 165R BEULAH UNIT BOW 20 5 0 371 11 168R2 SE WHITEHORSE BOW 20 5 0 113 7 170R3 HART MT NO. 3 BOW 6 5 0 133 12

New Hunt 2017, to be added to LOP Restricted Hunts

157A LOWER WALLOWA VALLEY, WTD N/A N/A N/A First Year, 82 New Hunt, 2

Late Season Special Opportunity Hunts Under Consideration to be added to LOP Restricted Hunts

132M KLAMATH FALLS MUZ 27 No Limit 26 277 8 139M1 METOLIUS NO 1 MUZ 44 No Limit 2 337 8 139R1 METOLIUS NO.1 BOW 21 No Limit 31 2,217 18 171M JUNIPER MUZ 10 No Limit 2 451 17 175T INTERSTATE YOUTH 30 No Limit 21 1,045 11

The question before the Commission is whether or not to add five hunts (those at the bottom of Table 2.) to the group of hunts for which LOP tags are restricted to five tags or 10% of the tags authorized by the Commission (whichever is greater), regardless of the mule deer population level as a percentage of MO. These hunts provide a very limited late season buck deer hunting opportunity and are consistent with hunts already limited to five tags or 10% of the tags authorized by the Commission. Hunt Dates for Auction, Raffle, Premium Hunts, and Mandatory Reporting Incentive tags At the February Commission Meeting, the Commission was asked to extend the hunt dates for deer and elk Auction and Raffle Tags. The request was to start hunts earlier (in August), and end hunts later (December 31). The Commission, and the Access and Habitat State Board, have had requests to extend these season dates in the past. Most requests have been focused on deer and elk tags, and extending

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the season later. In the past, neither the Department nor the Access and Habitat Board have supported extending hunts after November 30, which is when some winter range closures take effect. At the July 2017 Access and Habitat Board Meeting, the Department again discussed this issue with the Board. Neither the Department nor the Board support extending the hunts later. However, because some years the general archery season opens before the opening dates of these special tags, there was support for extending the hunt dates earlier. Current Dates:

• Deer and Elk, September 1 – November 30 • Pronghorn, August 1 – September 30 • Rocky Mtn Goat, September 1 – October 31 • Bighorn Sheep, August 1 – November 22

Department proposal: A hunt period of August 1-November 30 for all species. Standardizing the hunt dates for all species would address the issues of other hunts and general archery seasons opening before these special hunts, extend pronghorn season to after fire season, and be consistent with the current effort by the Department to simplify regulations.

GENERAL TOPICS and UPDATES Elk Damage Tag Program Implementation

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2027 in 2013, which directed the Department to create and implement a statewide Oregon Landowner Damage Program to address agricultural damage caused by elk. The elk damage tag program does not have minimum acreage requirements and does not limit the number of tags a landowner may acquire. However, no more than 5 tags may be valid at any given time. Additionally, the option for landowners to exchange unused LOP tags 1 for 2 was removed. The first year of the new elk damage tag program resulted in an overall statewide increase in the number of elk tags issued to address damage and the associated harvest. This increase was driven primarily by increases in northeast Oregon. There has been a strong shift away from LOP and controlled hunt exchange tags to elk damage program tags. After the first year of the program (2014-2015 with 3,162 total tags), elk damage tag numbers increased slightly. The number of tags issued on damage stabilized for the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17 and are detailed below (Table 3). The severity of last winter did not increase the number of damage elk tags issued.

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Mule Deer Landowner Preference Tags

In 2013, House Bill 2027A authorized the Commission to limit mule deer buck tags in WMUs where the mule deer population is below the Management Objective (MO). In October 2014, the Commission adopted the same formula that has been used for quite some time for selected deer and elk hunts with limited LOP tags. In these hunts LOP tags are limited to five tags or 10 percent of the total controlled hunt tags authorized for each hunt, whichever is greater. In 2014, a total of 2,804 controlled mule deer buck LOP tags were sold with allocation based on acreage owned and registered. Beginning in 2015, LOP tags were limited for mule deer buck hunts (100 Series) in WMUs where estimated populations were below 100% of the established population MO for the unit. In 2015 and 2016, 2,335 and 2,374 LOP buck tags were sold respectively.

Application of this formula resulted in a number of landowners not receiving tags for some controlled buck hunts. Following concerns from these landowners, the Department conducted a workgroup to review the tag allocation formula. Workgroup members included representatives of the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Bow Hunters, Traditional Archers of Oregon, landowners, and hunters at large. The final result of the workgroup meetings was a three-tiered approach to allocation of LOP mule deer tags, which was adopted by the Commission in March 2017. Tiers are still based on the estimated wintering population for each WMU expressed as a percent of the population MO. However, the total number of LOP tags available in a hunt differs based on how close the population is to the MO.

Table 3. Elk tags exchanged, elk damage tags issued, and related harvest, 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. 2015 – 2016 2016 –2017

Watershed District

Exchange Tags

Issued

Elk Damage Program

Tags Total Tags Harvest

Exchange Tags

Issued

Elk Damage Program

Tags Total Tags Harvest

North Coast 8 239 247 145 14 276 290 181 N Willamette 18 46 64 26 19 51 70 39 S Willamette 10 59 69 28 1 55 56 24 Umpqua 1 129 130 88 0 180 180 124 Rogue 0 220 220 104 0 146 146 56 Deschutes 11 259 270 146 4 282 286 142 John Day 16 1267 1283 649 3 1254 1257 561 Grande Ronde 4 897 901 549 4 916 920 495 Klamath 0 12 12 10 0 43 43 16 Malheur 5 114 119 64 8 37 45 10 TOTAL 73 3,242 3,315 1,809 53 3,240 3,293 1,648

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Tier 1: For populations at 80% or more of MO, LOP tags are allocated according to the current acreage table.

Tier 2: For populations from 60 to 79% of MO, LOP tags available are limited to 5 tags or 15% of the total controlled buck tags authorized for the public for each hunt, whichever is greater.

Tier 3: For populations below 60% of MO, LOP tags available are limited to 5 tags or 10% of the total controlled buck tags authorized for the public for each hunt, whichever is greater.

Five hunts were also maintained in Tier 1 even though populations in the unit are below MOs. Hunts in the Columbia Basin and East Biggs WMUs, and the NE Owyhee hunt (167A), are directed at addressing high levels of damage and contain extremely high proportions of private land in the hunt areas. Two hunts in the Mt. Emily WMU were kept in Tier 1 due to the high proportion of white-tailed deer taken during these hunts.

Based on spring 2017 data, all mule deer populations are below 100% of population MO except for the West Biggs, and Wagontire units (Table 4). For the 2018 controlled hunts, incorporating 2017 population data and including the addition of six hunts considered to be ‘Special Opportunity’, this tiered approach to allocating mule deer LOP tags results in 13 hunts in Tier 1, 32 hunts in Tier 2, 30 hunts in Tier 3, and 12 Special Opportunity hunts. In Tier 2, Tier 3, and Special Opportunity hunts where tags available are limited, 5,042 tags will be available for drawing by landowners in the June 2018 controlled hunt drawing, an increase of 2%.

Table 4. Mule deer LOP tags available for the 2018 seasons.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

% of MO Tier Level

Adj. 2018 Tags

2018 LOP Tags Available

131 Keno Unit 94% Tier 1 1,100 Per Acreage Limitation

131R Keno Unit Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 94% Tier 1 134 Per Acreage

Limitation 132 Klamath Falls Unit 75% Tier 2 927 139

132M Klamath Falls 75% Proposed Special Opportunity 27 5

133 Sprague Unit 14% Tier 3 660 66 134 Up Deschutes Unit 28% Tier 3 2,365 236 135 Paulina Unit 44% Tier 3 1,430 143 135M Paulina Unit 44% Tier 3 5 5

135R Paulina Unit Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 44% Tier 3 6 5

136 Maury Unit 73% Tier 2 378 56 136R Maury Unit Bow 73% Tier 2 125 18 137 Ochoco Unit 43% Tier 3 2,585 258

138 Grizzly Unit 81% Tier 1 1,199 Per Acreage Limitation

139 Metolius Unit 93% Tier 1 400 Per Acreage Limitation

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Table 4 Continued. Mule deer LOP tags available for the 2018 seasons.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

% of MO Tier Level

Adj. 2018 Tags

2018 LOP Tags Available

139M1 Metolius # 1 93% Proposed Special Opportunity 30 5

139M2 Metolius # 2 93% Tier 1 21 Per Acreage Limitation

139R1 Metolius Bow #1 (Only bow deer opp.) 93% Proposed Special

Opportunity 20 5

139R2 Metolius Bow #2 (Only bow deer opp.) 93% Tier 1 28 Per Acreage

Limitation

140 Maupin Unit 93% Tier 1 440 Per Acreage Limitation

141A Hood-White Rvr 71% Tier 2 132 19 141B White R Unit No. 1 75% Tier 2 1,705 255

141C White R Unit No. 2 75% Special Opportunity 10 5

141M Hood-White River 71% Tier 2 37 5 141T The Dalles Watershed 71% Tier 2 7 5 142A Hood Unit No. 1 71% Tier 2 660 99

142B Hood Unit No. 2 71% Special Opportunity 10 5

143A E Biggs 57% Exception, High % Private Land 715 Per Acreage

Limitation

143B W Biggs 100% Tier 1 770 Per Acreage Limitation

144 Columbia Basin Unit 69% Exception, High % Private Land 1,980 Per Acreage

Limitation 145 Fossil Unit 76% Tier 2 2,200 330 145M Flatiron 76% Tier 2 61 9 146 Murderers Cr Unit 69% Tier 2 990 148 147 Northside Unit 42% Tier 3 1,100 110 148 Heppner Unit 61% Tier 2 3,520 528 148M Ditch Cr 61% Tier 2 193 28

149 Ukiah Unit 89% Tier 1 1,898 Per Acreage Limitation

150 Desolation Unit 43% Tier 3 990 99 151 Sumpter Unit 34% Tier 3 825 82 151M Baker Muzzleloader 34% Tier 3 80 8

152A Starkey 100% Tier 1 537 Per Acreage Limitation

152B Starkey Exp. Forest 100% No LOP Tags 25 No LOP Tags 153 Catherine Cr Unit 26% Tier 3 273 27 153M Union Co 26% Tier 3 440 44

154A E Mt Emily 74% Exception, High WTD Harvest 138 Per Acreage

Limitation

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Table 4 Continued. Mule deer LOP tags available for the 2018 seasons.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

% of MO Tier Level

Adj. 2018 Tags

2018 LOP Tags Available

154B W Mt Emily 74% Exception, High WTD Harvest 523 Per Acreage

Limitation

154C Mt Emily 74% Special Opportunity 10 5

154R Mt. Emily Unit Bow 74% Tier 2 440 66

155A Walla Walla Unit 92% Tier 1 245 Per Acreage Limitation

155R Walla Walla Unit Bow 92% Tier 1 165 Per Acreage

Limitation 156 Wenaha Unit 60% Tier 2 495 74

156M N Wenaha-E Sled Springs 60% Tier 2 303 45

156R1 Wenaha Unit Bow 60% Tier 2 275 41

156R2 North Wenaha Unit Late Bow (Only opp.) 60% Special

Opportunity 30 5

157 Sled Springs Unit 55% Tier 3 1,925 192

157A Lower Wallowa Valley 55% Special

Opportunity 33 5

158 Chesnimnus Unit 60% Tier 2 550 82 159 Snake R Unit 45% Tier 3 330 33 160 Minam Unit 37% Tier 3 660 66 161 Imnaha Unit 43% Tier 3 825 82 162 Pine Cr Unit 19% Tier 3 193 19 163 Keating Unit 16% Tier 3 273 27 164 Lookout Mt Unit 40% Tier 3 161 16 165 Beulah Unit 80% Tier 2 1,188 178 165A SE Beulah 80% Tier 2 294 44

165R Beulah Unit (Only bow deer opp.) 80% Special

Opportunity 20 5

166 Malheur R Unit 60% Tier 2 1,210 181 166M N Malheur 60% Tier 2 55 8 167 Owyhee Unit 51% Tier 3 367 36

167A NE Owyhee 51% Exception, High % Private Land 105 Per Acreage

Limitation 168A Trout Cr Mtns. 45% Tier 3 74 7 168B E Whitehorse 53% Tier 3 275 27 168M NE Whitehorse 53% Tier 3 25 5

168R1 Trout Cr Traditional Bow 45% Tier 3 Unlimited Unlimited

168R2 SE Whitehorse (Only bow deer opp.) 45% Special

Opportunity 20 5

169A Steens Mt 47% Tier 3 265 26 170A Beatys Butte 61% Tier 2 165 24

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Table 4 Continued. Mule deer LOP tags available for the 2018 seasons.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

% of MO Tier Level

Adj. 2018 Tags

2018 LOP Tags Available

170M Hart Mt 61% No LOP Tags 15 No LOP Tags

170R1 Hart Mt Bow #1 (Only bow deer opp.) 61% No LOP Tags 17 No LOP Tags

170R2 Hart Mt Bow #2 (Only bow deer opp.) 61% No LOP Tags 17 No LOP Tags

170R3 Hart Mt Bow #3 (Only bow deer opp.) 61% No LOP Tags 5 No LOP Tags

171A N Juniper 57% Tier 3 110 11 171B S Juniper 57% Tier 3 110 11

171M Juniper 57% Proposed Special Opportunity 10 5

172 Silvies Unit 69% Tier 2 756 113 172M Silvies Unit 69% Tier 2 53 7

173 Wagontire Unit 118% Tier 1 216 Per Acreage Limitation

174A N Warner 73% Tier 2 50 7 174B S Warner 73% Tier 2 303 45 174R1 N Warner Bow 73% Tier 2 64 9 174R2 S Warner Bow 73% Tier 2 94 14 174T Warner Unit 73% Tier 2 20 5 175 Interstate Unit 44% Tier 3 1,744 174 175M Interstate Unit 44% Tier 3 28 5

175T Interstate Unit 44% Proposed Special Opportunity 30 5

176 Silver Lake Unit 61% Tier 2 1,980 297

176M Silver Lake/E. Ft. Rock 61% Tier 2 54 8

177 Fort Rock Unit 27% Tier 3 2,750 275

Wildlife Area and Travel Management Area (TMA) Changes Access and Habitat “Welcome to Hunt”, “Access Area” Regulations The Department, through the Access and Habitat (A&H) Program, provides hunting access to approximately 35 “Access Areas” on private land. A few A&H funded areas are listed in the Big Game Regulations; including some of the Travel Management Areas (TMAs), such as North Coast and Wendling TMAs on page 104 of the 2017 Big Game Regulations. The advantage to being listed in the Regulations is that the document is adopted as OARs, therefore OSP can write citations for violations such as driving closed roads. A&H “Welcome to Hunt” Access Areas are not listed in the Regulations, which means landowners must go through the civil process if a violation occurs, such as hunters driving on a road closed to the public. The Access and Habitat State Board has asked the Department to look into adoption of an OAR that would authorize OSP to enforce Access Area regulations. All of the Welcome to Hunt

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Access Areas are on the Oregon Hunting Map at http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/ . There is a map for each Access Area that lists the rules for the area, for example, the Otley Access Area regulations are on the map at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/maps/access_habitat/otley.pdf . Other Access Areas have similar, but not identical rules. The Department is proposing the following OAR: In Access Areas funded by the Access and Habitat Program that are Welcome to Hunt, hunters are required to follow the area regulations printed on the map produced by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for each Access Area. Specific regulations for each Access Area can be found through the Oregon Hunting Map at: http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/ . Common Access Area Regulations include vehicle travel restricted to designated roads, no ATVs or motorcycles allowed on private land, no fires, and no nighttime use. To see the regulations for each Access Area through the Oregon Hunting Map at http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/ , hover over and click the icon for the access area of interest, click on the bold Access Area Name in the pop-up box, in the area description pop-up, under “Available Resources”, select “Map: View as PDF”. Maps are also available in map boxes at TMA entrances, local District ODFW offices, and at ODFW HQ in Salem. Mandatory Reporting of Hunter Harvest and Effort History and Status of the Mandatory Reporting System in Oregon: This upcoming hunting season will be the tenth year of Mandatory Reporting. The 2016 reporting rates are slightly higher than any previous year. Reporting rates were stable to increasing for all species. Elk, bear and cougar reporting rates all slightly increased, with cougar showing the largest increase. Multiple courtesy reminders were sent out prior to each reporting deadline. Initially an email went out, then two weeks later the postcard reminders were mailed to hunters. In a first for this year, a new approach was tested for the April 15th reporting deadline. After the first email and postcard went out, a second email was sent a week before the deadline and a third email was sent the day before the deadline. The emails are limited by the number of email addresses that are on file, but appear to have a positive effect on reporting. For the January 31, 2017 deadline, 37,315 emails and 102,263 postcards were sent. The April 15, 2017 deadline had 960 emails, and 3,322 postcards sent. Additionally, 535 emails were sent a week before the deadline and 319 emails were sent out the day before the deadline. Through these efforts, the overall reporting rate increased to 85% (Table 5). Controlled hunts are all above 90% reporting rate with general season reporting rates generally above 80%. The exceptions are cougar and general fall turkey with a reporting rate of 79%.

