Contents White-Tailed Deer 10 Mule Deer

2005 Big Game Statistics

Introduction How to use this information ...... 2 Setting regulations ...... 3 How the information is collected ...... 4 How the management system works ...... 5 Making your points work for you ...... 6

Resources Glossary of terms ...... 8 Agency Information ...... 9

Deer Black-tailed deer contents White-tailed deer 10 Mule deer

Elk Roosevelt elk Rocky mountain elk 52 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Pronghorn 3406 Cherry Ave NE Salem, OR 97303 88 www.dfw.state.or.us

Bear 98

Cougar 104

Bighorn Sheep 112

Rocky Mountain Goat 120 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

How to use this information

This publication contains big game biological data and harvest survey information, as well as species descriptions. It also offers an explanation of ODFW’s management system, including how tags are allocated and how the preference point system works. No matter where you hunt, what weapon you use, or which species you like to pursue, this guide can improve your hunt.

You can use this information in several ways to make your hunting trips more enjoy- able. It can help you identify units or areas where you will find the hunting conditions that interest you most. For example, if your main goal is to hunt buck mule deer without seeing many other hunters, then you might look for units with relatively low hunter numbers. On the other hand, if harvesting a buck every year is very important to you, then areas with high fawn recruitment and relatively low buck ratio management objectives may be for you. Hunter success rates over time can provide important clues to what you might expect. It is important to recognize that every choice has trade-offs. In the first example, low hunter numbers usually mean that drawing a tag Introduction will be difficult, and you may have to wait a few years between tags. In the second example, highly productive areas are often managed for maximum opportunity; hunters are more likely to see other hunters and may feel crowded. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife You may just want to review the information for your favorite unit or area to see how 3406 Cherry Ave NE variables have changed over time, how the population is tracking, or how other hunt- Salem, OR 97303 ers are doing. With a little bit of work, you should be able to pick out relationships www.dfw.state.or.us between hunter numbers and success rates, or track how harvest levels coincide with previous year population data.

Keep in mind that biological values are simply best estimates. They are influenced by year-to-year differences (e.g., weather and animal movements, survey effort, and different survey techniques). For big game, harvest information covers the previous hunting season and includes data from general seasons and controlled hunts for all weapon types. General rifle season results and controlled hunts appear together and archery season statistics are in separate tables.

Using this information wisely can help you in the future. Good luck and good hunting!

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

Setting Regulations

The mission of ODFW is to protect and enhance Ore- case. However, the determination for other species gon’s fish and wildlife populations and their habitats such as big game mammals, sage grouse, and water- for use and enjoyment by present and future genera- fowl requires much more effort because numbers or tions. For game mammals that means determining 1) distribution are more restricted, or because hunting how many animals a particular land base can sup- can more directly regulate populations. The end result port, 2) what appropriate sex and age ratios should is more restriction on hunters’ ability to harvest these be in healthy populations, 3) how many deaths and species. births occur during the year, and (4) the number of animals that can be removed from the population by Plain and simple: hunting regulations are in place to hunting. These variables constitute the biological side prevent overharvest. Without them, we would not of wildlife management and even though there are be able to maintain viable populations for the future. questions along the way, reasonable estimates can be The trick is to make regulations as fair as possible for made without much trouble. The most difficult part everyone who wants to participate. Keep in mind of the process is the human side: determining how, an underlying principle: the more challenging the Introduction when, and where harvest should occur and who can hunting situation, the more opportunity that can be hunt. offered. More opportunity can be offered to hunters who hunt under more challenging conditions such as Oregon Department For some species, including many upland game birds, with archery equipment, in drier weather, or outside of Fish and Wildlife the answers are easier because of an ample supply of the period of the rut. Most often, centerfire rifle 3406 Cherry Ave NE of birds, and low hunter participation relative to the hunters far outnumber other weapon users and are Salem, OR 97303 resource. Weather plays the most important role in the driving factor in overall harvest. www.dfw.state.or.us short-term population trends in those species in any

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

How the Information is Collected

“What do biologists do with their time?” “How do Because bull elk don’t shed antlers until late win- you come up with all these statistics?” These are ter, biologists can conduct one survey for elk in late common questions asked of ODFW. Some of the winter to estimate bull ratios, calf ratios, and popula- answers are quite complex, but the following gives tion trends. Helicopters or fixed wing aircraft are the some brief answers with respect to big game. There main tools for conducting elk surveys. Standardized are many steps to creating recommendations for aerial surveys are also conducted for pronghorn and hunting seasons and it’s a continuous process. bighorn sheep. Pronghorn population trend surveys occur in winter and herd composition flights are gen- Let’s start with the animals themselves. Biological data erally conducted in late summer. Helicopter surveys to generally drives the system, and births and deaths estimate bighorn sheep ram ratios and lamb survival generally govern population dynamics. At the simplest are conducted in March. Ground observation of level, populations change when births and deaths are Oregon’s small herds of mountain goats takes place in not equal. If a stable population is the objective, we August. should harvest the number of animals born each year minus deaths from other sources. Hunters themselves play a key role in the management process. In recent years, harvest surveys have Biological surveys for big game differ among species been conducted by telephone after hunting seasons and regions of the state. In most areas, 2 surveys are end. The number of people called was determined conducted for deer. The first takes place in the fall, by the number of hunters for a particular hunt or shortly after hunting season. The goal is to estimate season and considers past hunter success rates. Much buck ratios and autumn fawn ratios. Many of these like exit polls on Election Day, we can often estimate surveys are done from ground vehicles or on foot. average days hunted, success rates, and total harvest The second deer survey occurs in late winter when by contacting a relatively small number of hunters. biologists estimate fawn ratios to determine over-win- For example, we can estimate bull elk harvest in the ter survival. In some areas, biologists also count total General Cascade rifle season with about 80% confi - deer along established routes as an index to popula- dence by contacting only about 10% of the hunters. tion size. For mule deer, much of this data is collected At that rate, a hunter would be contacted only once from helicopters, but other methods may be used every 10 years or so; that’s why most people do not when they are more efficient. Spotlight counts from receive a call each year. For fall 2004 - winter 2005 ground vehicles have been the standard for black- hunts, not all hunts were surveyed. The Department tailed deer for some time. is in the process of changing from the telephone surveys used in recent years to a new hunter report- As technology and methods improve, the Depart- ing system. Currently, the Department is reviewing ment has employed different methods to estimate options such as a phone Interactive Voice Response deer populations for some units. Techniques range (IVR) system and reporting over the internet. The goal from computer models that utilize biological data is for the new system to be fully functional for the fall such as fawn ratios, buck ratios, harvest, and weather 2006 hunts. severity, to specialized helicopter surveys that correct for differences in animal visibility (habitat types and weather conditions).

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

How the Management System Works

Once local biologists have data for the past year in Another avenue for comment is Oregon Fish and hand, they make projections of what the popula- Wildlife Commission (OFWC) public hearings. You tion will do and how many animals of each sex and can write down your thoughts and send them to the age class can be harvested. In some areas dominated Department, and correspondence is incorporated as by private land, major landowners are contacted to public testimony in the written packet provided to the gauge their ability to provide hunter access and de- Commission, or you can appear in person and provide sires for wildlife numbers. This information translates testimony. into tag recommendations for the upcoming seasons. Tag recommendations are formulated in late winter Big game regulations are considered twice a year, and early spring and draft proposals are available in early June and October. At the June hearing, the in late April each year. At the same time, biologists Commission adopts big game tag numbers for the make proposals for the dates, bag limits, and hunt upcoming season so the controlled hunt draw can boundaries for all hunts that will occur the following be held. Commissioners also hear proposals and give year. Proposals are made public through several av- preliminary approval for the following year’s season enues. Traditionally, wildlife district offices hold open dates and bag limits; the regulations are formally houses or public meetings to discuss proposals during adopted at the October hearing. Between the June May, but attendance is often very low. Biologists also and October hearings, Department staff prepares the attend meetings of sports groups and landowners, annual Big Game Regulations book so that it can be provide information to the media, send information printed and available in early winter. directly to constituents, and make information available at ODFW offices. Anyone can contact their local office and request a packet of information on upcoming proposals. Information is also placed on the ODFW Web site (www.dfw.state.or.us).