Table 5. Mandatory harvest reporting rates, 2008 – 2016. % of Tags Reported

Hunt Type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Controlled Antlerless Deer 22% 49% 69% 64% 91% 90% 91% 93% 94% Controlled Buck Deer 21% 47% 69% 61% 91% 89% 91% 92% 92% General Bow Deer 14% 33% 53% 47% 82% 79% 81% 83% 83% General Rifle Deer 10% 25% 45% 37% 79% 76% 80% 82% 83% Premium Deer 95%

Total Deer 15% 35% 55% 48% 84% 82% 84% 86% 86% Controlled Elk 20% 46% 69% 62% 91% 89% 90% 91% 93% General Bow Elk 15% 35% 57% 49% 83% 80% 82% 84% 85%

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Table 5 Continued. Mandatory harvest reporting rates, 2008 – 2016. % of Tags Reported

Hunt Type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 General Cascades Elk 12% 29% 50% 42% 81% 80% 82% 83% 85% General Coast Elk 12% 29% 50% 42% 81% 79% 82% 83% 84% General Rocky Mtn. Elk 16% 35% 59% 50% 87% 84% 86% 88% 89% Premium Elk 98%

Total Elk 16% 37% 60% 52% 86% 84% 86% 87% 88% Controlled Spring Bear 8% 61% 79% 79% 92% 92% 93% 93% 92% SW Limited Spring Bear 47% 69% 66% 86% 86% 87% 86% 88% General Fall Bear 16% 35% 55% 49% 77% 76% 80% 81% 83%

Total Bear 15% 37% 58% 52% 78% 78% 81% 82% 84% Cougar 17% 36% 56% 49% 73% 73% 76% 77% 79%

Controlled Pronghorn 30% 61% 82% 76% 93% 92% 94% 92% 92% Premium Pronghorn 96%

Total Pronghorn 30% 61% 82% 76% 93% 92% 94% 92% 92% General Spring Turkey 3% 42% 61% 54% 79% 79% 81% 82% 82% Controlled Fall Turkey 40% 67% 84% 84% 93% 91% 90% 93% 90% General Fall Turkey 20% 37% 53% 52% 70% 71% 72% 71% 79%

Total Turkey 5% 42% 61% 54% 79% 79% 80% 82% 82% All Tags 15% 37% 58% 50% 82% 80% 83% 84% 85%

Implementation of the Mandatory Reporting Penalty: Mandatory reporting has been a requirement since 2007; however, the penalty was not established until after the passage of HB 2125 during the 2011 Oregon legislative session. The Legislature authorized a way to allow hunters who either refuse to report or missed the deadline to “buy” back in and hunt. In October 2012, at the urging of hunters, the Commission established the $25 penalty because, in spite of outreach efforts by the Department, only 41% of 2011 tags were reported on by the deadlines (the 50% shown in Table 5 includes reports after the deadline). The Department continues to promote the Mandatory Reporting requirement:

• There is a page dedicated to Mandatory Reporting in the regulations • It has been on the back of all licenses and tags for several years • Postcard reminders are sent to hunters who have not reported on deer and/or elk tags • Multiple email reminders to hunters if the Department has their email address • Reporting requirement are mentioned in the Department’s weekly recreation report • News releases each year, and in social media • Advertising in sportsman magazines • As an incentive to report on time, ODFW has offered the chance to win a special big

game tag to three randomly drawn hunters who report on time each year Reporting deadlines for tags issued for 2016 hunting seasons were:

• January 31, 2017 for hunts that ended on or before December 31, 2016 • April 15, 2017 for hunts that ended from January 1- March 31, 2017

Beginning with the 2012 license year, hunters who did not report by the specified deadlines for deer and elk tags have been assessed a $25.00 non-reporting penalty. For 2015 hunting season tags, the fee was assessed beginning December 1, 2016, with purchase of a 2017 license. Some hunters purchase both deer and elk tags, so the estimated number of unreported tags is higher

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than the number of hunters assessed the non-reporting fee (Table 6). The non-reporting fee is set at $25 regardless of the number of tags that are not reported on in a given year. All fees collected go into the Department’s ending balance and are used to fund wildlife programs. Penalty fees paid associated with 2017 licenses will continue to be collected, particularly near the controlled hunt application deadline and tag sales deadlines for major general deer and elk seasons. The number of unreported tags continues to decline. Table 6. Non-reporting fee assessment, 2012-2015. No. of deer and elk tags No. of hunters License Year Sold Unreported

Assessed non-reporting fee Paid non-reporting fee

2012 298,000 46,000 33,600 24,682 2013 2014 2015

305,828 307,353 307,303

53,750 46,832 42,070

39,778 34,589 30,789

27,660 22,764 12,646a

a As of 8/07/2017 Hunters who purchased bighorn sheep and/or Rocky Mountain goat tags do not need to report as these hunters are required to check out of the hunt area. Although bear and cougar are required to be checked in, it is important that all hunters report so the number of hunters who did not hunt, success rates for each WMU, and other information can be determined.

HUNTING SEASONS and SPECIES SPECIFIC INFORMATION Proposed Changes to 2017 Hunts and Regulations for Adoption in September Online Furtaker Reporting System As of January 2017, licensed furtakers can report their activities online using a computer or mobile device. Paper reports will still be accepted, however online reporting is preferred. The online system provides furtakers instant notification that their reports were received, thereby reducing uncertainty regarding meeting reporting deadlines. Furtakers can submit new and view old reports on the online site: https://fwpubapps.dfw.state.or.us/furtakerharvest/ . Starkey Unit Travel Management Area Date Changes Date changes are proposed to be in place this fall (2017) for the Clear Cr. (52A) and Indian Cr.-Gorham Butte (52C) TMAs in the Starkey WMU. The proposed change was included in the “What’s New”, and TMA sections of the 2017 Big Game Regulations, and notifications were posted at the TMAs. The closure period will begin 3 days prior to the opening of the general deer and elk archery season and extend through the close of Rocky Mt. bull elk second season (August 23- November 12, 2017). Final regulations were included on TMA Maps and available on the ODFW website by August 15, 2017. Remove 3% Limitation of General Season Nonresident Bear Tags House Bill 2030 removed the 3% limitation on nonresident bear tags for the General Fall Bear Season. A Temporary OAR was put in place for fall, 2017 season. Permanent OARs are proposed to take effect beginning with 2018 fall bear seasons. Note: the statutory 3% nonresident limitation will continue to be in effect for all spring bear hunts. Additional

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information is in the brief House Bill 2030 discussion on page 4 of this document. Season Dates for Mt Harris No. 2 (253C2) Antlerless Elk Hunt The season dates for antlerless elk hunt 253C2 Mt Harris No. 2, was incorrectly printed on page 73 of the 2017 Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations as Nov. 18 – Dec 31, 2017. This hunt period results in overlap with two other antlerless elk hunts occurring in the area. To remove the overlap, reduce potential for overcrowding in the hunt area, and provide the intended level of effort and harvest, the Department corrected the opening date of the hunt to Dec. 18, 2017 by temporary rule. OARs are proposed to make the correct hunt dates of December 18 - December 31, 2017 permanent. Emergency Tag Reductions This year (2017) marks the first complete year of the new big game regulations process whereby tags and seasons are set a year in advance with only one fall Commission meeting. One concern expressed regarding this process was the ability to respond to emergency situations such as population declines resulting from severe winter conditions. As noted previously, winter 2016–2017 conditions in parts of southeastern Oregon were severe. Specifically, Baker, Union, and northern Malheur counties experienced deep, persistent snow and below normal temperatures through February. As a result, the Department reduced controlled tags for a number of deer and pronghorn hunts. The reduction occurred using the temporary rule processes in April, prior to the controlled hunt drawing. All applicants were notified and provided options for changing their applications and the system worked well. Tag reductions affected 16 buck deer hunts, three antlerless deer hunts, and six pronghorn hunts (Table 7). In total, these hunts were reduced by 4,595 buck tags (100 Series), 37 antlerless deer tags (600 Series), and 96 pronghorn tags (400 Series). Tag numbers were reduced to zero for two of the antlerless deer hunts for the 2017 season and these hunts are being deleted for 2018.

Table 7. Controlled tag reductions for 2017 hunts resulting from severe winter weather.

Hunt # Hunt Name Original Tag Numbers

Adopted for 2017 Emergency Tag Numbers

Tag Reduction

134 Upper Deschutes Unit 2,860 2,145 715 135 Paulina Unit 1,760 1,320 440 135M Paulina Unit Muzzle L. 11 5 6 135R Paulina Unit Bow 11 5 6 151 Sumpter Unit 1,500 750 750 152A Starkey 750 488 262 153 Catherine Cr Unit 400 260 140 154A E. Mt. Emily 200 130 70 163 Pine Creek Unit 350 175 175 163 Keating Unit 500 250 250 164 Lookout Mountain Unit 300 150 150 165 Beulah Unit 1,800 1,080 720 165A SE Beulah 450 270 180 166 Malheur River Unit 1,700 1,100 600 167 Owyhee Unit 400 300 100

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Table 7 Continued. Controlled tag reductions for 2017 hunts resulting from severe winter weather.

Hunt # Hunt Name Original Tag Numbers

Adopted for 2017 Emergency Tag Numbers

Tag Reduction

167A NE Owyhee 125 94 31 451B South Sumpter 25 12 13 463 Keating Unit 10 5 5 464 Lookout Mountain Unit 15 7 8 465 Beulah Unit 85 51 34 467 Owyhee Unit 80 60 20 467R Owyhee Unit Bow 65 49 16 651A Sumpter/Unity Ag 11 0 11 651T Baker No.1 30 15 15 663A Keating Ag 11 0 11 Total Tag Reductions Buck Deer 4,595 Antlerless Deer 37 Pronghorn 96 Grand Total 4,728

Proposed General Season Bag Limits and Dates Annually most big game season dates follow a cycle in which they progress one day earlier each year then “jump” a week later, starting the cycle over again. A key date is the opening of buck deer rifle season, which is the Saturday nearest October 1. For 2018, most hunts are proposed to be adjusted one day earlier than in 2017 (Table 8). For example, archery season which opens on August 26 in 2017, is proposed to open on August 25 in 2018. Table 8. Proposed general season dates and bag limits for 2018. Species/Season Bag Limit Proposed 2018 Dates

DEER Coast Buck Buck, 2 point+ Sept. 29–Nov. 2

Cascade Buck Buck, 2 point+ Sept. 29–Oct. 12 & Oct. 20–Nov. 2

BEAR (Cubs, sows with cubs protected) Western Oregon 1 Bear Aug. 1 – Dec. 31

SW Additional Bear (Units 20 – 30)

1 Bear Aug. 1 – Dec. 31

Eastern Oregon 1 Bear Aug. 1 – Nov. 30 COUGAR (Spotted kittens, females with spotted kittens protected

Statewide Tag 1 Cougar Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 Additional Statewide Tag 1 Cougar Jan. 1 – Dec. 31

ELK (Note: Antler restrictions apply in certain units) Coast First Any Bull a Nov. 10-13

Coast Second Any Bull or Spike Only a Nov. 17-23

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Proposed Application and Tag Sale Deadlines Controlled hunt application deadlines are set to occur the same date each year (Table 9). Tag sale deadlines (Table 10) are set at 11:59 pm the day before each respective season opens, except general bear and general cougar tags which have the same tag sale deadline as for buck deer. For bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats, the tag sale deadline is the last day of the hunt. Table 9. Controlled hunt application and tag sale deadlines proposed for 2018 Controlled Hunt Drawing Application Deadline Tag Claim Deadline

Spring Bear Draw February 10 Day Before Hunt Opens Big Game Draw a May 15 Day Before Hunt Opens

a Excludes Spring Bear.

Table 8 Continued. Proposed general season dates and bag limits for 2018.

Species/Season Bag Limit Proposed 2018 Dates

Cascade Any Bull a Oct. 13–19 Rocky Mtn. First Any Bull a Oct. 24–Oct. 28

Rocky Mtn. Second Any Bull or Spike Only a Nov. 3–11 Columbia Basin - E Biggs One Elk

Antlerless Elk Oct. 24 - Nov. 30 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

ARCHERY (Note: Antler restrictions apply in certain units) Western Deer Buck 2 point+ or One Deer (varies

by Unit)b Aug. 25–Sept. 23

NW Deer Late Season Buck 2 point+ or One Deer (varies by Unit)b Nov. 17 - Dec. 9

SW Deer Late Season Buck 2 point+ or One Deer (varies by Unit)b

Nov. 10 - Dec. 2

Eastern Deer Buck with visible antler b Aug. 25–Sept. 23 Elk Legal Bull, (varies by unit) a Aug. 25–Sept. 23

WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL West & S Central Oregon 5/day - 15 in possession Aug. 25 - Nov. 7

Hood and White River Units 3/day - 6 in possession Sept. 8 - Oct. 14 a Bag limit for archery hunters and hunters with disabilities permits may be changed to include antlerless elk, no changes are proposed at this time for 2018. b Bag limit for archery hunters and hunters with disabilities permits may be changed to include antlerless deer; no changes are proposed at this time for 2018.

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Table 10. General season tag sale deadlines in place for 2017 and proposed for 2018. Species or Season 2017 Deadline 2018 Deadline

Bear Sept. 29 Sept. 28 SW Additional Bear See Footnote* See Footnote* Cougar Sept. 29 Sept. 28 Additional Cougar See Footnote* See Footnote* Deer & Elk Archery Aug. 25 Aug. 24 Western Deer Rifle Sept. 29 Sept. 28 Cascade Elk Oct. 13 Oct. 12 General Coast 1st Season Nov. 10 Nov. 9 General Coast 2nd Season Nov. 17 Nov. 16 Rocky Mt. 1st Elk Oct. 24 Oct. 23 Rocky Mt. 2nd Elk Nov. 3 Nov. 2

*May be purchased after deadline if first general season tag was purchased by the deadline. Proposed Controlled Hunt Tag Numbers Total proposed controlled hunt tags for 2018 seasons (137,550) are decreased 2.5% from 141,133 in 2017 (Table 11). Within species, proposed controlled deer are down 4.6%, controlled elk tags are down 1%, controlled bighorn tags are down 1%, and pronghorn tags are down 1.4%. Spring bear tags are increasing 1.6% and Rocky Mountain Goat tags will increase by 4.3%. See controlled hunt tag tables for details.