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

Making Your Points Work for You

Oregon has a modified preference point system for from 0.51. Example: the Johnson elk party has big game hunting. That means 75% of tags are 3 members from last year and they all have 2 awarded to people with the most preference points; points for the 2001 draw. The party is thinking the remaining 25% are then awarded randomly to about adding 1 new member, but the person first choice applicants regardless of preference points. does not have any points for elk. The average The only time second choices are filled is when all first points for the party will drop from 2.0 down to choice applicants have received tags (or if your first 1.5! Therefore, the new party will only have 1 choice hunt is canceled...then your second choice is point for the drawing and the chances of draw- treated like a first choice, including loss of preference ing may be lower. points). In other words, you will not draw a tag by second choice unless the chance of drawing for first ▪ Your points are spread among different ID choice applicants is 100% (or second or lower choice numbers. This is probably the biggest problem if your first choice is cancelled). and can happen if you don’t use the same ID number every year. One way to help ensure Every time you do not draw your first choice hunt for that you keep your points together is to show buck deer (100 series), elk (200 series), pronghorn your previous year’s license to the agent when (400 series), antlerless deer (600 series), or spring you apply. Keeping all your past application bear (700 series), you get a preference point for that receipts will help tremendously in clearing up series. The preference point is good for any hunt in problems if there is ever a question about your that same series. You can only lose your preference points. points 2 ways: draw your first choice hunt, or skip 2 consecutive years of applying for a hunt series. Either You can check your preference points on-line way, your point total goes to zero and you start over at www.dfw.state.or.us, or call the Controlled accumulating points. If you draw a second, third, Hunts section at 503-947-6101 or 1-800-708- fourth, or fifth hunt choice, you still gain a preference 1782. Preference points are updated annually point (unless it is replacing a cancelled first choice the beginning of the year. hunt). ▪ The party includes a nonresident. There is ODFW gets plenty of questions about preference a 5% maximum cap on nonresident controlled points each year. Some people think the system deer and elk tags (by hunt) and a 3% cap for doesn’t work because they did not draw a tag. Sever- pronghorn and black bear. Because ODFW al things can happen that affect a hunter’s chance of does not split parties, once the cap is reached, drawing a tag. Here are some of the most common: no party with a nonresident will draw tags. The cap is not reached in all hunts, but this factor ▪ The point average for the whole party is can affect your draw success in some units. lower than your points as an individual. The truth is that including a person with fewer ▪ Party size can work against you, particularly points in your party may hurt your chances. in small hunts. Parties will not be split up. As Why? Because the points for all members are the tag selection process nears the quota for a averaged and rounded down from 0.5, or up particular hunt, the computer will “reject” any

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Introduction

party that would result in exceeding the quota. hunt, you can accumulate points if you make For example, if 95 tags have already been as- that hunt your second choice - as long as the signed for a hunt with a 100-tag quota and the hunt is still undersubscribed after all hunt leader of a party of 6 is next in line, that party choices have been filled. But, there is a risk. will be passed over. The computer will search You may not draw your second or third choice until it finds a party of 5 or fewer to fill the if many other people are using the same strat- quota. The same procedure occurs when allo- egy. Another strategy is to simply keep building cating tags based on preference points because points even if you don’t plan to hunt 1 year or there are actually 2 quotas: one for the 75% of if you plan to hunt a general season. You can tags for preference point holders and a second apply normally and use the “Point Saver” num- for the remainder of the tags. ber for that series. This number ends in “99” for each series (e.g., buck deer point saver is ▪ Maybe you didn’t apply one year, or drew 199) and adds 1 preference point to your total a tag a few years ago about which you without “risk” of drawing a tag you won’t be have forgotten. Perhaps one of your hunt- able to use. No other hunt choices are consid- ing partners neglected to file your application ered if you use a Point Saver number. or you didn’t get “partied up” correctly. All of these are common examples of what ODFW ▪ Overall, the preference point system for deer sometimes finds when we investigate questions and elk seems to be working well, but it does about someone’s preference point status. require hunters to pay more attention to the system and do some planning if they want to Of course, this is a drawing, and luck does play hunt during controlled seasons. Remember, we a role. If you apply only for very difficult-to- would prefer to allow all hunters to go where draw hunts, you may not draw very often! they want to hunt each year. Restrictions are necessary because past general season hunting Some Examples Of Other Application Strategies strategies have led to low buck and bull ratios, There are 2 other strategies that can make hunter crowding, poor success rates, hunter your points work for you. The first is to not use dissatisfaction, and similar problems. The bot- your points unnecessarily. Statistics show that tom line is that many deer and elk hunts were some hunters lose points by applying for “easy drawn with 2 or fewer preference points in to draw” hunts for their first choice. Unless a 2005. “sure draw” unit is the only place you plan to

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Resources

Glossary of Terms

benchmark: A value for population levels, trend counts, sex ratios, or age ratios used to gauge how well a population is performing. For example, the benchmark for black- tailed deer buck ratios in several management units is 20.

buck ratio (or bull or ram): The number of males per 100 females. Example: a biologist observes 39 bucks and 239 does in November; therefore the buck ratio is 39/239 = 16.3, which would be rounded to 16 bucks per 100 does. Data on the antler point class or size of males is also collected.

composition count: Counts conducted to estimate sex and age ratios for a given species.

fawn ratio (or calf or lamb): The number of young per 100 females. Example: a Resources biologist observes 168 fawns and 200 does in December; therefore the fawn ratio is 168/200 = 84 per 100 does.

fawn survival: The proportion of fawns (or calves or lambs) that live through their first winter. Fawn ratios are measured more than once to estimate survival over a time Oregon Department period. Example: counts in December show 84 fawns per 100 does. March counts indi- of Fish and Wildlife cate 37 fawns per 100 adults. The count is adjusted to account for the bucks; yielding a 3406 Cherry Ave NE spring fawn ratio of 42 per 100 does (or 50% survival). Salem, OR 97303 www.dfw.state.or.us management objective (MO): For mule deer and elk, MOs have been formally adopted by the Commission establishing objectives for bucks/100 does for mule deer, bulls/100 cows for elk, and population size for each Wildlife Management Unit or area.

recruitment: The number of young that survive to breeding age. For practical pur- poses, recruitment is usually measured as the number of young that survive their first winter (e.g., spring fawn ratio).

trend count: Counts conducted to estimate the population or trend in population size. Usually conducted along a fixed route each year. Most counts occur near the end of winter, thereby estimating population at the lowest point (before spring births).

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Resources

Agency Information

ODFW’s mission is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

Regional Offices

ODFW Headquarters Northeast Region Southwest Region 3406 Cherry Ave NE 107 - 20th Street 4192 N. Umpqua Highway Salem, OR 97303 LaGrande, OR 97850 Roseburg, OR 97470 (503) 947-6000 (541) 963-2138 (541) 440-3353 (800) 720-ODFW

High Desert Region Northwest Region Visit us on the Web at 61374 Parrell Road 17330 S.E. Evelyn Street www.dfw.state.or.us Bend, OR 97702 Clackamas, OR 97015 (541) 388-6363 (Bend) (503) 657-2000 (541) 573-6582 (Hines)

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

DEER: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 12 Chronic wasting disease (CWD) ...... 12 Black-tailed Deer Overview ...... 13 Distribution ...... 13 Management ...... 13 Deer hair loss syndrome (DHLS) ...... 14 White-tailed Deer Overview ...... 15 Distribution ...... 15 Management ...... 15 Deer hair loss syndrome (DHLS) ...... 15 Mule Deer Overview ...... 16 Distribution ...... 16 Management ...... 16 Adenovirus (AHD) ...... 17

10 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

2005 Statistical Reports

Black-tailed deer herd composition report ...... 18 Black-tailed deer spring fawn survival report ...... 19 Black-tailed deer population trends report ...... 20