Table 11. Summary of proposed controlled hunt tag numbers for 2018.

Species/Hunt Type 2017 tags Proposed 2018 tags

% Change 2017 - 2018

TOTAL DEER 68,291 65,151 -4.6% Buck 54,087 51,472 -4.8%

Bow/Muzzleloader 4,435 4,423 -0.3% Antlerless (600 Series) 8,456 7,993 -5.5%

Youth 1,246 1,196 -4.0% Premium 67 67 0.0%

TOTAL ELK 61,268 60,705 -1.0% Bull/Either Sex 36,137 35,956 -0.5%

Bow/Muzzleloader 9,466 9,145 -3.4% Rifle Antlerless 14,289 14,276 -0.1%

Youth 1,312 1,264 -3.7% Premium 64 64 0.0%

BIGHORN 85 84 -1.0% Rocky Mountain 7 7 0.0%

California 78 77 -1.0% MTN. GOAT 23 24 4.3%

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Table 11 Continued. Summary of proposed controlled hunt tag numbers.

Species/Hunt Type 2017 tags Proposed 2018 tags

% Change 2017 - 2018

TOTAL PRONGHORN 2,364 2,330 -1.4%

Rifle Buck/Either Sex 1,430 1,403 -2.0% Bow/Muzzleloader 729 731 0.3%

Doe 165 164 -0.6% Youth 40 40 0.0%

Premium 27 27 0.0% TOTAL SPRING BEAR 9,075 9,221 1.6%

Controlled Spring Bear 4,477 4,623 3.3% Youth Spring Bear 198 198 0.0%

SW Limited 4,400 4,400 0.0% Grand total tags 141,133 137,550 -2.5%

Premium Hunts In October 2015, the Commission adopted three new controlled hunt series to create the “Premium Hunts”: one for deer, one for elk, and one for pronghorn. For 2017 Premium Hunts, applications totaled 53,012, including 20,717 for deer hunts, 21,504 for elk, and 10,789 for pronghorn hunts. Applications in 2017 dropped 23% from the 69,190 Premium Hunt applications in 2016 (28,021 for deer, 28,989 for elk, and 12,180 for pronghorn). Not all hunters who drew Premium Hunt tags in 2016 purchased the tag; two deer tags and one elk tag were not sold (Table 12). Following is a summary of Premium Hunt harvest and effort (Table 12). Table 12. 2016 Premium Hunt Summary Went

Hunting No Yes

Total Days

Days per

Hunter

Species Tags Sold Reports

Antlerless/ Doe

Spike/ Buck*

2 Pt

3 Pt

4 Pt

5 Pt

6 Pt

Total Harvest

Deer 65 62 4 58 595 10 2 2 6 41 51 Elk 58 57 2 55 817 15 5 2 1 0 1 6 19 34 Pronghorn 27 26 1 25 170 7 2 21 23

*Buck applies to pronghorn, otherwise the column represents spike deer and elk. 4 Pt+ applies to deer with 4 or more points on one antler 6 Pt+ applies to elk with 6 or more points on one antler There are 67 WMUs in Oregon, 20 in western Oregon, and 47 east of the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range. Most of the Premium Hunts are for a single WMU, a few are for two adjacent WMUs. For 2018, one tag is proposed for each hunt area, proposals are for 67 deer hunts, 64 elk hunts, and 27 pronghorn hunts (Table 13) for a total of 158 tags.

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Table 13. Premium hunt tags proposed for 2018.

Hunt # Hunt Name 2018 Tags 2018 Bag Limit 2018 Season Deer Hunts L10 Saddle Mtn 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L11 Scappoose 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L12 Wilson 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L14 Trask 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L15 Willamette 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L16 Santiam 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L17 Stott Mtn 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L18 Alsea 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L19 Mckenzie 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L20 Siuslaw 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L21 Indigo 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L22 Dixon 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L23 Melrose 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L24 Tioga 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L25 Sixes 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L26 Powers 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L27 Chetco 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L28 Applegate 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L29 Evans Cr 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L30 Rogue 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L31 Keno 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L32 Klamath Falls 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L33 Sprague 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L34 Upper Deschutes 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L35 Paulina 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L36 Maury 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L37 Ochoco 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L38 Grizzly 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L39 Metolius 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L40 Maupin 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L41 White River 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L42 Hood 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L43 Biggs 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L44 Columbia Basin 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L45 Fossil 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L46 Murderers Cr 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L47 Northside 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L48 Heppner 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L49 Ukiah 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L50 Desolation 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L51 Sumpter 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L52 Starkey 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

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Table 13 Continued. Premium hunt tags proposed for 2018.

Hunt # Hunt Name 2018 Tags 2018 Bag Limit 2018 Season Deer Hunts L53 Catherine Cr 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L54 Mt Emily 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L55 Walla Walla 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L56 Wenaha 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L57 Sled Springs 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L58 Chesnimnus 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L59 Snake River 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L60 Minam 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L61 Imnaha 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L62 Pine Creek 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L63 Keating 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L64 Lookout Mtn 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L65 Beulah 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L66 Malheur River 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L67 Owyhee 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L68 Whitehorse 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L69 Steens Mtn 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L70 Beatys Butte 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L71 Juniper 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L72 Silvies 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L73 Wagontire 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L74 Warner 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L75 Interstate 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L76 Silver Lake 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 L77 Fort Rock 1 One Deer Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

Deer Hunt Total 67 Elk Hunts M10 Saddle Mtn 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M11 Scappoose 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M12 Wilson 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M14 Trask 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M15 Willamette 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M16 Santiam 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M17 Stott Mtn 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M18 Alsea 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M19 Mckenzie 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M20 Siuslaw 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M21 Indigo 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M22 Dixon 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M23 Melrose 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M24 Tioga 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

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Table 13 Continued. Premium hunt tags proposed for 2018.

Hunt # Hunt Name 2018 Tags 2018 Bag Limit 2018 Season Elk Hunts M25 Sixes 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M26 Powers 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M27 Chetco 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M28 Applegate 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M29 Evans Cr 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M30 Rogue 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M31 Keno 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M32 Klamath Falls 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M33 Sprague 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M34 Upper Deschutes 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M35 Paulina 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M36 Maury 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M37 Ochoco 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M38 Grizzly 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M39 Metolius 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M40 Maupin 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M41 White River 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M42 Hood 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M43 Biggs 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M44 Col. Basin 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M45 Fossil 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M46 Murderers Cr 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M47 Northside 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M48 Heppner 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M49 Ukiah 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M50 Desolation 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M51 Sumpter 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M52 Starkey 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M53 Catherine Cr 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M54 Mt Emily 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M55 Walla Walla 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M56 Wenaha 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M57 Sled Springs 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M58 Chesnimnus 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M59 Snake River 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M60 Minam 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M61 Imnaha 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M62 Pine Creek 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M63 Keating 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M64 Lookout Mtn 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M65 Beulah 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M66 Malheur R 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

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Table 13 Continued. Premium hunt tags proposed for 2018. Hunt # Hunt Name 2018 Tags 2018 Bag Limit 2018 Season Elk Hunts Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M71 Juniper/ Wagontire 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M72 Silvies 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M74 Warner 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M75 Interstate 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M76 Silver Lake 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 M77 Fort Rock 1 One Elk Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

Elk Hunt Total 64 Pronghorn Hunts N32 Klamath Falls 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N33 Sprague 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N35 Paulina 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N36 Maury 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N37 Ochoco 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N38 Grizzly 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

N40 Maupin/ W Biggs 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

N44 Col. Basin/ E Biggs

1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

N45 Fossil/ Heppner 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N46 Murderers Cr 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N47 Northside 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N51 Sumpter 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N63 Keating 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N64 Lookout Mtn 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N65 Beulah 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N66 Malheur R 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N67 Owyhee 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N68 Whitehorse 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N69 Steens Mtn 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N70A E Beatys Butte 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N70B W Beatys Butte 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N71 Juniper 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N72 Silvies 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N73 Wagontire 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N74 Warner 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30 N75 Interstate 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

N77 Fort Rock/ Silver Lake 1 One Pronghorn Aug. 1 - Nov. 30

Pronghorn Hunt Total 27 Grand Total Premium Tags 158

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Bear Season Summaries and Recommendations

A Note for Western Oregon Black Bear Hunters Black bear damage to conifers, caused by peeling the bark in the spring (April-early July), in the Pacific Northwest is well documented and the magnitude of economic damage is estimated in the millions annually. To gain a better understanding of where and when bears cause damage, researchers from Oregon State University started a research project in 2016 with one of the objectives to develop models to predict when, where, and how much bear damage will occur based on a variables such as the sex and age class of a bear, forest stand age class, slope and aspect of the stand, and the time period. Currently researchers are monitoring 10 collared bears in the Cascades and six collared bears in the Oregon Coast Range. Because bears receive anesthesia for handling, they all receive a plastic ear tag stamped with a “CALL BEFORE CONSUMING THIS BEAR” message that includes contact information. Yearlings, cubs, and sub-adult males are not fitted with GPS collars due to concerns their neck girth will grow and cause injury during the two-year study. Each of the collared bears represents a considerable research investment, and will be providing valuable information. There are no hunting restrictions related to these collared bears. If you take a collared bear, please call the number on the ear tag and return the collar so it can be re-used. While it is legal to take one of these collared bears, if you notice the collar before shooting, passing that one up will help maximize the value of the research project. Thank you for your cooperation. 2016 Spring Bear Harvest A total of 8,246 spring bear tags were sold during 2016 (up <1% from 2015). Of these, 3,843 were for controlled spring hunts and 4,408 were sold first-come, first-served for the Limited SW Oregon hunt. Mandatory harvest surveys indicate 254 bears were taken during the spring controlled hunts and 326 bears were taken during the Limited SW Oregon hunt for a total of 580 spring bear taken by 4,574 hunters during 2016. The average success rate of Controlled Spring Bear hunters and SW Oregon Limited hunters was about 10%. Most of the bears harvested (74%) were males. 2016 General Bear Season Harvest The number of general season black bear tags issued increased slightly from 52,645 in 2015 (52,144 General Season tags, 501 SW Additional tags) to 53,114 (52,568 General Season tags, 546 SW Additional tags) in 2016. Mandatory harvest surveys suggested 35% of General Season tag holders hunted taking 1,003 bears. Of those 1,003, 41 were harvested with an Additional Fall Bear Tag. The general season bear harvest was slightly higher in western Oregon (56% of harvest). In 2016, 70% of the bears taken by hunters (spring + fall) were males. Bear Population Monitoring Continued monitoring of harvested bear ages as directed by the 2012 Bear Management Plan suggests bear populations are not being over–harvested. According to these criteria a bear population is considered over harvested when the median age of all bears is ≤ 3.0, the median age for males is ≤ 3.0, and the median age of females is ≤ 4.0. In 2016, the median age for all harvested bears was 4.0, the median age for harvested males was 4.0, and the median age for females was 5.0.

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In addition to assessing level of harvest based on median ages, the 2012 Bear Management Plan directs the Department to monitor the 3-year average percent of adult males (greater than or equal to 5 years old) in the harvest and percent of all females in the harvest to help ascertain harvest levels (light, moderate, or high based on Plan criteria). The 2014-2016 average for adult males in the overall harvest was 30% and is indicative of a moderate harvest (light >35%, moderate 25-35%, heavy <25%). For females (greater than or equal to 1 years old), the 2014-2016 average percent of the harvest was 32%. These values are indicative of moderate harvest (light <30%, moderate 30-40%, heavy >40%). Because of previous low black bear tooth return rates the Department implemented a mandatory check-in of bear skulls beginning in 2008 as directed by the Bear Plan. Specifically, successful hunters are required to bring the unfrozen skull of any bear they harvest to a Department office or a designated check-in site within 10 days of harvesting their bear. Biologists or trained volunteers collect a premolar tooth for aging. This information is important for monitoring population structure, and when combined with statewide tetracycline marking, for estimating black bear populations. A total of 1,374 teeth were submitted by bear hunters in 2016 (Table 14). Tooth return rates are high again for 2016 (87%). Complaints and Other Mortalities Bear populations are stable throughout Oregon. The total number of complaints recorded for black bear decreased from 371 in 2015 to 335 in 2016. Of the total number of complaints, garbage or nuisance-related complaints accounted for 50%, 20% of the complaints were associated with human or pet safety, conflicts with livestock accounted for about 18%, agricultural damage accounted for 9%, and timber damage accounted for 3%. The number of bears killed as a result of damage to timber, livestock, or property increased from 247 in 2015 to 281 in 2016. Most conflict-related mortality (95%) continues to occur in western Oregon, where human and bear populations are highest, resulting in damage, human safety concerns, and nuisance problems. 2018 Spring Bear Season/Tag Recommendations The Department is proposing 4,821 controlled tags in 19 hunts and 4,400 tags in the SW Oregon Limited hunt for 2018 (Table 15). The 4,400 proposed SW Oregon tags will be sold first-come, first-served when all 2018 hunting licenses become available (December 1, 2017), and will be available until March 31, 2018 or until the authorized number of tags are sold. Consistent with current practices for general deer and elk seasons, hunters who purchase these tags before the application deadline for controlled spring bear hunts cannot apply for spring bear preference

Table 14. Trend in bear tooth check-in, 2005–2016. Spring Fall Total Year Harvest Teeth Harvest Teeth Harvest Teeth

2005 371 127 716 185 1,087 312 2006 307 112 989 237 1,296 349 2007 477 138 748 246 1,225 384 2008 363 357 911 826 1,274 1,183 2009 461 386 698 841 1,159 1,227 2010 448 464 1,235 1183 1,683 1,647 2011 488 444 931 906 1,419 1,350 2012 464 426 1,155 894 1,619 1,320 2013 460 420 1,081 824 1,541 1,244 2014 553 510 1,088 836 1,641 1,346 2015 577 533 1,028 833 1,605 1,366 2016 580 549 1,003 825 1,583 1,374

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points or tags in the February 2018 controlled hunt drawing. No season date changes are proposed. Table 15. Recommendations for 2018 Spring Bear Hunts and Tag Numbers.

Adjusted* Adjusted*

2018 2018 Proposed Proposed Proposed 2018 Notes

Hunt # Hunt Name 2017 Tags 2018 Tags 2017 Dates 2018 Dates &

Changes Western Oregon

710A Saddle Mtn. - Scappoose 165 165 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31

712A Wilson-Trask 440 440 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 716A N Cascades 385 385 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 717A Alsea-Stott Mt 212 214 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 SW Oregon Limited 4,400 4,400 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 Western OR Total 5,602 5,604 Eastern Oregon 731A South Central 275 303 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 741 White River Unit 110 165 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 742 Hood Unit 110 165 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 746A S Blue Mts 660 660 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 749A W Blue Mts 210 212 Apr. 1 - May 31 Apr. 1 - May 31 752A Starkey Unit 220 220 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 756 Wenaha Unit 248 248 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 757A Sled Sprs-Chesnimnus 275 275 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 759A Snake R 440 440 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 760A Minam-Imnaha 248 248 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31

762A Pine Cr - Keating - Catherine Cr 436 440 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31

764 Lookout Mt Unit 43 43 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 Eastern OR Total 3,275 3,419 Youth Hunts 756T Wenaha Unit 55 55 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 757T Sled Sprs-Chesnimnus 88 88 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 760T Minam-Imnaha 55 55 Apr. 15 - May 31 Apr. 15 - May 31 Youth Total 198 198 Grand Total 9,075 9,221

* Tag numbers adjusted up by each hunt's 4-yr average un-redemption rate to compensate for un-redeemed tags (max adjustment = 10%). 2018 General Bear Season Recommendations The Department recommends no changes to season dates. Proposed general season dates are August 1–November 30, 2018 in eastern Oregon, and August 1–December 31, 2018 in western Oregon. The Department recommends maintaining the second general bear opportunity with the SW Additional Bear tag valid in 10 SW Oregon Wildlife Management Units. The additional tag may be purchased throughout the season; however, hunters must purchase the general season tag prior to the deadline to be eligible to purchase an additional tag. For 2018, the proposed tag sales deadline is September 28, 2018. The Department will continue mailing letters to all 2018 bear

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tag holders to inform hunters of changes to bear hunting regulations and remind them of the requirement to check in bears. The 3% limitation on nonresident general bear season tags was eliminated by HB 2030 in the 2017 Oregon Legislative Session. The hunt areas for the nonresident general season and nonresident SW Additional bear tags are the same as for residents. Cougar Season Summaries and Recommendations Target Areas Four cougar Target Areas initiated on January 1, 2016 were continued in 2017 (Table 16). Table 16. Current Target Areas (started January 1, 2016) and results as of August 8, 2017. Target Area Purpose

Annual Objective 2016 Removals 2017 Removals

East Umpqua Reduce livestock depredation 30 30 27

Interstate Improve mule deer populations 50 30 6

Steens Improve mule deer & BHS populations 10 10 3

Warner Improve mule deer populations 5 5 1 Population Monitoring and Overview The 2006 Cougar Management Plan (Plan) established a number of criteria for evaluating the effects of hunting and population management on cougar populations in Oregon. Objective 1 of the Plan states that ODFW will manage for a cougar population that is at or above the 1994 level of approximately 3,000 cougars statewide. Within this objective, minimum zone populations are stated (Table 17). Using Oregon’s published deterministic, density-dependent population model (Keister and Van Dyke 2002), all zone populations are above the minimums established in the Plan (Table 17). Table 17. Trend in modeled cougar population by cougar management zone in Oregon 2007 – 2016. Based on data from the ODFW Corvallis Population Lab.

Minimum Level

Year

Cougar Zone 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 A Coast/N Casc. 400 791 821 846 871 869 893 905 954 989 948 B SW Cascades 1,200 1,483 1,471 1,469 1,458 1,453 1,445 1,430 1,455 1,475 1,406 C SE Cascades 120 523 583 651 744 865 892 943 986 1,001 997 D Col. Basin 80 322 333 352 354 353 356 350 388 384 394 E Blue Mtns. 900 1,606 1,599 1,604 1,586 1,547 1,540 1,579 1,660 1,698 1,732 F SE Oregon 300 878 891 892 892 900 893 916 933 946 936 Total 3,000 5,603 5,698 5,814 5,905 5,987 6,019 6,123 6,376 6,493 6,413

Also, as established by the 2006 Cougar Management Plan, when the average proportion of 3+ year old female cougars in the total mortality exceeds 35% in a zone the Department considers a

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zone cougar population to be overharvested. Since adoption of the plan, no cougar zone has exceeded these criteria (Table 18). Table 18. Three-year averages of annual proportions of adult (≥3 year old) females of known ages for all sources of mortality by cougar management zone in Oregon, 2004–2015. Zone

Year A: Coast/N.

Cascades B: SW

Cascades C: SE

Cascades D: Columbia

Basin E: Blue

Mountains F: SE

Oregon 2004–2006 12.2 16.0 24.7 13.1 20.0 14.7 2005–2007 12.5 16.0 25.8 18.0 20.9 21.1 2006–2008 11.9 17.0 16.5 23.2 22.6 26.1 2007–2009 15.3 19.2 14.7 26.2 24.2 28.1 2008–2010 17.2 18.9 11.4 26.4 26.7 24.3 2009–2011 17.1 18.5 13.8 27.1 28.6 22.6 2010–2012 15.9 14.1 16.4 23.5 25.9 22.0 2011–2013 13.7 14.0 21.0 20.0 22.0 21.1 2012-2014 12.1 12.4 20.2 17.4 21.5 14.4 2013-2015 12.2 12.7 16.6 22.6 22.2 12.3

2016 Cougar Harvest With the adoption of the Cougar Management Plan in 2006, all known mortalities count toward zone quotas (Table 19). No Cougar Zone Quotas were met during 2016. Table 19. Trend in total cougar mortality by cougar management zone in Oregon 2008 – 2016.

Zone Quota

Total Mortality Zone Quota

Total Mortality

Zone 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

A Coast/N Cascades 120 95 99 103 120 121 130 101 180 117 176 B SW Cascades 165 106 90 96 109 106 143 100 200 98 131 C SE Cascades 65 25 25 20 15 24 21 17 80 25 42 D Col. Basin 62 35 38 31 36 38 50 26 100 41 28 E Blue Mtns. 245 174 158 163 169 164 135 93 270 106 113 F SE Oregon 120 57 63 69 57 77 52 45 140 42 54

Total 777 492 473 482 506 530 531 383 970 427 544

Table 20 provides information regarding trends in damage complaints and known cougar mortalities from 1987 through 2017. The total number of statewide damage complaints received decreased slightly from 444 in 2015 to 421 in 2016 (Table 20). Cougar tag sales continued to increase, up about 1.5% to 58,091 in 2016. Hunter harvest increased to 267 in 2016 (Table 20). Non-hunting mortalities increased from 200 in 2015 to 277 in 2016, the difference being mostly administrative removals.

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Table 20. Trends in cougar complaints, damage, harvest, and other mortality in Oregon during 1992–2017. Complaint and mortality data current through 8/8/17. Numbers may change as late data are added.

Year Number of Complaintsa

Tags Soldb

Hunter-Harvest Damagec

Human Safetyd

Administrative Removalse Otherf Total

1992 184 517 184 17 3 0 22 226 1993 276 560 162 20 7 0 21 210 1994 554 588 199 29 11 0 20 259 1995 742 385 22 41 22 0 12 97 1996 840 779 43 64 34 0 25 166 1997 798 935 61 82 20 0 18 181 1998 954 11,761 111 93 20 0 17 241 1999 1,072 14,564 169 91 39 0 25 324 2000g 942 22,386 188 120 27 0 17 352 2001 829 28,447 221 97 27 0 21 366 2002 765 32,126 229 111 25 0 35 400 2003 697 34,135 248 111 28 0 25 412 2004 545 34,071 265 95 28 0 35 423 2005 622 38,079 224 125 28 0 30 407 2006 451 38,719 289 106 26 0 32 453 2007 453 41,813 309 114 21 52 41 537 2008 515 43,211 272 109 23 34 54 492 2009 432 45,375 274 110 31 21 37 473 2010 465 48,776 240 99 25 79 39 482 2011 500 50,889 241 139 23 71 32 506 2012 419 53,698 253 130 46 56 45 530 2013 359 55,072 292 148 24 36 31 531 2014 404 56,114 209 124 27 0 25 385 2015 444 57,387 233 134 22 0 44 433 2016 421 58,091 267 151 18 71 37 544 2017 260 49,588 79 76 10 35 13 212

aNumber of complaints received during the calendar year. Sightings not associated with damage or public safety concerns are not included. bIncludes general and additional tags (including Sports Pac licenses). cNumber of animals killed as a result of damage during a calendar year. dAnimals killed as a result of real or perceived threat to humans or pets. eAdminstrative removals on cougar target areas (2007–present only). fIncludes roadkill, accidental, found dead, and illegal kill. gHunting season changed to calendar year.

2018 General Cougar Season Recommendations There are no proposed changes to the 2018 cougar season, including dates (January 1-December 31), or cougar zone quotas (Table 19).

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Cougar Management Plan The 2006 Oregon Cougar Management Plan was reviewed in 2016 and a draft update was composed in 2017. The draft update was presented to the Commission in August 2017 and adoption is scheduled to occur in October 2017. Once adopted, the updated plan would result in the third revision of the Oregon Cougar Management Plan (first adopted in 1987, updated in 1993 and 2006). Bighorn Sheep Season Summaries and Recommendations Population Overview California bighorn are found primarily in the high desert areas of southeast Oregon and in the John Day and Deschutes River canyon systems. Most bighorn populations continue to remain relatively stable. The statewide California bighorn population is estimated to be 4,000 – 4,200. The herd, in the Lower Owyhee River canyon, continues to struggle with an outbreak of bacteria (Mycoplasma ovipneumonia) induced respiratory disease. The Rattlesnake/Ten-mile herd, shared with Nevada, also has the same disease present. The Department has initiated work, in cooperation with an OSU Ph.D. student, to evaluate the extent, severity, and potential options for addressing the issue. Rocky Mountain bighorn are found primarily in northeast Oregon, populations are estimated to be 600 – 800. Latent respiratory disease health issues also persist in some herds of Rocky Mountain bighorns. 2016 Bighorn Harvest Oregon bighorn hunters continued to enjoy high success rates. All seven Rocky Mountain bighorn controlled hunt tag holders harvested sheep, and the special auction tag and special raffle tag holders both took Rocky Mountain bighorns. Eighty California bighorn sheep were taken by 85 controlled tag holders. Six of the 85 controlled bighorn tags (7 %) were issued to non–resident hunters. Bighorn Sheep Tag Recommendations The Department is proposing 84 Bighorn Sheep tags (77 California, 7 Rocky Mountain) in 36 hunts (31 California, 5 Rocky Mountain) for 2018 (Table 21). This represents a two tag decline from 2017. Six tags (one Rocky Mountain, five California) are proposed for non–resident hunters (7% percent). For 2018, most hunts will move one day earlier.

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Table 21. Recommended 2018 Bighorn Sheep Hunts and Tags. Bag Limit: One Bighorn Sheep Ram. 2018 2018 2017 Tags Proposed 2018 Tags Proposed 2018 Notes

Hunt # Hunt Name Res. Non-Res. Res. Non-Res. 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes Rocky Mountain Bighorn 559A1 N Snake River 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 560A Hurricane Divide 2 2 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 560B Bear Creek 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 564A1 Lookout Mt No. 1 1 1 Aug. 26 - Sept. 6 Aug. 25 - Sept. 5 564A2 Lookout Mt No. 2 1 1 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23

Rocky Mtn Bighorn Total 6 1 6 1 California Bighorn 543A1 E John Day R No. 1 3 3 Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 543A2 E John Day R No. 2 2 1 2 1 Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 Oct. 29 - Nov. 6 543A3 E John Day R No. 3 3 3 Nov. 11 - Nov. 19 Nov. 10 - Nov. 18 543A4 W John Day R No. 1 3 3 Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 543A5 W John Day R No. 2 2 1 2 1 Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 Oct. 29 - Nov. 6 543A6 W John Day R No. 3 3 3 Nov. 11 - Nov. 19 Nov. 10 - Nov. 18 543B1 E Deschutes R No. 1 3 3 Sept. 9- Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16 543B2 E Deschutes R No. 2 2 2 Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 543B3 E Deschutes R No. 3 3 2 Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 Oct. 29 - Nov. 6 543C1 W Deschutes R No. 1 3 3 Sept. 9- Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16 543C2 W Deschutes R No. 2 3 2 Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 543C3 W Deschutes R No. 3 3 3 Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 Oct. 29 - Nov. 6 546A1 Aldrich No. 1 2 2 Aug. 12 - Aug. 23 Aug. 11 - Aug. 22 546A2 Aldrich No. 2 1 1 Sept. 2 - Sept. 17 Sept. 1 - Sept. 16 546B McClellan 1 2 Aug. 15 - Oct. 31 Aug. 15 - Oct. 31 548 Potamus 1 1 Aug. 12 - Aug. 23 Aug. 11 - Aug. 22 551A Burnt R Canyon 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 568A1 Sheepshead Mtns No. 1 2 2 Aug. 19 - Sep. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31

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Table 21 Continued. Recommended 2018 Bighorn Sheep Hunts and Tags. Bag Limit: One Bighorn Sheep Ram. 2018 2018 2017 Tags Proposed 2018 Tags Proposed 2018 Notes

Hunt # Hunt Name Res. Non-Res. Res. Non-Res. 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes

568A2 Sheepshead Mtns No. 2 2 2 Sept. 5 - Sept. 18 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17 568B1 E Whitehorse No. 1 3 3 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31 568B2 E Whitehorse No. 2 2 2 Sept. 5 - Sept. 18 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17 569A1 Steens Mt No. 1 2 2 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31 569A2 Steens Mt No. 2 2 3 Sept. 5 - Sept. 18 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17 Added tag 569B N Catlow Rim 2 2 Sept. 5 - Sept. 18 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17 570A Hart Mountain 2 1 2 1 Sept. 2 - Sept. 15 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17

570B1 E Beatys Butte/

Alvord Peaks No. 1 3 3 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31

570B2 E Beatys Butte/

Alvord Peaks No. 2 2 1 2 1 Sept. 5 - Sept. 18 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17

570C Coleman - E Guano 2 2 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31

574 Warner Unit 3 3 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31 575A1 S Central No. 1 3 1 3 1 Aug. 19 - Sept. 1 Aug. 18 - Aug. 31 575A2 S Central No. 2 4 3 Sept. 2 - Sept. 15 Sept. 4 - Sept. 17

California Bighorn Total 73 5 72 5

Grand Total* 79 6 78 6 Non-Res % = 7% Non-Res % = 7%

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Rocky Mountain Goat Season Summaries and Recommendations Population Overview Similar to bighorn sheep, most Rocky Mountain goat populations have remained relatively stable in recent years. The population is estimated to be 800 – 925 animals, with the largest established populations found in northeast Oregon and the Strawberry Mountains. One population is found in the Cascades, primarily on Mount Jefferson. This herd continues to increase slightly and biologists are seeing good kid production. In August 2016, the Cascade herds were surveyed and 108 mountain goats, including 30 kids, were observed. 2016 Rocky Mountain Goat Seasons Rocky Mountain goat hunters continue to have high success rates and the required field orientation provided by biologists continues to be useful to help hunters minimize harvest of female goats. In 2016, the Commission authorized 22 Rocky Mountain goat tags in 13 controlled hunts and two special tags. Twenty-two tag holders were successful for a 92% success rate. Rocky Mountain Goat Tag Recommendations The Department is proposing 24 Rocky Mountain goat tags in 14 hunts for 2018, a 1 tag (+4%) increase from 2017 (Table 22). Two tags (8%) will be issued to non-resident hunters. Season dates will be adjusted one day earlier.