Mule deer herd composition report ...... 21 Mule deer spring fawn survival report ...... 23 Mule deer population trends report ...... 25

Western Oregon deer archery seasons ...... 27 Western Oregon deer rifle seasons ...... 29 Western Oregon black-tailed deer 100M1 harvest ...... 33 Western Oregon deer harvest by hunters with disabilities (all weapons) ...... 34 Western Oregon deer season archery and rifle harvest ...... 35

Eastern Oregon deer archery seasons ...... 36 Eastern Oregon deer rifle seasons ...... 38

White-tailed deer buck season ...... 44 White-tailed deer either sex and antlerless seasons...... 44

Eastern Oregon deer harvest by hunters with disabilities (all weapons) ...... 45 Eastern Oregon deer season: total archery and rifle harvest ...... 47

Deer hunting trends ...... 49

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 11 Big Game Statistics: Deer

Overview

Life History

The basic life histories of Oregon’s deer species (Columbia black-tailed deer, Columbia and Northwest (Idaho) white-tailed deer, and mule deer) are all very similar. The rut, or breeding season, extends from late October through early December. Fawns are born about 7 months later, usually in late May through mid-June. Adult does typically produce twins each year in good habitat. Fawns are spotted with white; the spotted pelage

usually is molted by September. Fawns are left alone for long periods during the early Deer weeks of life to avoid drawing the attention of predators. Fawn survival to breeding age largely determines the growth or decline of deer populations. Major factors contributing to mortality include nutrition, weather, habitat quality, predation, and accidents, among others. Females typically live longer than bucks even in unhunted populations. Does can live to 15 years or more; bucks seldom live more than 9 years. Male mortality rates are higher because of stress and fighting during the rut, and, of course, hunting. Competition with other males to breed expends high levels of energy that results in loss of body fat, so bucks enter winter in poorer condition than does.

Deer both graze and browse. Forbs and browse (stems and leaves of woody plants) are Oregon Department favored forage during the growing season. Grasses are consumed during some seasons. of Fish and Wildlife In many areas, the availability of forage is strongly associated with logging or fire, which 3406 Cherry Ave NE Salem, OR 97303 create favorable forage conditions. www.dfw.state.or.us

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affecting members of the deer family. CWD has not been detected in any Oregon samples obtained since testing began in 1996. However, because a large number of samples is required to statistically know whether CWD is present or absent in wild populations, the department continues to test for CWD from hunter harvested deer and elk. Field staff also opportunistically sample animals dying from other causes such as road kill. Since 2002, the department has attempted to collect a minimum 1,000 samples each year from deer and elk distributed throughout the state. Regulations are in place to help prevent CWD from being brought to Oregon from animals harvested in CWD states (see regulations).

12 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

Black-tailed Deer

Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus supplies are abundant. Areas that provide openings columbianus) make their home in the timber and next to older stands of trees make food and cover heavy brush of western Oregon. The population level easily accessible to deer. is largely dependent on habitat quality and quantity. In western Oregon black-tailed deer are typically found in brushy areas at the edges of forests and Management chaparral thickets, not in dense forests. Recently dis-

Deer turbed habitats such as clearcuts or burns, with their Winter loss of black-tailed deer is generally far less characteristic grasses, forbs, and shrubs, are condu- than for mule deer. Typically, snow does not remain cive to healthy deer populations. on the valley floors for extended periods, nor does it form a crust on the surface as can happen on the Blacktails are usually smaller and darker than mule east side of the Cascades. If winter losses do occur, deer. The most distinguishing feature is the tail. herds can recover and increase quickly where forage Although not as long or wide as that of the white- is abundant. Generally, hunting has less effect on tail, it is much larger than that of the mule deer. The black-tail populations than on mule deer due to the underside of the tail is covered with white hair while dense vegetation that provides excellent hiding and the top portion is black or brownish. Antler points of escape cover. Oregon Department the bucks usually branch in pairs and the brow tine or of Fish and Wildlife eye guard is of medium length, if present. Deer damage to forest plantations and agriculture 3406 Cherry Ave NE crops adjacent to timbered areas can require hunts Salem, OR 97303 to reduce localized or unit-wide populations. Travel www.dfw.state.or.us Distribution management areas partially funded by ODFW on private timberlands are helping to keep some areas open Columbian black-tailed deer primarily inhabit that to public hunting by providing road closures and law portion of the state west of the Cascade summit. enforcement. These deer are frequently found in groups led by an older female. They concentrate their daily activities Annual inventory consists of driving specific measured around dawn and dusk. The home range of non-mi- routes, shining spotlights into timber and clearcut gratory deer may be less than 100 acres, but can be units, and counting and classifying deer. These routes as large as 600 acres in less favorable habitat. provide a measure of trends over time. Routes must be altered periodically as clearcuts mature and others Most blacktails that summer in the high Cascades are created nearby. Buck and fawn ratios are record- winter at lower elevations on the west slope. Some ed to provide information on buck escapement and wintering occurs east of the Cascade crest, especially fawn recruitment. Formal Management Objectives in the Mt. Hood, Metolius, and Klamath Lake areas. (MOs) have not been set for blacktails. Population information is compared to “benchmarks” for indi- Both the larger bucks and highest deer populations vidual units. Benchmarks are management guidelines are found in burned and logged areas where food similar to MOs but have not been adopted by the

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 13 Big Game Statistics: Deer

Commission. The Department will begin working on a The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife con- Black-tailed Deer Management Plan in 2005, MOs will tinues to support and monitor research activities be developed during the planning process. focusing on DHLS. Research on DHLS was initiated in 2003 through a cooperative effort with Oregon State Deer Hair Loss Syndrome (DHLS) University, USDA-APHIS-VS, and the Department. The 2-year study ended in June 2005. The study was Deer Hair Loss Syndrome (DHLS) is a condition af- designed to evaluate transmission potential between fecting both black-tailed and Columbian white-tailed black-tailed deer and mule deer, and describe the deer. First described in Western Washington in 1996, progression of the syndrome within individual deer. It DHLS has now moved southward through western was determined that the “biting” louse, considered Oregon to northern California. The condition produc- to be the cause of the syndrome, could live on mule es hair discoloration, hair loss, weight loss, diarrhea, deer. Other information acquired from this research and lethargy. The syndrome can ultimately result in will help biologists better understand the progression the death of some animals, primarily from exposure. of the syndrome in deer populations. Further study is Deer with DHLS have abnormally heavy infestations needed and being planned for the future. The study of lice, which have been identified as an exotic spe- facility is located at ODFW’s E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area. cies. Fawns are impacted more than adults resulting In addition to contributing funds for the project, the in poor recruitment and low survival in some areas. department also provided volunteers and employees Surveys using standardized methods are conducted to assist with the study. in the spring to assess the prevalence of DHLS. DHLS prevalence varies considerably by management unit but the proportion of deer with DHLS appears highest in the Stott Mountain, Alsea, and Siuslaw units.

14 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

White-tailed Deer

The most distinguishing feature of white-tailed deer is will be a controlled hunt in the Roseburg area with the tail. Whitetails have long, wide tails that can easily twenty tags authorized. In addition, landowner pref- be seen, especially when they raise their tails when erence tags will be available to landowners with more startled. White-tailed deer antlers differ from mule than 40 acres within the hunt area. and black-tailed deer in that there is one main beam with points coming off. Mule and black-tailed deer Populations of the Northwest (Idaho) whitetail are have antlers that fork on the main beam. thriving in areas with suitable habitat: typically heavy shrub patches and thick riparian vegetation. Although expanding to the south and west, their preference Distribution for heavy cover has limited their distribution. A few hunts are designed specifically to harvest whitetails Two subspecies of white-tailed deer occur in Oregon. and these can provide some unique and exciting op- Populations of the Columbian white-tailed deer (O. portunities. virginianus leucurus) are found in the Umpqua River Basin near Roseburg, on a series of Columbia River is- lands in Oregon and Washington, and on the Oregon Deer Hair Loss Syndrome (DHLS) and Washington mainlands along the lower Columbia River. Columbian white-tailed deer are susceptible to DHLS. A discussion of DHLS is included in the black-tailed The other whitetail in Oregon is often called the deer section. Northwest (Idaho) whitetail (O. v. ochrourus). High- est densities of this subspecies occur in northeastern Oregon, particularly in Union, Wallowa, and Umatilla counties.