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Table 22. Recommended 2018 Rocky Mountain Goat Hunts and Tags. Bag Limit: One Rocky Mt. Goat. 2018 2018 2017 Tags Proposed 2018 Tags Proposed 2018 Notes Hunt # Hunt Name Res. Non-Res. Res. Non- Res. 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes 946A Strawberry Mtn. 1 1 Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 951A1 Elkhorn #1 3 3 Sept. 9 - Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16 951A2 Elkhorn #2 1 1 1 1 Sept. 18 - Sept. 26 Sept. 17 - Sept. 25 951A3 Elkhorn #3 3 3 Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 956A North Wenaha 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 959A1 Hat Point #1 1 1 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 959A2 Hat Point #2 2 2 Oct. 14 - Oct. 24 Oct. 13 - Oct. 23 959B1 S Snake River #1 2 2 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 959B2 S Snake River #2 1 1 Oct. 14 - Oct. 24 Oct. 13 - Oct. 23 960A1 E Hurricane Creek 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 960A2 W Hurricane Creek 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 960B1 Goat Mountain #1 2 2 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 960B2 Goat Mountain #2 1 2 Oct. 14 - Oct. 24 Oct. 13 - Oct. 23 961A Cusick Mountain 1 1 Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 Total 21 2 22 2 Non-Res% 9% Non-Res% 8%

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Pronghorn Antelope Season Summaries and Recommendations Pronghorn Population Overview Pronghorn populations continue to do well in most parts of southeast Oregon reflecting the variable summer and winter conditions across the landscape during the last year. Winter temperatures and snowfall were severe in Baker, Malheur and northern Harney Counties. As a result, populations in those areas suffered from high fawn losses, and some adult mortality. Generally, spring green-up conditions are good, and expectations are that significant winter moisture will help forage conditions into the summer. Currently pronghorn populations are estimated to be 16,000 – 19,000. 2016 Pronghorn Harvest Mandatory harvest survey data indicate that in general, pronghorn hunters continue to enjoy good success. Rifle hunters (1,636) harvested 1,277 pronghorn (78% success), muzzleloader hunters (152) took 70 animals (46% success), and archery hunters (367) took 127 (35% success). In total, 1,290 bucks and 185 does were harvested. Pronghorn Antelope Tag Recommendations The Department is proposing 2,330 tags in 57 hunts for a drop of one percent from 2017 tag numbers (Table 23). Tag reductions are focused on a few herds hit hard by last winter’s weather. No changes to hunts are proposed for 2018 except for the calendar shift of one day earlier.

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Table 23. Recommended 2018 Pronghorn Hunts and Tags. 2018 2018 Adj. Proposed 2017 Proposed 2018 Proposed 2018 Notes Hunt # Hunt Name 2017 Tags** 2018 Tags** Bag Limit Bag Limit 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes Rifle Hunts 435 Paulina Unit 15 16 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 436 Maury Unit 27 27 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 437 Ochoco Unit 94 95 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 438 Grizzly Unit 11 11 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 440 Maupin-W Biggs 5 5 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 443A1 Columbia Plateau # 1 55 55 Doe/Fawn Doe/Fawn Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 -Oct. 21 443A2 Columbia Plateau # 2 16 20 One Buck One Buck Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 -Oct. 21 445A S Fossil-Winlock 22 22 Doe/Fawn Doe/Fawn Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Oct. 13 -Oct. 21 446 Murderers Cr Unit 54 54 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 447 Northside - Ritter 6 6 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 451A N Sumpter 5 5 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 451B S Sumpter 13 5 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 463 Keating Unit 5 5 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 464 Lookout Mt Unit 8 8 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 465 Beulah Unit 54 11 Either Sex One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 466A1 Malheur R # 1 96 96 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 466A2 Malheur R # 2 92 96 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 466B Harney Basin 55 55 Doe/Fawn Doe/Fawn Sept. 2 - Sept. 17 Sept. 1 - Sept. 16 467 Owyhee Unit 64 64 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 468A1 Whitehorse Unit #1 74 76 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 468A2 Whitehorse Unit #2 76 75 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 469A Steens Mt 126 127 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 470A E Beatys Butte 95 96 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 470B W Beatys Butte 53 53 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 470C Hart Mt 41 41 One Buck One Buck Sept. 9 - Sept. 15 Sept. 8 - Sept. 14 471A Juniper 84 84 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 472A1 Silvies # 1 42 42 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19

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Table 23 Continued. Recommended 2018 Pronghorn Hunts and Tags.

2018 2018 Adj. Adj.

Proposed 2017 Proposed 2018 Proposed 2018 Notes Hunt # Hunt Name 2017 Tags** 2018 Tags** Bag Limit Bag Limit 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes 472A2 Silvies # 2 41 42 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 472B Riley 33 32 Doe/Fawn Doe/Fawn Sept. 2 - Sept. 17 Sept. 1 - Sept. 16 473A N Wagontire 31 31 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 473B S Wagontire 10 10 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 474A Warner Unit #1 62 62 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 474B Warner Unit #2 61 62 One Buck One Buck Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 475A E Interstate 26 26 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 476A E Ft Rock-Silver Lake 43 44 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 Rifle Hunt Totals 1,595 1,559 Bow Hunts 435R Paulina Unit 6 6 One Buck One Buck Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept. 2 436R Maury Unit 33 33 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept 2 464R Lookout Mt Unit 11 11 Either Sex Either Sex Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 466R Malheur R Unit 61 61 Either Sex Either Sex Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 467R Owyhee Unit 54 55 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept 2 470R1 Hart Mt 27 26 One Buck One Buck Aug. 3 - Aug. 11 Aug. 2 -Aug. 10 470R2 W Beatys Butte 38 38 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 473R N Wagontire 5 6 One Buck One Buck Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept. 2 474R Warner Unit 48 49 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 3 - Aug. 11 Aug. 2 - Aug. 10 475R1 E Interstate 55 55 Either Sex Either Sex Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 475R2 Gerber Res 165 165 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 5 - Aug. 13 Aug. 4 - Aug 12 477R E Slope 55 55 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23 Bow Hunt Totals 558 560

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Table 23 Continued. Recommended 2018 Pronghorn Hunts and Tags.

2018 2018 Adj. Adj.

Proposed 2017 Proposed 2018 Proposed 2018 Notes Hunt # Hunt Name 2017 Tags** 2018 Tags** Bag Limit Bag Limit 2017 Dates 2018 Dates & Changes Muzzleloader Hunts 435M Paulina Unit 6 6 One Buck One Buck Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept. 2 470M E Beatys Butte 50 50 One Buck One Buck Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 473M1 S. Wagontire 11 11 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 23 - Aug. 31 Aug. 22 - Aug. 30 473M2 N Wagontire 5 5 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 26 - Sept. 3 Aug. 25 - Sept. 2 475M Gerber Res 55 55 Either Sex Either Sex Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 476M E Ft Rock-Silver Lake 44 44 Either Sex Either Sex Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9

Muzzleloader Hunt

Total 171 171 Youth Hunts 432T Swan Lake 3 3 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19 453T Thief Valley 3 3 One Buck One Buck Aug. 1 - Aug.31 Aug. 1 - Aug. 31 470T Hart Mtn. 3 3 One Buck One Buck Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug 11 - Aug 19 475T Gerber Res 31 31 Either Sex Either Sex Aug. 19 - Aug. 27 Aug. 18 - Aug. 26 Youth Hunt Totals 40 40 Grand Totals* 2,364 2,330

41

Deer Season Summaries and Recommendations Population Overview Mule deer populations dropped slightly in 2017 as a result of winter conditions. Most WMUs remain below population management objectives. Three management units, West Biggs, Metolius, and Wagontire, are at or above management objective. No reliable population estimate is available for black-tailed deer and subsequently there are no established management objectives. Department research staff and District Wildlife Biologists continue to develop genetic sampling methods that are expected to produce reasonable deer population estimates for western Oregon in the future. Following is a summary of the ongoing deer research. Mule Deer Movements & Survival Monitoring During winter 2014–2015, the Department began a large-scale mule deer collaring effort designed to improve population monitoring and data collection, and ultimately help improve management. Specific objectives of this effort are to delineate Data Analysis Units (DAUs) based on seasonal animal distributions, and to annually measure herd specific survival. Counting ground and aerial captures, 507 mule deer does were radio-collared in the Blue Mountains from Prineville to Interstate 84 by March 2015. An additional 151 radio-collars were deployed in January 2016 north of interstate 84 and east from Pendleton to Ontario. Winter 2016-17, 124 collars were added throughout the study area to maintain an even distribution of marked animals. All collars that were deployed are GPS Life-Cycle units that attempt to collect two locations per day per animal. Location data is transmitted via satellite to a central server where it can be downloaded via web access. Using this process, over 750,000 locations have been obtained through mid–April 2017. Initial analyses for DAU development will begin at the change of the biological year in early June. These radio-collars also provide a notification of mortality via email and text. With the location information included with the notification, Department staff is able to quickly retrieve radio-collars and often are able to determine cause of death for animals. Of the total mortalities with cause identified, predation, disease and starvation, vehicle strikes, legal harvest and illegal harvest are the most common causes. Having these collars was instrumental in monitoring survival of mule deer during the harsh 2016-17 winter conditions. On average, across the monitoring area, only 72% of collared animals survived to the spring. Generally speaking, 80% or higher annual survival is needed to maintain or increase a deer population. 2016 General and Controlled Deer Season Harvest Based on mandatory harvest survey results, Western General black-tailed deer hunter participation continued to decline, dropping to 65,691 in 2016. However, harvest stayed relatively stable at 15,690 deer for an overall success rate of 24%. General bow hunters (25,220) harvested 4,315 deer (13% success). Controlled buck deer hunters (52,817) harvested 18,209 animals (34% success). Controlled doe hunters (8,541) harvest 4,003 animals for 47% success.

42

Deer Season Summaries and Recommendations Proposed general deer seasons are unchanged for 2018 except for the one-day calendar shift. The general archery bag limit is a legal buck except in units identified by the Commission each year. At this time, the Department is not proposing any changes to the list of units that would have an expanded bag limit during the general bow season. No deer populations have changed their status in a WMU relative to criteria for inclusion in the expanded bag limit (deer population is 110% of MO, rising, and recruitment is ≥ 45 fawns/100 adults in end of winter surveys for the previous 3 years) or exclusion of the expanded bag limit (deer population is ≤100% of Population MO, declining, and recruitment is ≤30:100 adults in end of winter surveys for previous three years). Similarly, no changes are proposed to the list of WMUs where hunters with disabilities would have an expanded bag limit. There are a few changes proposed to mule deer buck hunts that have limited LOP tags: see pages 6-9 for details. Overall, the Department is proposing a net 4.6% decrease in controlled deer tag numbers for 2018 (Table 24, Table 25). As noted earlier, this decline is largely due to effects of the 2016-2017 winter in some parts of eastern Oregon. No season structure changes are proposed to 2018 controlled buck hunts. For antlerless deer, six hunts will be condensed into two hunts in southeast Oregon: hunts 665A-665D are condensing into hunt 665A SE Beulah Ag, and hunts 667A and 667B will become 667A NE Owyhee Ag. Two youth hunts on Ladd Marsh (652T1, 652T2) will be deleted in 2018. Take a Friend Hunting Campaign This spring the Department launched the “Take a Friend Hunting” Contest (Contest) to encourage mentoring among adult hunters. The Contest is part of a larger hunter awareness campaign in place since last year to raise awareness of the benefits of hunting among Oregonians and encourage more participation in the sport. Through their purchase of hunting licenses and equipment, hunters fund wildlife management, research, habitat restoration and other work that benefits both game species and wildlife species that are not hunted. The Contest is sponsored by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and administered by Pac/West Communications. The Contest is open to hunters who commit to mentoring an eligible new or former hunter in Oregon. Mentors and mentees must be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and must hold a valid 2017 Oregon hunting license. To be eligible, mentees must have 1) not had a hunting license prior 2017, 2) only had a hunting license in 2016 (e.g. a second year hunter) or 3) not had a hunting license in the past five consecutive years (i.e., since 2012). Both individuals must follow the rules and regulations in the 2017 Oregon Big Game and Game Bird Hunting Regulations. To enter the Contest, to see the full eligibility and contest rules, and for information on prizes, visit the Contest page at http://www.oregonhunter.info/take-a-friend/. Pending Commission approval, one of the prizes will be a statewide deer tag with an extended season like auction and raffle tags. Participants need to register for the Contest no later than Dec. 31, 2017. Winners will be notified in January 2018. The list of partner prizes is growing as organizations and manufacturers jump on board with these efforts to encourage new hunters.

43

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa

Proposed 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Changes

119A W High Cascade 3,300 3,300 Buck 2 pt+ Buck 2 pt+ Sept. 9 - Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16

123A Umpqua 22 22 1 Col. WTD buck 2 pt+ or BTD buck 2 pt+

1 Col. WTD buck 2 pt+ or BTD buck 2 pt+ Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept 29- Oct 10

123B N. Bank Habitat 3 3 1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD

1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD Dec. 23 - Dec. 29 Dec 22- 28

131 Keno Unit 1,100 1,100 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 132 Klamath Falls Unit 927 927 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 133 Sprague Unit 660 660 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 134 Up Deschutes Unit 2,860 2,365 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 135 Paulina Unit 1,760 1,430 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 136 Maury Unit 378 378 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 137 Ochoco Unit 2,750 2,585 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 138 Grizzly Unit 1,308 1,199 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 139 Metolius Unit 400 400 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 140 Maupin Unit 495 440 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 141A Hood-White Rvr 165 132 Buck 2 pt+ Buck 2 pt+ Sept. 9 - Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16 141B White R Unit No. 1 2,090 1,705 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 141C White R Unit No. 2 10 10 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21 142A Hood Unit No. 1 770 660 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 142B Hood Unit No. 2 10 10 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21 143A E Biggs 715 715 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 143B W Biggs 935 770 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 144 Columbia Basin Unit 1,980 1,980 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 145 Fossil Unit 2,200 2,200 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 146 Murderers Cr Unit 990 990 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 147 Northside Unit 1,320 1,100 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 148 Heppner Unit 3,520 3,520 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 149 Ukiah Unit 1,898 1,898 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 150 Desolation Unit 1,210 990 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 151 Sumpter Unit 825 825 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10

44

Table 24 Continued. Recommended 2018 Buck Deer Hunts and Tags. 2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa

Proposed 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Changes

152A Starkey 537 537 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 -Oct. 10

152B Starkey Exp. Forest 25 25 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30-Oct. 4 In Oct. 5-Oct. 11 Out

Sept. 29-Oct. 3 in Oct. 4-Oct. 10 out

153 Catherine Cr Unit 273 273 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 154A E Mt Emily 137 138 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 154B W Mt Emily 523 523 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 154C Mt Emily 10 10 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21 155A Walla Walla Unit 245 245 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 156 Wenaha Unit 495 495 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 157 Sled Springs Unit 1,925 1,925 Buck, Visible Antler Buck Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 157A Lower Wallowa Valley 33 33 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Nov. 13 - Nov, 22 Nov. 12 - Nov. 21 158 Chesnimnus Unit 550 550 Buck, Visible Antler Buck Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 159 Snake R Unit 330 330 Buck, Visible Antler Buck Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 160 Minam Unit 660 660 Buck, Visible Antler Buck Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 161 Imnaha Unit 825 825 Buck, Visible Antler Buck Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 162 Pine Cr Unit 193 193 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 163 Keating Unit 270 273 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 164 Lookout Mt Unit 159 161 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 165 Beulah Unit 1,188 1,188 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 165A SE Beulah 297 294 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 166 Malheur R Unit 1,210 1,210 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 167 Owyhee Unit 327 367 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 167A NE Owyhee 103 105 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 168A Trout Cr Mtns. 74 74 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 168B E Whitehorse 275 275 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 169A Steens Mt 263 265 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 170A Beatys Butte 220 165 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 171A N Juniper 110 110 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 171B S Juniper 110 110 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 172 Silvies Unit 856 756 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10

45

Table 24 Continued. Recommended 2018 Buck Deer Hunts and Tags. 2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa

Proposed 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Changes

173 Wagontire Unit 216 216 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 174A N Warner 50 50 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 174B S Warner 303 303 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 175 Interstate Unit 1,744 1,744 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 176 Silver Lake Unit 2,200 1,980 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 177 Fort Rock Unit 2,750 2,750 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10 Rifle Hunt Total 54,087 51,472 Archery Hunts

123R1 Umpqua Bow 55 55 1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD

1 Col. WTD Buck 2pt+, or 1 BTD Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug 25 - Sept 23

123R2 N Bank Habitat Bow 10 10 1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD

1 Col. WTD Buck 2pt+, or 1 BTD Sept. 9 -Sept. 24 Sept 8- Sept 23

131R Keno Unit Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 136 134 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Oct. 21 - Nov. 19 Oct. 20 - Nov. 19

135R Paulina Unit Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 11 6 Antlerless One Antlerless Deer Nov. 13 - Nov. 30 Nov. 12- Nov. 30

136R Maury Unit Bow 122 125 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug 25 - Sept 23

139R1 Metolius Bow #1 (Only bow deer opp.) 20 20 One Deer One Deer Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30

139R2 Metolius Bow #2 (Only bow deer opp.) 28 28 Antlerless One Antlerless Deer Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30

154R Mt. Emily Unit Bow 440 440 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

155R Walla Walla Unit Bow 165 165 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

156R1 Wenaha Unit Bow 275 275 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

156R2 North Wenaha Unit Late Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 30 30 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Nov. 13 - Nov. 26 Nov. 12 - Nov. 25

165R Beulah Unit Bow (Only bow deer opp.) 20 20 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 18 - Nov. 30 Nov. 17 - Nov. 30

168R1 Trout Cr Traditional Bow Un-limited

Un-limited Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

168R2 SE Whitehorse (Only bow deer opp.) 20 20 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 18 - Nov. 30 Nov. 17 - Nov. 30

46

Table 24 Continued. Recommended 2018 Buck Deer Hunts and Tags. 2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa

Proposed 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Changes

170R1 Hart Mt Bow #1 (Only bow deer opp.) 17 17 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 3 - Aug. 11 Aug. 2 - Aug. 10

170R2 Hart Mt Bow #2 (Only bow deer opp.) 17 17 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 12 - Aug. 20 Aug. 11 - Aug. 19

170R3 Hart Mt Bow #3 (Only bow deer opp.) 5 5 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 1 - Nov. 7 Nov. 1 - Nov. 7

174R1 N Warner Bow 64 64 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

174R2 S Warner Bow 94 94 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

Archery Hunt Total 1,529 1,525

Muzzleloader Hunts 100M N Muzzleloader 872 872 One Deer One Deer

Willamette Unit Sept. 30 - Nov. 30 Sept. 29 - Nov. 30

Trask Unit Nov. 4 - Nov. 17 Nov. 3 - Nov. 16

McKenzie Unit & N Indigo Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21

121M S Indigo 54 53 One Deer One Deer Nov. 25- Dec. 6 Nov 25- Dec 6

123M1 Melrose - N Sixes 165 182 One Deer One Deer Nov. 11 - Nov. 19 Nov. 10-18

123M2 N Bank Habitat 3 3 1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD

1 Col.WTD Buck 2pt+, or 1 BTD Nov. 25- Dec. 1 Nov 24- Nov 30

127M Chetco Unit 36 36 Buck 2 pt+ Buck 2 pt+ Nov. 11- Dec. 3 Nov. 10 - Dec. 2

128M Applegate Unit 315 315 One Deer One Deer Nov. 11- Dec. 3 Nov. 10 - Dec. 2

132M Klamath Falls 27 27 One Deer One Deer Oct. 30 - Nov. 7 Oct. 29 - Nov. 6

135M Paulina Unit 11 5 Antlerless One Antlerless Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 Oct. 13 - Oct. 19

139M1 Metolius # 1 40 30 One Deer One Deer Oct. 21- Oct. 27 Oct. 20 - Oct. 26

139M2 Metolius # 2 21 21 Antlerless One Antlerless Deer Oct. 21- Oct. 27 Oct. 20 - Oct. 26

141M Hood-White River 43 37 One Deer One Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

145M Flatiron 61 61 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

148M Ditch Cr 193 193 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

151M Baker Muzzleloader 80 80 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Nov. 13 - Nov. 26 Nov. 12 - Nov. 25

47

Table 24. Recommended 2018 Buck Deer Hunts and Tags.

Table 24 Continued. Recommended 2018 Buck Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa

Proposed 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Changes

153M Union Co 440 440 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Nov. 13 - Nov. 26 Nov. 12 -Nov.25

156M N Wenaha-E Sled Springs 303 303 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Dec. 2 - Dec. 10 Dec. 1 - Dec. 9

166M N Malheur 55 55 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13- Oct. 21

168M NE Whitehorse 26 25 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 18 - Nov. 30 Nov. 17 - Nov. 30

170M Hart Mt 15 15 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Sept. 30 - Oct. 11 Sept. 29 - Oct. 10

171M Juniper 10 10 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Nov. 25 - Dec. 3 Nov. 24 - Dec. 2

172M Silvies Unit 54 53 Buck, Visible Antler Buck, Visible Antler Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13- Oct. 21

175M Interstate Unit 28 28 One Deer One Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13- Oct. 21

176M Silver Lake/E. Ft. Rock 54 54 One Deer One Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13- Oct. 21

Muzzleloader Hunt Total 2,906 2,898

Grand Total 58,522 55,895

48

Table 25. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

610 Saddle Mt Unit 21 21 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 611 Scappoose Unit 20 20 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 612 Wilson Unit 21 20 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 614 Trask Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2

615 Willamette Unit 3,180 3,210 One Deer One Deer Sept. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Sept. 1'18-Feb. 28'19

616A1 NW Santiam 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 616A2 SW Santiam 55 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20-Nov.2 617 Stott Mt Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 618 Alsea Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 619 West McKenzie Unit 636 375 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2

619A Mill Cr 424 214 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Nov. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Nov. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25

620A N Siuslaw 55 52 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20- Nov 2 620B S Siuslaw 32 33 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20- Nov 2

620C Camas Swale 321 324 One Deer Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 Bag

Limit Change

621A Dorena 143 143 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 621B Calapooya 31 32 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 622A W Dixon 32 32 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 623 Melrose Unit 268 270 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 623A Central Melrose 1,100 1,100 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2

623B1 North Bank Habitat # 1 22 28 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 14- Oct. 20 Oct 13- Oct 19 Master Hunter ONLY

49

Table 25 Continued. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

623B2 North Bank Habitat # 2 22 28 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Nov. 11 - Nov. 17 Nov 10- Nov 16 Master Hunter ONLY

623B3 North Bank Habitat # 3 22 28 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Dec. 9 - Dec. 15 Dec 8- Dec 14 Master Hunter ONLY

624A Tioga 55 55 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 624B E Tioga 73 74 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 625 Sixes Unit 110 103 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 626 Powers Unit 70 70 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 627 Chetco Unit 35 35 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 628A W Applegate 35 35 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2 629 Evans Cr Unit 26 28 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 3 Oct. 20 - Nov. 2

638A Lower Willow Cr Ag. 11 11 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Nov. 30 Oct. 13 - Nov. 30

640 Maupin Unit 5 5 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

641A The Dalles Orchard (SG / ML Only) 33 33 Antlerless Antlerless Sept. 2 - Sept. 10 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9

641B Wamic Bench 6 6 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

642A Hood Unit & Hood River Valley 11 11 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25

643A E Biggs 22 22 Antlerless Antlerless Oct.14 - Oct.22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 643B W Biggs 44 22 Antlerless Antlerless Oct.14 - Oct.22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

644A1 Umatilla NWR #1 (SG / ML Only) 15 15 Antlerless Antlerless Aug. 26 - Aug. 30 Aug. 25 - Aug. 29

644A2 Umatilla NWR #2 (SG / ML Only) 15 15 Antlerless Antlerless Sept. 9 - Sept. 13 Sept. 8 -Sept. 12

50

Table 25 Continued. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

644A3 Umatilla NWR #3 (SG / ML Only) 3 3 One Deer One Deer Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 Sept. 29 - Oct. 3

644B1 N Columbia Basin # 1 55 55 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 21 - Oct. 29 Oct. 20 - Oct. 28 644B2 N Columbia Basin # 2 55 55 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 644C S Columbia Basin 50 50 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 645A N Fossil 21 21 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 647A John Day Val 10 10 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 647B Middle Fork John Day 26 26 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 648A Heppner Private 22 21 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 649A1 N Ukiah # 1 54 55 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 21 - Oct. 29 Oct. 20 - Oct. 28 649A2 N Ukiah # 2 54 54 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

649B W Blue Mtns. (Bow or ML Only) 121 124 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Nov. 18 - Dec. 10 Nov. 17 - Dec. 9

651A Sumpter/Unity Ag. 0 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete in '18

654A Rawhide 44 44 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 21 - Nov. 12 Oct. 20 - Nov. 11 655A Orchards 22 22 One White-tailed Deer One White-tailed Deer Dec. 1 - Dec. 10 Dec. 1 - Dec. 10 655B1 Walla Walla No. 1 44 44 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 Oct. 27 - Nov. 4 655B2 Walla Walla No. 2 44 44 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Jan. 1 - Jan. 21 '18 Jan. 1 - Jan. 20, 2019 657A1 Flora No 1 44 44 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 657A2 Flora No 2 22 22 Antlerless Mule Deer Antlerless Mule Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 657B1 N Wallowa Val No. 1 16 17 Antlerless Mule Deer Antlerless Mule Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 657B2 N Wallowa Val No. 2 82 77 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 657C Upper Swamp Cr 44 44 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

657D Prairie Creek (CF Rifles Prohibited) 44 44 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Dec. 18 - Dec. 24 Dec. 17 - Dec 23

51

Table 25 Continued. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

660A1 Up Wallowa Val No. 1 (CF Rifles Prohibited) 17 17 Antlerless Mule Deer Antlerless Mule Deer Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

660A2 Up Wallowa Val No. 2 (CF Rifles Prohibited) 165 165 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

660A3 Up Wallowa Val No. 3 (CF Rifles Prohibited) 66 66 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Dec. 9 - Dec. 17 Dec. 8 - Dec. 16

660B South Wallowa Valley 44 44 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

663A Keating Ag. 0 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete in '18

665A SE Beulah AG 61 Antlerless Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 New in '18

665A Vale Bench (CF Rifles Prohibited) 21 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

SE Beulah Ag

665B Vale-Ontario Ag. (CF Rifles Prohibited) 11 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

SE Beulah Ag

665C Moores Hollow - Porter Flat (No CF Rifles) 20 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

SE Beulah Ag

665D Willow Creek Ag (CF Rifles Prohibited) 11 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

SE Beulah Ag

667A NE Owyhee Ag 33 Antlerless Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 New in '18

667A Mitchell Butte (CF Rifles Prohibited) 20 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

NE Owyhee Ag

667B NE Owyhee (CF Rifles Prohibited) 22 Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Delete, replaced by

NE Owyhee Ag

679A Harney Basin Ag. 11 11 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

Antlerless Total 8,456 7,993

52

Table 25 Continued. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

Youth Hunts

610T Saddle Mountain Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29 - Nov. 4 611T Scappoose Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29 - Nov. 4 612T Wilson Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29 - Nov. 4 614T1 Trask Unit 50 50 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29 - Nov. 4

614T2 Upper Tualatin - Trask 30 30 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 '17

Dec. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 '18

616T SW Santiam 50 50 One Deer One Deer Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 -Nov. 21 617T Stott Mt. Unit 31 31 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29- Nov. 4 618T Alsea Unit 20 20 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29- Nov. 4 619T McKenzie Unit 100 100 One Deer One Deer Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21 620T1 N. Siuslaw 41 42 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Sept. 30 - Nov. 5 Sept. 29- Nov. 4

620T2 Territorial 10 10 One Deer One Deer Nov. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26

Nov 3,4,10,11, 17,18,24,25

621T N Indigo 75 75 One Deer One Deer Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21

623T1 N Bank Habitat Mgt. #1 30 30 1 Col. WTD Buck 2 pt+, or 1 BTD

1 Col. WTD Buck 2pt+, or 1 BTD Sept. 30- Oct. 8 Sept 29- Oct 7

623T2 N Bank Habitat Mgt. #2 30 31 One Black-tailed Deer One Black-tailed Deer Oct. 28- Nov. 5 Oct 27- Nov 4

623T3 Melrose 44 44 One Deer One Deer Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

625T N Sixes 77 77 Spike or Antlerless Spike or Antlerless Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

627T Chetco Unit 25 25 One Deer One Deer Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

628T Applegate Unit 26 27 One Deer One Deer Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

53

Table 25 Continued. Recommended 2018 Antlerless Deer and Youth Deer Hunts and Tags.

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

629T Evans Cr Unit 55 55 One Deer One Deer Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

630T Rogue Unit 55 55 One Deer One Deer Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 5 '18

Dec. 15 '18 - Jan. 5 '19

632T2 S Bryant Youth 5 5 One Deer One Deer Oct. 21 - Oct. 29 Oct. 20 - Oct. 28 640T Mid-Columbia Private 50 44 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 18 - Dec. 31 Nov. 17 - Dec. 31

141T The Dalles Watershed Youth (100 series) 7 7 One Buck with visible

antler One Buck with visible

antler Nov. 11 - Nov. 22 Nov. 10 - Nov. 21

644T1 Umatilla NWR (SG or ML Only) 8 8 Antlerless Antlerless Aug. 19 - Aug. 23 Aug. 18 - Aug. 22

644T2 Umatilla County Private 44 43 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 11 - Dec. 3 Nov. 10 - Dec. 2 648T Morrow Co 44 41 Antlerless Antlerless Nov. 11 -Nov. 19 Nov. 10 -Nov. 18 651T1 Baker #1 17 15 Antlerless Antlerless Oct. 21 - Oct. 29 Oct. 20 - Oct. 28 651T2 Baker #2 33 33 Antlerless WTD Antlerless WTD Oct. 21 - Oct. 29 Oct. 20 - Oct. 28

652T1 Ladd Marsh Bow (Archery Only) 3 One Deer Aug. 26 - Sept. 10 Delete for 2018

652T2 Ladd Marsh (SG or ML Only) 3 One Deer Sept. 20 - Sept. 29 Delete for 2018

665T Malheur Co Youth 50 50 Antlerless Antlerless Aug. 1 - Sept. 24 Oct. 14 - Oct. 31

Aug. 1 - Sept. 23 Oct. 13 - Oct. 31

174T Warner Unit Youth (100 series)

20 20 One Deer One Deer Sept. 16 - Sept. 24 Sept. 15 - Sept. 23

175T Interstate Unit Youth (100 series) 30 30 One Deer One Deer Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25

675T Paisley Youth 5 5 Antlerless Antlerless Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 Sept. 1 - Sept. 9 679T Harney Basin 28 28 Antlerless Antlerless Sept. 9 - Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16

Youth Total 1,246 1,231 Grand Total 9,702 9,224

a Most proposed tag numbers adjusted up by each hunt's 4-yr average redemption rate to compensate for tags drawn but not sold (max adjustment = 10%).