Management

Columbia white-tailed deer were listed as a federally endangered species in 1968, and listed by Oregon in 1987. The Columbia River population is still listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). However, the Roseburg population was de-listed by Oregon in 1995 and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2003. The current Roseburg population estimate is about 6,400. For the first time in almost 40 years, there will be a hunting season for Colum- bian white-tailed deer during the fall of 2005. There

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 15 Big Game Statistics: Deer

Mule Deer

Rocky Mountain mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus terbrush and mountain mahogany stand above the hemionus) are native to eastern Oregon. The mule snow, in typical years, providing food and shelter. The deer is the larger member of the genus in Oregon. sagebrush plateau areas of Lake, Harney, and Mal- Explorers in the early 1800s reported a scarcity of big heur counties support lower densities of deer. Some game, but 20 years later gold miners found abundant ranges in northeastern Oregon lack suitable shrub deer herds. This century has seen similar fluctuations. habitat critical in severe winters. Scientific studies of the 1930s reported that between 1926 and 1933 Oregon’s mule deer population ranged from 39,000 to 75,000 animals. The esti- Management mated population in 2005 was 230,700, which was 34 percent below the revised statewide management Mule deer surveys are normally conducted twice an- objective of 347,400 mule deer adopted June 2005. nually. Herd composition counts are conducted dur- Mule deer populations have been generally declining ing November and December and again along with throughout western North America during the last spring trend counts during March and April. Deer are several years. classified as bucks, does, and fawns to calculate ratios of bucks, fawns, and does in each management unit. Buck ratios measure post-hunting season survival Distribution of bucks and indicate numbers and age classes of bucks available for breeding. Post-season buck ratios Mule deer occupy a wide range of habitat types; are compared to the buck ratio MO for each unit to some live in desert shrub, steppe, some in woodlands, determine if the objective is being met. and some in conifer forests. In general, however, mule deer occupy the more open, rugged areas. In order to measure effects of weather, predation, Although mule deer commonly are considered to be poaching, and hunting seasons on deer herds, it is “browsers”, they consume a wide variety of plant necessary to conduct periodic population inventories. materials and in some seasons graze extensively. Trend counts are conducted during March and April and are used to measure overwinter survival of popu- During summer, deer are scattered over much of east- lations. They are made along the same routes or areas ern Oregon. Winter weather forces deer to migrate to each year and are traveled by vehicle, horseback, air- lower elevations. In winter, the critical period of life craft, or on foot. All observed deer are counted, and for the mule deer, new growth of twigs of shrubs and the number is compared to the previous year’s infor- trees is browsed, especially that of species high in fat mation to determine if populations have increased or content. Sagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbit-brush, juniper, decreased. Deer are capable of increasing or decreas- and mountain-mahogany, are among those typically ing very quickly depending on the circumstances. browsed. The fall fawn ratio is used to determine numbers of In the most productive winter ranges of central and fawns present in populations before winter. During southeastern Oregon, favorite shrubs such as bit- spring counts, deer are classified as adults or fawns

16 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer and a ratio of fawns per 100 adults is calculated. Adenovirus (AHD) Spring fawn ratios are compared to fall herd composition to estimate the number of fawns entering the Adenovirus (AHD) is one of three viral hemorrhagic population (recruitment), a critical factor in measuring diseases known to affect deer. Deer have tested posi- mule deer productivity. tive for the disease based on serum antibody titers in 23 Oregon big game units throughout the state since All of the information collected is used to simulate 2003. In May 2002, the department confirmed AHD yearly gains and losses through computer modeling. was causing an “all age and sex” mule deer die-off Mule deer tag numbers are adjusted annually and in and around Crooked River Ranch in the Metolius allocated by controlled hunt only. Total population unit. Additional monitoring and testing indicated the management objectives (MOs) for each unit were set disease had spread as far south as Sun River in the in 2005 by Commission action and are considered Upper Deschutes unit and into the eastern portion maximums. MOs are scheduled to be reviewed every of the Grizzly unit. The department estimated that 5 years and may be adjusted up or down to meet approximately 500 mule deer died prior to Nov.–Dec. changing conditions. In addition, post-season MOs 2002 when the main outbreak subsided. were set for buck ratios. There are 3 strategies used to determine tag numbers based on buck ratios: Deer exposure to AHD continues to cause mortality in the affected area. Unfortunately, there is little that Units that are managed to provide maximum ▪ can be done to prevent or cure the disease. In an hunter recreation, and generally have historical- increased effort to monitor the disease, the Depart- ly high recruitment and herd productivity, have ment is continuing with surveillance and instituted a minimum buck ratio MO of 12 bucks per special carcass disposal restrictions. Any animal show- 100 does post-season. About 60% of the buck harvest in these units will be yearling bucks. ing symptoms of the disease is collected for testing Fifteen of 50 management units or subunits fall and disposed of within the outbreak area to insure in this category. no further spread. Although many variables may be interacting to cause the observed decline, AHD likely ▪ To provide a better chance of bagging an older has been a major factor. The department will con- age-class buck under somewhat less crowded tinue to monitor health of mule deer in this area. conditions, 27 units are managed for minimum post-season buck ratio of 15 bucks per 100 does. Fewer tags are available in these units, but harvest will typically include 40 to 60% bucks 2.5 years or older.

Quality hunting experiences under uncrowded conditions are possible in the 8 units with buck ratio MOs of 25 bucks per 100 does. Hunting conditions will generally be uncrowded, and most harvest should be mature bucks. More information on mule deer management can be found in Oregon’s Mule Deer Management Plan, which is on the Department’s website.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 17 Big Game Statistics: Deer ------0 10 0 14 -- 14 ------20 ---- 12 23 ------33 -- 10 0 8 ------FAWNS PER 100 DOES 9 28 -- -- 70 37 36 -- 28 -- -- 31 -- 69 68 45 -- -- 23 18 43 7139 6850 43 60 50 46 6060 43 53 4960 38 60 19 44 35 55 42 3610 4331 31 40 29 2922 79 39 88 79 84 36 5641 65 6533 76 47 59 34 3840 5951 17 42 53 61 36 28 47 34 5142 46 42 46 45 38 40 44 43 653235 4463 38 5353 42 40 54 32 38 50 41 42 40 42 48 44 7955 7972 44 5954 8421 73 51 56 2752 31 71 2548 48 45 24 44 70 522269 44 37 50 33 44 40 52 35 29 43 30 48 60 49 41 50 ------20 25 20 15 25 25 25 20 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 25 25 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 15 20 15 15 25 25 25 15 20 5 15 7 9 5 8 ---- 32 ------48 -- 0 -- 29 ---- 7 -- 7 9 ------8 e raw data. 0 8 9 4 98 11 10 ------BUCKS PER 100 DOES 9 ------53 37 30 -- 24-- 50 17 25 -- -- 21 18 10 10 3126 35 25 13 21 26 24 43 204035 31 24 60 32 5039 38 12 2011 22 241325 28 19 13 19 11 17 12 20 24 22 38 28 90 53 5537 21 3247 69 42 36 49 37 29 37 32 18 25 25 15 1648 15 26 16 39 65 29 46 33 33 223637 1422 19 40 13 15 28 36 16 32 15 28 37 56 18 17 2229 1910 29 17 12 16 19 1458 25 12 392738 3936 2429 26 45 30 27 23 26 26 33 30 24 33 25 22 31 24 26 ------BLACK-TAILED DEER HERD COMPOSITION REPORT 29 30 95 4 52 4 26 -- -- 54 ------9 42 184 69 40 20 64 8 20 59 43 43 83 18 24 24 19 116 46 77 77 42 61 23 145 72 ------3221 102 80 50 48 184 149 29 6734 28 52 124 25 29 1010 40 53 35 32 85 95 17 70 36 123 4642 143 72 7634 265 11 71 125 18 123 61 12872 66 186 255 82 340 3623 100 63 32 2237 168 108 72 23 132 2053 9339 182 67 395 98 180 83 333 517 4129 151 75 33 52 225 156 37 166 99 302 234 595 230 1,059 135 872 356 1,363 278647 771 2,238 363 949 1,412 3,834 DISTRICT BUCKS DOES FAWNS TOTAL 2005 2004 2003 P3YR BENCHMARK 2005 2004 2003 P3YR WATERSHED DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 SOUTHWEST N COAST N WILLAMETTE N COAST SOUTHWEST S WILLAMETTE N COAST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST ROGUE ROGUE N WILLAMETTES WILLAMETTES WILLAMETTE 41S WILLAMETTE 20S WILLAMETTE 74SOUTHWEST 54 55 48 18 116 163 92 46 217 N WILLAMETTEN COAST N COAST 16N WILLAMETTE 74 17N COAST 48 76 138 48 141 SOUTHWEST SOUTHWEST ROGUE ROGUE SOUTHWEST S WILLAMETTE 38SOUTHWEST ROGUE 65 31 134 UNIT SCAPPOOSE SADDLE MT WILSON W TRASK NE TRASK SE TRASK TRASK E STOTT W STOTT STOTT MT* ALSEA* S SIUSLAW E SIUSLAW W SIUSLAW* SIUSLAW WILLAMETTE NORTH COAST TOTAL E TIOGA W TIOGA TIOGA SIXES E POWERS W POWERS POWERS E CHETCO W CHETCO CHETCO E APPLEGATE W APPLEGATEAPPLEGATE MELROSE ROGUE ROGUE SOUTHWEST TOTAL N SANTIAM S SANTIAM* SANTIAM N McKENZIE S McKENZIE McKENZIE* N INDIGO* S INDIGO INDIGO DIXON EVANS CREEKROGUE CASCADE TOTAL ROGUE GRAND TOTAL * These Wildlife Management units are involved in an experimental deer inventory study. You can not calculate ratios using th 18 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

BLACK-TAILED DEER SPRING FAWN SURVIVAL REPORT

WATERSHED DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 SPRING FAWNS PER 100 ADULTS UNIT DISTRICT FAWNS ADULTS TOTAL 2005 2004 2003

SCAPPOOSE N WILLAMETTE ------SADDLE MT N COAST 44 106 150 42 48 92 WILSON N COAST 32 65 97 49 43 36 W TRASK N COAST 28 77 105 36 31 39 NE TRASK N WILLAMETTE ------SE TRASK ------TRASK 28 77 105 36 31 39 E STOTT N WILLAMETTE ------W STOTT N COAST ------STOTT MT ------ALSEA N COAST ------S SIUSLAW SOUTHWEST ------E SIUSLAW S WILLAMETTE 15 33 48 45 -- -- W SIUSLAW N COAST ------SIUSLAW 15 33 48 45 -- -- WILLAMETTE ------

NORTH COAST TOTAL ------

E TIOGA SOUTHWEST 8 49 57 16 8 -- W TIOGA SOUTHWEST 20 37 57 54 58 -- TIOGA SOUTHWEST 28 86 114 33 33 -- SIXES SOUTHWEST 18 53 71 34 13 0 E POWERS SOUTHWEST 1 6 7 17 12 -- W POWERS SOUTHWEST 9 17 26 53 52 -- POWERS SOUTHWEST 10 23 33 43 34 -- E CHETCO ROGUE ------49 46 W CHETCO ROGUE ------CHETCO ROGUE 50 80 130 63 49 46 E APPLEGATE ROGUE 6 16 22 38 200 120 W APPLEGATE ROGUE 44 73 117 60 87 47 APPLEGATE ROGUE 50 89 139 56 89 51 MELROSE SOUTHWEST 70 317 387 22 23 27

SOUTHWEST TOTAL 226 648 874 35 34 --

N SANTIAM N WILLAMETTE ------S SANTIAM S WILLAMETTE 19 43 62 44 -- -- SANTIAM 19 43 62 44 -- -- N McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------S McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE 39 137 176 28 -- -- N INDIGO S WILLAMETTE 13 31 44 42 -- -- S INDIGO SOUTHWEST 21 33 54 64 49 47 INDIGO 34 64 98 53 49 47 DIXON SOUTHWEST 26 190 216 14 14 24 EVANS CREEK ROGUE 108 152 260 71 30 48 ROGUE ROGUE 135 213 348 63 45 38

CASCADE TOTAL 361 799 1,160 45 -- --

GRAND TOTAL 587 1,447 2,034 41 -- --

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 19 Big Game Statistics: Deer BLACK-TAILED DEER POPULATION TRENDS REPORT

WATERSHED MILES DEER DEER / MILE UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED OBSERVED 2005 2004 2003 BENCHMARK SCAPPOOSE N WILLAMETTE ------1.5 SADDLE MT N COAST ------1.5 WILSON N COAST ------1.0 W TRASK N COAST ------2.0 NE TRASK N WILLAMETTE ------2.2 SE TRASK ------2.2 TRASK ------2.2 E STOTT N WILLAMETTE ------2.0 W STOTT N COAST ------2.0 STOTT MT ------2.2 ALSEA N COAST ------2.2 S SIUSLAW SOUTHWEST ------3.0 E SIUSLAW S WILLAMETTE ------3.0 W SIUSLAW N COAST ------3.0 SIUSLAW ------3.0 WILLAMETTE ------

NORTH COAST TOTAL ------

E TIOGA SOUTHWEST 20 60 3.0 1.4 -- 2.0 W TIOGA SOUTHWEST 67 100 1.5 0.8 -- 2.0 TIOGA SOUTHWEST 87 160 1.8 1.0 -- 2.0 SIXES SOUTHWEST 38 90 2.4 2.4 0.4 1.5 E POWERS SOUTHWEST 20 7 0.4 1.0 -- 2.0 W POWERS SOUTHWEST 15 31 2.0 3.1 -- 1.6 POWERS SOUTHWEST 35 38 1.1 2.1 -- 1.6 E CHETCO ROGUE ------2.2 1.5 W CHETCO ROGUE ------1.5 CHETCO ROGUE 67 160 2.4 -- 2.2 1.5 E APPLEGATE ROGUE 15 28 1.9 -- 1.7 13.0 W APPLEGATE ROGUE 38 135 3.6 -- 4.8 2.8 APPLEGATE ROGUE 53 163 3.1 -- 3.9 5.7 MELROSE SOUTHWEST 140 419 3.0 3.1 4.6 3.0

SOUTHWEST TOTAL 193 582 3.0 ------

N SANTIAM N WILLAMETTE ------1.6 S SANTIAM S WILLAMETTE ------1.8 SANTIAM ------1.7 N McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------3.5 S McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------3.5 McKENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------3.5 N INDIGO S WILLAMETTE ------3.5 S INDIGO SOUTHWEST 60 57 1.0 2.0 3.2 3.0 INDIGO 60 57 1.0 2.0 3.2 3.3 DIXON SOUTHWEST 60 241 4.0 3.2 6.3 3.0 EVANS CREEK ROGUE 60 303 5.1 -- 5.8 2.5 ROGUE ROGUE 96 528 5.5 -- 6.5 11.5

CASCADE TOTAL ------

GRAND TOTAL 193 582 ------

20 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer ------50 44 67 47 62 53 60 44 45 42 60 46 50 51 72 50 46 52 54 55 57 40 51 52 57 57 54 44 44 57 50 59 69 64 60 79 54 43 61 54 R ------50 47 58 70 61 54 43 42 37 57 42 46 60 67 51 50 60 54 48 54 45 47 52 48 53 56 79 43 39 56 43 54 59 61 56 85 57 42 58 53 ------52 36 62 45 56 45 40 46 54 45 44 48 71 51 52 50 52 47 56 45 57 59 48 61 55 41 45 42 52 63 64 71 67 56 78 51 43 49 47 FAWNS PER 100 DOES -- -- 44 31 48 54 52 69 45 54 43 68 50 61 46 77 49 35 46 56 71 61 5331 100 50 45 53 56 61 41 45 52 62 45 60 77 63 67 73 55 44 75 63 46 * 40 * 50 *