54

Elk Season Summaries and Recommendations There is a mixture of season structures used for elk hunting in Oregon. Hunters can participate in general season Roosevelt elk rifle hunting in the Cascades and most of the Coast Range. Limited areas are available for general season Rocky Mountain elk hunting during both the first and second seasons in eastern Oregon. Most archery hunting for elk is general season. Controlled seasons are used for many eastern Oregon bull and either sex hunts and some western Oregon bull hunts. Controlled bull hunting is practiced for several reasons, including achieving the bull ratio Management Objective (MO) in areas where vulnerability of bulls or high hunter numbers have led to low bull ratios under general seasons in the past; or where hunter numbers are limited to improve hunting quality. All antlerless elk hunting opportunity with firearms is by controlled hunts. Antlerless hunts are used primarily to address damage and reduce populations which are over MO. Population Overview Rocky Mountain elk populations continue to do well in eastern Oregon. Nineteen of 34 units or areas (56%) where population Management Objectives (MOs) are established have populations at or over MO. The eastern Oregon wide population estimate of approximately 73,000 elk is 101% of the Rocky Mountain elk population MO of 72,250 animals. Some Roosevelt elk populations, however, continue to struggle. While not all WMUs were surveyed in 2017, Western Oregon wide, the total estimated elk population of ~60,000 is 83% of the established MO of 72,450. 2016 Elk Harvest Based on mandatory harvest survey results, 104,305 elk hunters harvested 17,556 elk for an overall success rate of 17% (Table 26). General season hunters were usually not as successful as controlled season hunters were. Success for archers was down slightly from last year, likely due to the dry conditions during the season. Elk Season Summaries and Recommendations Most general elk season proposals are unchanged for 2018, except for the one-day calendar shift. The Department is proposing one bag limit change in one general archery season area. In the Monroe Subunit of the Willamette WMU, the bag limit will change from “One Antlerless Elk” to “One Elk” during the general archery season. This change will allow some bull harvest while still meeting objectives for the area which includes Finley National Wildlife Refuge. The bag limit is also proposed to change from Antlerless to “Spike or Antlerless Elk” from Aug. 25-Oct. 31, 2018 in the Monroe Subunit portion of controlled hunt 215A1, Willamette Plus No. 1.

Table 26. Number of hunters, harvest and success rates for elk during the 2016 Oregon elk seasons.

Hunt/Weapon Type 2016

Hunters 2016

Harvest

2016 Success

Rate General Seasons

Rocky Mountain 1st 1,005 216 21% Rocky Mountain 2nd 7,823 651 8%

Coast 1st 7,564 857 11% Coast 2nd 5,844 509 9% Cascade 9,721 563 6%

Bow 25.911 3.218 12% Controlled Seasons 46,386 11,510 25% All Surveyed Elk Hunts 104,305 17,556 17%

55

The general archery season bag limit is a legal bull except in units identified by the Commission each year. At this time, the Department is not proposing any changes to the list of units that would have an expanded bag limit during the general bow season. No elk populations have changed their status in a WMU relative to criteria for inclusion in the expanded bag limit (elk population is 105% of MO, rising, and recruitment is ≥ 31 calves/100 cows in end of winter surveys for the previous 3 years) or exclusion of the expanded bag limit (elk population is ≤100% of Population MO, declining, and recruitment is ≤25:100 cows in end of winter surveys for previous three years). Similarly, no changes are proposed to the list of WMUs where hunters with disabilities would have an expanded bag limit. Overall, the Department is proposing a net 1% decrease in controlled elk tag numbers for 2018 (Table 27). As noted earlier, this decline is largely due to a reduced correction resulting from increased tag sales rates in 2016. Four hunts are proposed for deletion in 2018. Hunt 210C Upper Nehalem will be deleted and replaced with 2 new hunts: 210C1 Upper Nehalem No. 1 and 210C2 Upper Nehalem No. 2. Similarly, hunt 214A, West Trask, will be deleted and replaced with 214A1, West Trask No. 1 and 214A2, and West Trask No. 2. Hunts 212A3, Miami-Nehalem No. 3, and 221B, Cougar Mt-Taylor Butte, will be deleted for 2018. One new antlerless elk hunt is proposed for 2018 in Starkey Experimental Forest. Current elk populations are above desired levels for research in the area and this hunt is designed to reduce the population as needed for research conducted in the area.

56

Table 27. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

210 Saddle Mtn. Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 15 '19

210A1 Onion Peak No. 1 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31

Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

210A2 Onion Peak No. 2 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 '18

Jan. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 '19

210B1 Lewis & Clark No. 1 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31

Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

210B2 Lewis & Clark No. 2 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21,27-28 '18

Jan. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 '19

Up Nehalem 41 One Antlerless Elk Delete in 2018 Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Delete in 2018 Replace w/210C1 &210C2

210C1 Up Nehalem No. 1 20 One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '18 - Jan 31 '19 New in '18

210C2 Up Nehalem No. 2 20 One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 - Mar. 31 '19 New in '18

210D Lower Columbia (Master Hunter Only) 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 -Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 15 '19

210E Young's River 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 15 '19

210F1 Camp McGregor No. 1 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31

Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30

210F2 Camp McGregor No. 2 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 '18

Jan. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 '19

210G1 Central Saddle Mtn. No. 1 17 17 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Jan. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Jan. 15 '19

210G2 Central Saddle Mtn. No. 2 17 17 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 16 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 16 - Feb. 28 '19 210X Saddle Mt Unit No. 1 1,320 1,320 One 3 pt. + One 3 pt.+ Nov. 11 - Nov. 14 Nov. 10 - Nov. 13 210Y Saddle Mt Unit No. 2 1,320 1,320 One 3 pt. + One 3 pt.+ Nov. 18 - Nov. 24 Nov. 17 - Nov. 23 211 Scappoose Unit 10 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19

57

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

211A1 North Plains No. 1 39 37 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Dec. 1 '18- Mar. 31 '19 211A2 North Plains No. 2 39 39 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1 - Dec.31 211A3 North Plains No. 3 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Jan. 31 '19 211A4 North Plains No. 4 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Feb. 1 '19- Mar. 31 '19 211B N Central Scappoose 25 30 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19- Mar. 31 '19

211C Banks 15 One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 '19- Mar. 31 '19 New in '18

212 Wilson Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 15 '19 212A1 Miami-Nehalem No. 1 11 27 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '19

212A2 Miami-Nehalem No. 2 Master Hunter Only in 2018 20 26 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 15 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Feb. 1 '19 - Mar. 15 '19

Master Hunter Only

Miami-Nehalem No. 3 (Master Hunter) 22 One Antlerless Elk Delete in 2018 Feb. 1, 18 - Mar. 15 '18 Delete in 2018

212B Buick Canyon 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 15 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 15 '18 -Mar. 15' 19 214 Trask Unit 11 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 15 '19

W Trask 20 One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 15 '18 Delete in 2018 Replace

w/214A1 & 214A2

214A1 W Trask No. 1 20 One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '19 New in '18

214A2 W Trask No. 2 20 One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 - Mar. 15 '19 New in '18

214B1 Central Trask No. 1 15 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 14 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 14 ' 19 214B2 Central Trask No. 2 17 16 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 15 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Feb. 15 '19 -Mar. 31 '19 214C Wind River 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19 214D Beaver Cr 10 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19 214E Pike 22 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19 214F1 NE Trask No. 1 10 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19 214F2 NE Trask No. 2 11 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1, 18 - Mar. 31 '18 Feb. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19

58

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

214G Panther Cr 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19-Jan. 31 '19

215A1 Willamette Plus No 1 79 79 One Elk One Elk

Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 (Antlerless Aug. 26 - Oct. 31 '18 in Monroe

Subunit)

Aug.1'18-Mar.31'19 (Spike or antlerless elk from Aug. 25-Oct. 31' 18 in Monroe Subunit)

215A2 Willamette Plus No 2 220 220 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug. 1'18-March 31'19 216B SW Santiam 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Jan. 31 '19 216C1 Molalla No. 1 10 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19

216C2 Molalla No. 2 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Jan. 31 '19 216C3 Molalla No. 3 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1, 18 - Mar. 31 '18 Feb. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19 216D Sandy 15 16 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 ' 19 - Mar. 31 '19 216E Green Mountain 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19 216F NW Santiam 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 ' 19 - Mar. 31 '19 217A Lower Siletz Rvr. 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan.1'19-Jan.31'19 217B Upper Siletz Rvr. 11 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Feb.28 '19 217C Dallas 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Feb.28 '19 218A NE Alsea 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan.1'19-Jan.31'19 218B SW Alsea 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 16 - Dec. 31 Dec. 15- Dec 31 218C SE Alsea 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan.1'19-Jan.31'19 218D SW Alsea Private Lands 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Feb.28 '19 218E Central Alsea Private Lands 11 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Feb.28 '19 218F NW Alsea 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 -Feb.28 '19 219A S Central McKenzie 22 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Jan. 31 '19 219B NW McKenzie 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19 219C Horse Rock 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19 219D Scott Mountain 17 17 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19 219E Pengra 11 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19

59

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

219F Oakridge Private Lands (SG, ML only) 21 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19

220A Noti-Saginaw 21 21 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19 220B W Siuslaw 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1- Dec. 31 220C E Siuslaw 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1- Dec. 31 220D Elkton 40 40 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug 1- Mar 31 '19 221A NW Indigo 22 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 16 - Dec 24 Dec. 15 - Dec. 23 Cougar Mt-Taylor Bt 11 One Antlerless Elk Delete in 2018 Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Delete in 2018 221C Harness Mtn 22 21 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Feb. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19 221D S Indigo Private 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec 1- Feb 28 '19 221E Mosby 15 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Feb. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Feb. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19

222A Dixon Private 10 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 15 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Nov 15- Mar 31 '19 223A1 Melrose Unit No. 1 202 208 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug 1- Mar 31 '19 223A2 Melrose Unit No. 2 10 10 One Elk One Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug 1- Mar 31 '19

224A Callahan 33 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 27-28, Feb. 3-4, 10-11 '18

Jan 26-27, Feb 2-3, 9-10 '19

224B Old Blue 33 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 27-28, Feb. 3-4, 10-11 '18

Jan 26-27, Feb 2-3, 9-10 '19

224C Tioga Private 220 100 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19 224X Tioga Unit No. 1 1,400 1,400 One 3 pt. + One 3 pt.+ Nov. 11- Nov. 15 Nov. 10 - Nov. 14 224Y Tioga Unit No. 2 1,800 1,600 One 3 pt. + One 3 pt.+ Nov. 18- Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 225A N Sixes 200 200 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19 225B Curry Private 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19 225X Sixes Unit No. 1 140 140 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 11- Nov. 15 Nov. 10 - Nov. 14 225Y Sixes Unit No. 2 140 140 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 18- Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 226A Powers Private 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19

60

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

226X Powers Unit No. 1 400 400 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Nov. 11- Nov. 15 Nov. 10 - Nov. 14 226Y Powers Unit No. 2 105 105 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 18- Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 227X Chetco Unit No. 1 77 77 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 11- Nov. 15 Nov. 10 - Nov. 14 227Y Chetco Unit No. 2 76 77 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 18- Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 228A Applegate-Evans Cr 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 15 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Nov. 15 '18 -Mar 31' 19 230A W Rogue 25 25 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 15 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Nov. 15 '18 -Mar 31' 19 232X Klamath Falls Unit No. 1 77 77 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 232Y Klamath Falls Unit No. 2 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

233X Sprague Unit No. 1 220 220 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 233Y Sprague Unit No. 2 110 110 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

234A Little River 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 5 - 18, Nov. 18 - 30 Aug. 4 -17, Nov. 17 -30

234B Tumalo 50 48 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Nov. 24 - Dec. 31 235A Badlands 42 68 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Oct. 15 Aug. 15 - Oct. 15

235X Paulina-E Fort Rock No. 1 605 605 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

235Y Paulina-E Fort Rock No. 2 385 385 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

236A Maury-Hampton Bt 55 40 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Nov. 15 Aug. 15 - Nov. 15 236X Maury Unit No. 1 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

236Y Maury Unit No. 2 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

237A N Ochoco 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 237B Crooked River 220 220 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 237C1 Ochoco Private No. 1 50 50 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 237C2 Ochoco Private No. 2 50 50 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 237X Ochoco Unit No. 1 218 218 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 237Y Ochoco Unit No. 2 212 214 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

61

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

238A SW Grizzly 424 432 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 Aug. 15 - Dec. 31 238B N Grizzly Private 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Nov. 30 Aug. 15 - Nov. 30 238C1 Grizzly Private No. 1 138 138 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 238C2 Grizzly Private No. 2 165 165 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 238X Grizzly Unit No. 1 72 72 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 238Y Grizzly Unit No. 2 69 68 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 240A Maupin-W Biggs 440 330 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 - Nov. 30 Oct. 13 - Nov. 30 240B Maupin-W Biggs Private 330 330 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 "18 Aug. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19

241A The Dalles Watershed 33 33 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 241B White R-Hood 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 241C1 N White R-Hood No. 1 42 42 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Jan. 15 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Jan. 15 '19 241C2 N White R-Hood No. 2 44 44 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 16 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 16 - Feb. 28 '19 241D Larch Cr 42 42 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Dec. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19 244A Columbia Basin 94 94 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug.1 '17 - Mar.31 '18 Aug. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19 245A1 N Fossil Private No. 1 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 245A2 N Fossil Private No. 2 330 330 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 245B1 S. Fossil Private No. 1 770 770 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 245B2 S. Fossil Private No. 2 770 770 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 245C N Fossil 22 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 245D1 S Fossil No. 1 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 245D2 S Fossil No. 2 121 121 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2 - Dec. 10 Dec. 1 -Dec. 9 245D3 S Fossil No. 3 66 66 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 16 - Dec. 24 Dec. 15 - Dec. 23 245E Fossil - E Biggs Agric. 660 688 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 245X Fossil Unit No. 1 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 245Y Fossil Unit No. 2 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 246 Murderers Creek 550 550 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25

62

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

246A W Murderers Cr 495 495 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 246B E Murderers Cr 275 275 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 246D Up John Day R 101 101 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

246E Murderers Cr. Private Lands Plus 138 193 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Aug. 1 -Dec 31

246X Murderers Cr Unit 468 468 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 247 Northside Unit 440 440 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov 17 Nov 25 247A1 Northside Private No. 1 165 165 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 247A2 Northside Private No. 2 165 165 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 247B W Northside 275 275 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 247C E Northside 409 413 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 247D1 Northside - Ritter Private No.1 600 600 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 247D2 Northside - Ritter Private No.2 150 150 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Mar. 31 '19 247X Northside Unit 413 413 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 248A1 Heppner No. 1 709 715 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

248A2 Heppner No. 2 (Conc. w/ No.1) 825 825 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

248B1 Ritter No. 1 138 138 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 248B2 Ritter No. 2 220 220 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 248C Monument 66 66 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 248D Heppner 46 30 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 248E Willow Creek 60 60 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 249A1 Ukiah Unit No. 1 440 440 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

249A2 Ukiah Unit No. 2 (Conc. w/ No.1) 990 990 One Spike Only Elk One spike only elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

249B McKay Cr 79 83 One Antlerless Elk One antlerless elk Dec. 2 - Dec. 10 Nov. 17 - Dec. 9 2 weeks added

249C Central Ukiah 64 64 One Antlerless Elk One antlerless elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25

63

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

249D South Ukiah 66 66 One Antlerless Elk One antlerless elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov 17. - Nov. 25 250A Desolation Unit 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 250X Desolation Unit 1,100 1,100 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 251A N Sumpter 770 770 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 251B1 S Sumpter No. 1 138 138 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 251B2 S Sumpter No. 2 138 138 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov.3 - Nov. 11 251C N Sumpter 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct 14 - Oct 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 251D S Sumpter 191 193 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct 14 - Dec 31 Oct. 13 - Dec. 31 251E1 Elkhorn Mt No. 1 21 21 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct 14 - Oct 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 251E2 Elkhorn Mt No. 2 21 21 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 252A1 Starkey Unit No. 1 409 413 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

252A2 Starkey Unit No. 2 (Conc. w/ No. 1) 2,530 2,530 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

252B S Starkey 11 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 252C S Starkey Private 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 252D1 Starkey Exp Forest No. 1 25 25 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

252D2 Starkey Exp Forest No. 2 100 One Antlerless Elk Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 New in 2018

252E1 Shaw Mt No. 1 109 107 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 7 - Oct. 29 Oct. 6 - Oct. 28 252E2 Shaw Mt No. 2 107 110 One Antlerless Elk One antlerless Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 26 Nov. 3 - Nov. 25 252E3 Peach Cr 11 11 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4. Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 252F N Starkey 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2 - Dec 10 Dec. 1 - Dec. 9 253A1 S Catherine Cr Private No. 1 321 330 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 253A2 S Catherine Cr Private No. 2 210 214 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 Nov. 1 -Dec. 31

253B S Catherine Cr 28 28 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 253C1 Mt Harris No. 1 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 253C2 Mt Harris No. 2 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 18 - Dec. 31 Dec. 17 - Dec.31

64

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

253X Catherine Cr Unit 275 275 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28

254A Pumpkin Ridge 125 125 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Sept. 24, Nov. 18 - Dec. 31

Aug. 15 - Sept. 23, Nov. 17 - Dec. 31

254X Mt Emily Unit No. 1 660 660 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct 24. - Oct. 28 254Y1 Mt Emily Unit No. 2 57 57 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oc.t 25 - Nov. 12 Oct 24. - Nov. 11

254Y2 Mt Emily Unit No. 3 (Conc. w/ No. 2) 330 330 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov 3. - Nov. 11

255A Mill Cr Watershed 20 20 Antlerless, 3pt+ Bull One Antlerless or 3pt+ Bull Elk Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 Oct 27. - Nov. 4

Do not Adjust

tags 255B Walla Walla Private 15 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 255X Walla Walla No. 1 330 330 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 255Y1 Walla Walla No. 2 27 27 One Bull Elk One bull elk Oct 25 - Nov 12 Oct. 24 - Nov. 11

255Y2 Walla Walla No. 3 (Conc. w/ No. 2) 193 193 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

256A Bartlett Bench 22 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - 21, Oct. 14 - 22 Aug. 1-19, Oct. 13-21

256X Wenaha Unit No. 1 385 385 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct 28 256Y1 Wenaha Unit No. 2 40 40 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Nov. 12 Oct. 24 - Nov. 11

256Y2 Wenaha Unit No. 3 (Conc. W/ No. 2) 220 220 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

257A Elk Cr 16 16 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Aug. 21, Nov. 18 - Nov. 26

Aug. 1 - Aug. 19, Nov. 17 - Nov. 25

257B1 Flora No. 1 31 31 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Aug. 21, Oct. 25 - Oct. 29, Nov. 4 - Nov. 12

Aug. 1 - Aug. 19, Oct. 24 - Oct. 28, Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

257B2 Flora No. 2 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29, Nov. 4 - Nov. 12

Oct. 24 - Oct 28, Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

257C Whisky Cr 48 48 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Aug. 21, Nov. 25 - Dec. 10

Aug. 1 - Aug. 19, Nov. 24 - Dec. 9

65

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

257D E Sled Springs 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 24 Nov. 17 - Nov. 23 257E W Sled Springs 79 80 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 24 Nov. 17 - Nov. 23 257F Cricket Flat 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 4 -Nov. 26 Nov. 3 - Nov. 25 257X Sled Springs Unit No. 1 550 550 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct 28 257Y Sled Springs Unit No. 2 440 440 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 258A1 Zumwalt No. 1 106 107 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 6 Aug. 25 - Sept. 5 258A2 Zumwalt No. 2 109 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Sept. 9 - Sept. 24 Sept. 8 - Sept. 23 258A3 Zumwalt No. 3 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21 258A4 Zumwalt No. 4 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 15 - Nov. 29 Nov. 14 - Nov. 28 258A5 Zumwalt No. 5 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2 - Dec. 13 Dec. 1 - Dec. 12 258A6 Zumwalt No. 6 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 16 - Dec. 27 Dec. 15 - Dec. 26 258A7 Zumwalt No. 7 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 30 '17 - Jan. 10 '18 Dec. 29 - Jan. 9, 2018 258X Chesnimnus Unit No. 1 385 385 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct 28 258Y Chesnimnus Unit No. 2 385 385 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 259 Snake River Unit 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 259X Snake R Unit No. 1 330 330 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 259Y Snake R Unit No. 2 275 275 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

260A Alder Slope, No CF Weapons in parts

80 83 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 22, Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

Oct. 13 - Oct. 21, Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

260X Minam Unit No. 1 550 550 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct 28 260Y Minam Unit No. 2 550 550 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 261 Imnaha Unit 385 275 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 261A1 Clear Lake - Deadhorse No. 1 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 13 - Nov. 17 Nov. 12 - Nov. 16 261A2 Clear Lake - Deadhorse No. 2 83 83 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 261X Imnaha Unit 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct 28

66

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

262 Pine Cr Unit 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 262X Pine Cr Unit 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 263 Keating Unit 64 64 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 263X Keating Unit 248 248 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 264A1 Lookout Mt Unit No. 1 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 - Nov. 30 Oct. 13 - Nov. 30 264A2 Lookout Mt Unit No. 2 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Dec. 1 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 264X Lookout Mt Unit No. 1 165 165 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 264Y Lookout Mt Unit No. 2 165 165 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 265A1 W Beulah No. 1 385 385 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 265A2 W Beulah No. 2 218 216 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 265A3 W Beulah No. 3 110 110 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 265B1 E Beulah No. 1 440 440 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 265B2 E Beulah No. 2 440 440 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 265B3 E Beulah No. 3 382 382 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Dec. 31 Nov. 17 - Dec. 31 265C Bully Creek 131 125 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Feb. 28 '18 Aug. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '19 266A1 Drewsey Valley No. 1 77 88 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 266A2 Drewsey Valley No. 2 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 266B N Malheur R 413 413 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 266C S Malheur R 110 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 266X N Malheur R No. 1 440 440 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 266Y N Malheur R No. 2 440 440 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 267 Owyhee Unit 52 76 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Oct. 13 '18 - Jan. 31 '19 268A E Whitehorse 28 83 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Oct. 13 '18 - Jan. 31 '19 271A1 Silvies - N Juniper No. 1 165 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 271A2 Silvies - N Juniper No. 2 130 133 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 1 - Nov. 30 Nov. 1 - Nov. 30

67

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

271B1 North Juniper No. 1 39 44 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 271B2 North Juniper No. 2 39 44 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1 - Jan. 31 '19 272A Silvies Unit 715 715 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 18 - Nov. 26 Nov. 17 - Nov. 25 272B West Silvies 138 138 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2 - Dec. 10 Dec. 1 - Dec. 9 272X Silvies Unit No. 1 550 550 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 272Y Silvies Unit No. 2 545 550 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 273A North Wagontire 28 28 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 Aug. 15 - Sept. 30 274X Warner No. 1 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 274Y Warner No. 2 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 275X Interstate Unit No. 1 330 330 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 275Y Interstate Unit No. 2 165 165 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 276X Silver Lake Unit No. 1 350 350 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 25 - Oct. 29 Oct. 24 - Oct. 28 276Y Silver Lake Unit No. 2 200 200 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11 277A North Lake 165 150 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug. 1 '18 -Mar. 31 '19 278A1 High Desert No. 1 440 440 One Elk One Elk Oct. 25 - Oc.t 31 Oct. 24 - Oct. 30 278A2 High Desert No. 2 440 440 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

Controlled Rifle Total 50,426 50,247

Archery Hunts

216R Santiam Bow 880 880 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 Nov. 24 - Dec. 9

217R Stott Mountain Unit 275 275 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 Nov 24- Dec. 9

218R Alsea Unit 550 550 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 Nov 24- Dec. 9

219R McKenzie Bow 880 880 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 Nov. 24 - Dec. 9

221R N Indigo Bow 660 660 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 25 - Dec. 10 Nov. 24 - Dec. 9

224R Tioga Bow 330 330 One 3 pt. + One 3 pt.+ Jan. 6 - 21 '18 Jan. 5-20 '19

226R Powers Unit 63 64 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

230R W Rogue 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Feb. 28 '18 Jan. 1 '19 - Feb. 28 '19

68

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

234R Upper Deschutes Bow 77 77 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

236R Maury Unit Bow 110 110 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

237R1 Ochoco Unit Bow No. 1 161 162 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

237R2 Ochoco Unit Bow No. 2 600 600 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

239R Metolius Bow 55 55 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

248R Heppner Bow 208 158 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

249R Ukiah Bow 318 321 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

252R1 Starkey Exp. Forest 25 25 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Sept. 9 - Sept. 17 Sept. 8 - Sept. 16

252R2 Shaw Mountain Bow 110 110 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

254R1 Mt Emily Unit Bow No. 1 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

254R2 Mt Emily Unit Bow No.2 176 176 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

255R1 Walla Walla Bow No. 1 25 25 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

255R2 Walla Walla Bow No.2 55 55 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

256R1 Wenaha Unit Bow No. 1 40 40 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

256R2 Wenaha Unit Bow No.2 165 165 One Spike Only Elk One Spike Only Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

257R1 Sled Springs Unit No. 1 212 212 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

257R2 Sled Springs Unit No. 2 165 165 One Antlerless or Spike Elk

One Antlerless or Spike Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

258R1 Chesnimnus Unit No. 1 330 330 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

258R2 Chesnimnus Unit No. 2 83 83 One Antlerless or Spike Elk

One Antlerless or Spike Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

259R Snake River Unit 110 110 One Elk One Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept. 23

274R Warner Unit Bow 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Aug. 26 - Sept. 24 Aug. 25 - Sept 23

Archery Total 6,828 6,783

69

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

Muzzleloader Hunts

200M1 NW Cascades 500 500 One Elk Outside NF, One bull on NF

One Elk Outside NF, One bull on NF Nov. 11 - Nov. 17 Nov. 10 - Nov. 16

200M2 SW Cascade 400 400 One Elk Outside NF, One bull on NF

One Elk Outside NF, One bull on NF Nov 11 - Nov 17 Nov. 10 - Nov. 16

214M NE Trask 42 42 One Elk One Elk Dec. 18 - Dec. 31 Dec. 18 - Dec. 31

224M Tioga 385 220 One 3 pt+ One Bull Elk Dec .9 - Dec. 24 Dec. 8- 23

234M E Cascade 194 193 One Elk One Elk Nov. 4 - Nov. 12 Nov. 3 - Nov. 11

235M Paulina - E Fort Rock 77 77 One Elk One Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 Oct. 13 - Oct. 19

248M Pole Creek 27 27 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

251M1 Elkhorn No. 1 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Oct. 15 Aug. 1 - Oct. 15

251M2 Elkhorn No. 2 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 16 - Dec. 31 Oct. 16 - Dec. 31

253M Mt Harris 83 83 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 2 - Dec. 17 Dec. 1 - Dec. 16

254M1 Union Ag. No. 1 159 159 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Oct. 31 Aug. 1- Oct. 31

254M2 Union Ag. No. 2 275 165 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Nov. 1 '17 - Jan. 31 '18 Nov. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '19

260M Eagle Cap 55 55 One Bull Elk One Bull Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

265M E Grant 193 193 One Elk One Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 20 Oct. 13 - Oct. 19

278M High Desert 138 138 One Elk One Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

Muzzleloader Total 2,638 2,362

Youth Hunts

210T Saddle Mtn. Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

211T Scappoose Unit 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

212T1 Wilson Unit No. 1 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

212T2 Wilson Unit No. 2 31 31 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 16 - Dec. 24 Dec. 22 - Dec. 30

212T3 Wilson Unit No. 3 33 32 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Dec. 23 - Dec. 31 Dec. 29 '18 - Jan. 6 '19

70

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

214T Trask Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

216T Santiam Unit 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

217T Stott Mt Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

218T Alsea Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

219T McKenzie Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

220T Siuslaw Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

221T1 Indigo Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

221T2 Sutherlin 22 21 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Jan. 31 '18 Jan. 1- 31 '19

222T Dixon Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

223T Melrose Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug 1 '18- Mar 31 '19

224T1 Tioga Unit 25 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

224T2 Callahan 32 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 6,7,13,14,20,21 '18 Jan 5,6,12,13,19,20 '19

224T3 Old Blue 33 11 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 6,7,13,14,20,21 '18 Jan 5,6,12,13,19,20 '19

225T1 Sixes Unit No. 1 26 26 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

225T2 Sixes Unit No. 2 51 52 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Jan. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '18 Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 '19

226T Powers Unit 25 25 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

227T Chetco Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

228T Applegate-Evans Cr. 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

230T1 Rogue Unit 35 30 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

230T2 W Rogue 35 35 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 '17 - Mar. 31 '18 Aug. 1 '18 - Mar. 31 '19

231T Keno Unit 10 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

233T Sprague Unit 10 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

234T E Cascade 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

235T Paulina-E. Ft. Rock 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

236T Maury Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

71

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

237T1 Ochoco Unit No 1 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

237T2 Ochoco Unit No. 2 100 100 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Oct. 14 - Oct. 22 Oct. 13 - Oct. 21

238T Grizzly Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

240T Maupin-W Biggs 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

241T White R-Hood 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

244T Umatilla 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One antlerless elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

245T Fossil Unit 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

246T1 Murderers Cr. - Northside 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

246T2 Flat Cr. 33 33 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Aug. 25 Aug. 1 - Aug. 24

248T Heppner Unit 50 50 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

250T Desolation Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

251T Sumpter Unit 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

252T1 Starkey Unit 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1- Dec. 31

252T2 Glass Hill 3 3 One Elk One Elk Nov. 18 - Dec. 31 Nov. 17 - Dec. 31

253T Catherine Cr. Unit 20 20 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

257T Sled Springs Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

258T Chesnimnus Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

259T Snake River Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

260T Minam Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

261T Imnaha Unit 55 55 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

262T Pine Creek 21 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

263T Keating 22 22 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

264T Lookout Mt Unit 40 40 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

265T Beulah Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

266T N Malheur Rvr 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

72

Table 27 Continued. Recommended 2018 Elk Hunts and Tags

2018 Hunt # 2018 Hunt Name

Adj. 2017 Tagsa

Adj. 2018 Tagsa 2017 Bag Limit

Proposed 2018 Bag Limit 2017 Dates

Proposed 2018 Dates

2018 Notes & Changes

272T Silvies Unit 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

276T Silver Lake Unit 10 15 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

278T High Desert 10 10 One Antlerless Elk One Antlerless Elk Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 Aug. 1 - Dec. 31

Youth Hunt Total 1,312 1,264

Elk Grand Totalb 61,204 60,656

Western Gray Squirrel Season Recommendations No changes to 2018 western gray squirrel season dates are proposed other than the one day calendar shift (Table 28). Table 28. Proposed western gray squirrel seasons and bag limits for 2018. Hunt Bag Limit 2017 Dates Proposed 2018 Dates

Western & S. Central OR 5/day - 15 in possession Aug 26 – Nov 8 Aug 25 – Nov 7 Hood & White River Units 3/day - 6 in possession Sep 9 – Oct 15 Sep 8 – Oct 14 That portion of Rogue Unit south of Rogue River and South Fork of Rogue River and north of Highway 140 is open year-round with no bag limit.

73