-- -- MO 2005 2004 2003 P3Y 8 12 6 -- 9 15 ------R 88 12 11 15 15 8 12 12 9 ------10 15 -- 2616 1212 11 15 -- 121513 11 12 12 -- 10 -- 15 13 12 29 2411 25 14 15 15 121812 -- 23 17 -- 15 2416 23 1712 -- -- 13 12 11 10 15 12 19 16 15 14 12 12 16 15 -- 13 14 -- 14 13 -- 16 12 12 17 15 15 13 12 12 1516 2014 1412 25 12 12 11 12 12 1716 1419 13181214 15 20 15 18 11 13 12 12 12 12 6 6 9 5 8 8 0 9 7 ------11 17 10 12 21 12 14 12 10 22 16 22 15 13 15 10 15 13 12 13 10 14 12 18 14 10 11 11 17 17 10 9 9 7 6 7 9 -- -- 2005 2004 2003 P3Y BUCKS PER 100 DOES L MULE DEER HERD COMPOSITION REPORT TOTA 9 27 S 1 17 80 341 106 527 23 161517 88 16218 191 61 72 275 86 165 249 117 294 18 410 31264773 233 217 282 499 96 104 15366 257 360 347 482 432 829 13 12 234 17 15 732 15 6073 2683173 468 182 278 382 236 510 170 174 777 22 479 629 16 11 19 3923 351 83 109 41 499 147 11 28 1971 80 3313166 37 187 216 487 136 589 154 295 24 21 401 848 14 14 69 374 187 630 18 31 459 208 698 32 353 158 543 58 398 206 662 15 45 427 264 736 11 9243 352 33641 158 203 299 602 582 189 26 13 529 14 6452 52390 4452128 34949 411 325 112 190 936 302 224 822 49 142 191 12 725 12 182 360 542 22 19 15 16 103 424 147 674 24 364 2,168 1,155 3,687 17 420 2,576 1,431 4,427 16 346 2,513 1,218 4,077 428 3,270 2,010 5,708 13 1,558 10,527 5,814 17,899 DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 D E L E DISTRICT BUCKS DOES FAWN WATERSHE E GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE MALHEUR MALHEUR DESCHUTES GRANDE RONDE DESCHUTES GRANDE RONDE 110JOHN DAY 633 295 1,038 11 * 18 * 8 * -- 15 DESCHUTES GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY MALHEUR E Y A STARKEY N UKIAH S UKIAH UKIAH SUMPTER DESOLATION S HEPPNER W HEPPNERHEPPNER JOHN DAY FOSSIL JOHN DAY COLUMBIA BASIN JOHN DAY JOHN DAY UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZON NORTHEAST AREA TOTA MINAM IMNAH CATHERINE CRKEATING PINE CR GRANDE RONDE LOOKOUT MT WALLOWA ZON GRANDE RONDE MAURY OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZON UNIT * Weighted average of feed grounds (15%) and other deer (85%). SNAKE RIVERCHESNIMNUS E SLED SPRINGS W SLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDESLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE WENAHA WALLA GRANDE RONDE 101 E MT EMILY W MT EMILYMT EMILY JOHN DAY 797 102 GRANDE RONDE WENAHA-SNAKE ZON JOHN DAY 616 814 1,514 625 1,541 13 13 NORTHSIDE MURDERERS CR E BEULAH W BEULAH JOHN DAY BEULAH E MALHEUR RIVER MALHEUR W MALHEUR RIVER MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR RIVERSILVIES OCHOCO MALHEUR GRIZZL Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 21 Big Game Statistics: Deer ------54 R 7 53 ------FAWNS PER 100 DOES 7 57 54 39 ------44 -- 50 59 93 61 51 68 43 33 32 36 64 61 70 65 5364 55 6141 70 65 65 35 47 6573 65 63 48 49 59 62 5446 33 33 31 32 39 37 589766 4240 55 52 49 35 48 52 31 45 55 55 49 41 47 53 55 45 47 5755 57 53 55 50 56 52 58 53 46 52 6567 57 57 59 52 61 58 5555 5355 52 49 52 51 52 50 53 52 6464 64 6056 40 48 55 56 57 41 51 5251 31 46 20 45 34 47 456466 43 58 57 52 57 61 47 60 61 72 5656 56 56 61 37 50 45 57 60 54 55 44 55 51 ------49 37 35 40 ------MO 2005 2004 2003 P3Y 7 15 -- -- 12 -- 25 R 66 19 19 15 ------17 15 9 13 12 89 11 13 10 12 12 78 148 12 15 9 13 11 15 7 15 14 15 ------BUCKS PER 100 DOES -- 20 ------36 41 26 11 15 16 14 12 14 28 24 47 73 55 58 1816 16 15 20 19 18 17 12 15 10 13 181618 1615 2227 1942 21 1342 18 20 18 17 14 1947 15 15 20 15 48 15 49 48 25 1717 14 15 15 16 15 16 28 22 20 23 1620 13 15 13 20 14 18 15 15 1915 1617 12 17 14 14 17 15 14 15 221615 13 13 1715 18 12 34 13 18 14 22 22 12 12 15 16 15 2123 11 30 12 27 15 27 12 25 1211 18 20 16 18 13 16 16 25 15 21 15 19 17 17 15 28 17 20 21 15 51 34 24 37 25 2005 2004 2003 P3Y ------L TOTA MULE DEER HERD COMPOSITION REPORT 8 31 ------S ------53 32 20 31 68 ------67 469 203 739 66 235 125 426 431154 234 98 332 153 91 244 430 200 630 1481 142 611 77 280 233 972 2328 12569 157 73 255 104 221 133 289 15 457 32 13 60 50 247 165 462 6748 310 308 199 22 576 378 26 17046 108 312 304 175 533 45 216 112 373 4354 367 470 166 303 576 827 1515 3635 3615 170 2368 23 123 32 74 439 74 328 13 247 754 60 48 174 79 301 260 1,407 687 2,354 18 16589849 17 3,528 4,935 2,010 17 2,697 6,127 8,481 382 1,385 806 2,573 152 296 163 611 1,2311,558 6,3202,789 10,527 3,503 16,847 5,814 11,054 9,317 17,899 28,953 DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 D L L L L L E DESCHUTES JOHN DAY WATERSHE DESCHUTESKLAMATH 207 1,308 852 2,367 KLAMATH KLAMATH KLAMATH DESCHUTES DESCHUTES DESCHUTES MALHEUR MALHEUR E K UNIT DISTRICT BUCKS DOES FAWN A UPPER DESCHUTES DESCHUTES FORT ROC SILVER LAKESPRAGUE KLAMATH FALLSKENO KLAMATH E INTERSTATE KLAMATH W INTERSTATEINTERSTATE KLAMATH WARNER KLAMATH SOUTH-CENTRAL ZON KLAMATH NORTHEAST AREA TOTA MULE DEER GRAND TOTA E BIGGS W BIGGS BIGGS MAUPIN HOOD WHITE RIVER COLUMBIA ZON DESCHUTES 134 580 295 1,009 METOLIUS N PAULINA S PAULINAPAULIN DESCHUTES DESCHUTES 153 838 549 CENTRAL AREA TOTA 1,540 N WAGONTIRE N WAGONTIRE S WAGONTIRE DESCHUTES WAGONTIRE MALHEUR E BEATYS BUTTE KLAMATH W BEATYS BUTTE MALHEUR BEATYS BUTTE KLAMATH E JUNIPER W JUNIPERJUNIPER STEENS MT MALHEUR E WHITEHORSE KLAMATH E TROUT CR W TROUT CR MALHEUR TROUT CR MTSOWYHEE MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR SOUTHEAST AREA TOTA CENTRAL/SE AREA TOTA 22 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer -- 76 83 85 78 94 41 50 89 85 90 64 92 93 80 88 83 92 67 78 47 83 73 79 83 51 76 58 71 41 83 37 38 82 85 48 76 URVIVAL -- 59 69 74 65 91 100 68 58 72 41 57 33 57 6467 100 81 85 100 55 52 63 63 65 84 100 62 63 7171 70 100 85 100 56 59 63 78 54 56 49 48 65 50 51 70 -- -- 85 79 88 64 97 62 93 5858 98 100 68 87 87 83 80 79 91 78 82 10086 100 71 57 85 82 81 62 63 84 87 74 86 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 ------35 35 40 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 40 40 40 40 50 50 40 40 35 25 25 25 35 40 35 25 35 -- 29 34 35 35 27 72 25 48 31 40 35 33 52 27 48 43 49 45 50 43 37 49 43 40 20 29 22 29 34 41 39 40 30 19 17 44 33 33 28 40 30 22 38 -- 24 29 29 30 25 43 40 37 37 24 30 32 37 28 33 39 33 37 40 49 27 38 22 33 34 29 48 24 22 39 17 25 23 23 22 20 30 32 24 28 38 22 32 -- -- 39 34 42 38 28 30 67 50 27 45 44 33 40 43 38 31 63 67 23 42 32 31 25 26 40 70 29 27 50 41 38 39 40 40 39 46 50 38 47 53 40 48 ------82 104 MULE DEER SPRING FAWN SURVIVAL REPORT -- -- 75 254 329 4872 15557 320 203 136 392 193 22 73 151 224 339 890 1,229 107 377 484 792 1,182 1,974 216278536 488256 852 1,335 704 596 1,130 249 1,871 852 662840337 1,337 911 500164 2,177 347 837 513138213 1,105519 677 551199 1,452 805 1,325199 689 284136 1,018 1,844 689 483 500670332 888 538 1,351 636 870214 815275 1,409 2,021 2,224145 533 1,147 158 1,947 686124 3,094 375 747 346 961 248 520 504 372 532 1,385 1,917 248 525 773 489 1,219 1,708 2,157 5,546 7,703 1,635 4,790 6,425 9,367 22,253 31,620 1,910 3,857 5,767 3,665 8,060 11,725 1,136 2,146 3,282 DISTRICT FAWNS ADULTS TOTAL 2005 2004 2003 LEVEL 2005 2004 2003 WATERSHED DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 SPRING FAWNS PER 100 ADULT MAINTENANCE PERCENT SPRING FAWN S GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY JOHN DAY MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR DESCHUTES DESCHUTES DESCHUTES GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY MALHEUR UNIT MINAM IMNAHA CATHERINE CR KEATING PINE CR LOOKOUT MT WALLOWA ZONE SNAKE RIVER CHESNIMNUS E SLED SPRINGS W SLED SPRINGSSLED SPRINGS WENAHA GRANDE RONDE WALLA GRANDE RONDE E MT EMILY W MT EMILY MT EMILY WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE STARKEY N UKIAH S UKIAH UKIAH SUMPTER DESOLATION S HEPPNER W HEPPNER HEPPNER FOSSIL COLUMBIA BASIN UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE NORTHSIDE JOHN DAY MURDERER'S CR E BEULAH W BEULAH BEULAH E MALHEUR R W MALHEUR R MALHEUR RIVER SILVIES OCHOCO GRIZZLY MAURY OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE NORTHEAST AREA TOTAL Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 23 Big Game Statistics: Deer L ------29 39 32 78 61 89 40 64 72 83 62 74 45 75 48 40 64 90 65 14 14 45 71 41 66 70 66 51 95 64 63 42 69 79 ------62 61 70 76 47 93 80 73 47 8896 79 82 916961 65 43 53 778376 54 67 63 9586 82 88 86 49 80 83 9458 100 48 717189 51 78 51 61 67 82 64 100 9694 70 65 89 65 68 48 93 64 100100 55 66 100 42 100 100 100100 73 100 75 64 100 100 78 100 67 PERCENT SPRING FAWN SURVIVA E ------35 35 25 35 40 40 25 40 30 25 25 35 35 35 40 35 35 35 35 35 25 35 35 35 8 9 9 9 9 ------11 11 25 39 33 32 16 28 24 23 19 27 26 22 24 31 30 25 26 33 32 34 31 21 15 42 32 20 34 13 32 29 33 T ------30 21 29 14 39 35 5153 42 41 50 33 29 14 31 20 3851 24 28 458550 34 24 29 41 39 464932 40 22 23 32 29 45 16 4744 35 30 41 28 34 24 534853 42 48 43 43 32 4342 26 24 33 15 45 36 38 36 323247 29 20 44 35 40 29 30 43 29 74 30 2005 2004 2003 LEVEL 2005 2004 2003 ------L TOTA MULE DEER SPRING FAWN SURVIVAL REPOR ------S SPRING FAWNS PER 100 ADULTS MAINTENANC 9 22 31 ------29 96 125 59 152 211 94 185 279 65 129 194 41 48 89 727219 156 147 60 228 18 219 79 5618 74 40 58 54 16479 218 17440 253 105 145 27 62 89 18 56 74 171 591371 1,186 762 1,557 205172 543 339 748 511 163100 363 200 526 300 283324159 587 611 334 870 377 935 222 493 882 526 1,259 748 191213 598 451430 789 1,070 664 1,500 1,9322,303 4,077 5,263 6,009 7,566 1,1423,445 2,8009,367 8,063 3,942 9,367 11,508 9,367 12,812 17,430 20,875 FAWNS ADULT T DISTRIC JOHN DAY DESCHUTES 142 495 637 DESCHUTES DESCHUTES 289 544KLAMATH KLAMATH 833 DESCHUTES MALHEUR KLAMATH MALHEUR KLAMATH MALHEUR MALHEUR WATERSHED DEER CLASSIFIED IN 2005 DESCHUTES DESCHUTES DESCHUTESDESCHUTES 146DESCHUTES 431KLAMATH KLAMATH 383KLAMATH 577 KLAMATH KLAMATH 729KLAMATH 1,112 KLAMATH MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR L L L E L E BIGGS W BIGGS BIGGS MAUPIN HOOD WHITE RIVER COLUMBIA ZONE METOLIUS N PAULINA S PAULINA PAULINA UPPER DESCHUTESFORT ROCK SILVER LAKE SPRAGUE DESCHUTES KLAMATH FALLS KENO E INTERSTATE W INTERSTATE INTERSTATE WARNER SOUTH-CENTRAL ZON UNIT CENTRAL AREA TOTA N WAGONTIRE N WAGONTIRE S WAGONTIRE WAGONTIRE E BEATYS BUTTE W BEATYS BUTTEBEATYS BUTTE E JUNIPER MALHEUR W JUNIPER KLAMATH JUNIPER STEENS MT E WHITEHORSE E TROUT CR W TROUT CR TROUT CR MTS OWYHEE SOUTHEAST AREA TOTA CENTRAL/SE AREA TOTA MULE DEER GRAND TOTA 24 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer MULE DEER POPULATION TRENDS REPORT

WATERSHED MILES DEER DEER PER MILE UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED OBSERVED 2005 2004 2003 BENCHMARK MINAM GRANDE RONDE 41 718 17.5 22.2 11.6 25.8 IMNAHA GRANDE RONDE 35 1176 33.6 16.9 12.8 13.1 CATHERINE CR GRANDE RONDE 75 1148 15.3 11.5 7.3 33.0 KEATING GRANDE RONDE -- 55 ------20.0 PINE CR GRANDE RONDE -- 852 ------18.0 LOOKOUT MT GRANDE RONDE -- 1229 ------25.0

WALLOWA ZONE -- 5,178 ------22.8

SNAKE RIVER GRANDE RONDE 80 924 11.6 12.6 11.2 9.0 CHESNIMNUS GRANDE RONDE 83 778 9.4 9.8 7.8 3.0 E SLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE 89 2,019 22.7 19.8 16.3 -- W SLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE 40 285 7.1 14.2 6.0 -- SLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE 129 2,304 17.9 19.2 13.1 12.0 WENAHA GRANDE RONDE 33 715 21.7 24.3 19.2 7.0 WALLA WALLA JOHN DAY -- 392 ------10.0 E MT EMILY GRANDE RONDE 28 362 12.9 5.7 3.9 -- W MT EMILY JOHN DAY -- 484 ------MT EMILY 28 846 -- 23.3 6.5 22.0

WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE -- 5,959 ------10.0

STARKEY GRANDE RONDE 111 1,620 14.6 15.9 10.1 10.2 N UKIAH JOHN DAY -- 689 ------S UKIAH JOHN DAY -- 329 ------UKIAH JOHN DAY -- 1,018 ------22.0 SUMPTER GRANDE RONDE -- 1,844 ------14.0 DESOLATION JOHN DAY -- 94 -- -- 4.5 4.5 S HEPPNER JOHN DAY ------W HEPPNER JOHN DAY ------10.1 18.6 -- HEPPNER JOHN DAY 40 453 11.3 10.1 18.6 14.3 FOSSIL JOHN DAY 16 125 7.8 10.4 1.8 6.0 COLUMBIA BASIN JOHN DAY 38 61 1.6 ------

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE -- 5,215 ------11.1

NORTHSIDE JOHN DAY -- 77 -- -- 35.3 25.9 MURDERERS CR JOHN DAY -- 63 -- -- 10.8 16.0 E BEULAH MALHEUR -- 1,211 ------W BEULAH MALHEUR -- 1,947 ------BEULAH MALHEUR -- 3,158 ------12.5 E MALHEUR R MALHEUR -- 758 ------7.5 W MALHEUR R MALHEUR 117 983 8.4 6.2 5.7 11.5 MALHEUR RIVER MALHEUR 117 983 8.4 10.8 8.3 9.1 SILVIES MALHEUR 98 452 4.6 5.2 4.2 14.5 OCHOCO DESCHUTES 148 1,066 7.2 7.6 5.6 14.8 GRIZZLY DESCHUTES 89 392 4.4 3.2 5.7 9.9 MAURY DESCHUTES 117 224 1.9 4.0 2.2 10.0

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE -- 6,415 ------12.9

NORTHEAST AREA TOTAL -- 22,767 ------

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 25 Big Game Statistics: Deer MULE DEER POPULATION TRENDS REPORT

WATERSHED MILES DEER DEER PER MILE UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED OBSERVED 2005 2004 2003 BENCHMARK E BIGGS JOHN DAY ------0.7 -- W BIGGS DESCHUTES 175 637 3.6 3.9 -- 5.0 BIGGS 175 637 3.6 -- 0.7 5.0 MAUPIN DESCHUTES 43 218 5.1 4.1 -- 4.2 HOOD DESCHUTES ------WHITE RIVER DESCHUTES 67 869 13.0 30.3 -- 26.0

COLUMBIA ZONE -- 1,724 -- -- 0.7 8.7

METOLIUS DESCHUTES 86 203 2.4 1.7 1.1 11.6 N PAULINA DESCHUTES 135 171 1.3 0.9 1.2 5.2 S PAULINA DESCHUTES 139 1,005 7.2 6.8 4.9 7.7 PAULINA DESCHUTES 274 1,176 4.3 3.9 3.2 6.5 UPPER DESCHUTES DESCHUTES 55 86 1.6 1.5 0.7 1.8 FORT ROCK KLAMATH 60 2,066 34.4 25.1 21.2 35.0 SILVER LAKE KLAMATH 65 3,269 50.3 41.8 38.1 55.0 SPRAGUE KLAMATH ------32.0 KLAMATH FALLS KLAMATH 88 578 6.6 5.9 5.0 15.0 KENO KLAMATH 28 56 2.0 5.0 5.5 15.0 E INTERSTATE KLAMATH 65 748 11.5 10.5 8.9 24.0 W INTERSTATE KLAMATH 113 543 4.8 4.4 3.5 11.5 INTERSTATE KLAMATH 178 1,291 7.3 6.6 5.5 16.0 WARNER KLAMATH 87 593 6.8 8.9 5.6 23.0

SOUTH-CENTRAL ZONE 921 9,318 10.1 8.6 7.4 16.4

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL -- 11,042 -- -- 7.2 14.1

N WAGONTIRE DESCHUTES 68 166 2.4 0.5 1.1 -- N WAGONTIRE MALHEUR 15 175 11.7 5.2 4.7 -- S WAGONTIRE KLAMATH 40 79 2.0 0.8 1.3 -- WAGONTIRE 123 420 3.4 1.2 1.6 3.3 E BEATYS BUTTE MALHEUR 35 81 2.3 4.2 4.7 7.5 W BEATYS BUTTE KLAMATH 62 211 3.4 2.7 1.0 7.5 BEATYS BUTTE 97 292 3.0 3.2 2.4 7.5 E JUNIPER MALHEUR 60 74 1.2 1.7 1.1 -- W JUNIPER KLAMATH ------JUNIPER 60 74 1.2 1.7 1.1 -- STEENS MT MALHEUR 93 790 8.5 10.8 9.5 25.0 E WHITEHORSE MALHEUR -- 664 ------13.3 E TROUT CR MALHEUR -- 31 ------9.0 W TROUT CR MALHEUR 45 58 1.3 2.4 1.3 9.0 TROUT CR MT MALHEUR 45 89 ------9.0 OWYHEE MALHEUR -- 1,675 ------7.4

SOUTHEAST AREA TOTALS -- 4,879 ------12.1

CENTRAL/SE AREA TOTAL -- 15,921 ------13.6

MULE DEER GRAND TOTAL -- 38,688 ------13.4

26 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

SADDLE MT Early GENERAL 396 3424 11 11 22 6 Late GENERAL 122 641 11 11 9 Saddle Mt Unit total 518 4,065 22 11 33 6

SCAPPOOSE Early GENERAL 285 2428 11 33 44 15

WILSON Early GENERAL 417 3064 11 11 11 22 5

TRASK Early GENERAL 533 4874 22 22 44 66 12

STOTT MT Early GENERAL 176 1607 11 11 6 Late GENERAL 113 996 11 11 10 Stott Mt Unit total 289 2,603 11 11 22 8

ALSEA Early GENERAL 664 6266 11 22 33 5 Late GENERAL 584 3501 44 33 77 13 Alsea Unit total 1,248 9,767 55 55 110 9

SIUSLAW Early GENERAL 353 2853 22 22 6 Late GENERAL 218 1197 44 44 20 Siuslaw Unit total 571 4,050 66 66 12

WILLAMETTE Early GENERAL 687 6018 44 44 6 Late GENERAL 579 3856 33 101 134 23 Willamette Unit total 1,266 9,874 33 145 178 14

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 5,127 40,725 165 33 376 541 11

MELROSE Early GENERAL 152 979 11 11 7 Late GENERAL 245 1601 11 11 4 North Bank Habitat Youth 623T1 No Survey Melrose Unit total 397 2,580 11 11 22 6

TIOGA Early GENERAL 407 3484 11 11 11 3

SIXES Early GENERAL 78 882 Late GENERAL 131 990 22 22 17 Sixes Unit total 209 1,872 22 22 11

POWERS Early GENERAL 65 413

CHETCO Early GENERAL 98 1208 22 22 22

APPLEGATE Early GENERAL 76 348 11 11 14

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 1,252 9,905 11 11 77 88 7

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 27 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

SANTIAM Early GENERAL 1645 15052 54 11 55 109 7 Late GENERAL 1362 9216 22 22 123 145 11 Santiam Unit total 3,007 24,268 76 33 178 254 8

MCKENZIE Early GENERAL 964 9381 44 13 57 6 Late GENERAL 1121 8186 65 22 165 230 21 McKenzie Unit total 2,085 17,567 109 22 178 287 14

INDIGO Early GENERAL 613 6263 55 55 9 Late GENERAL 405 3075 22 46 68 17 Indigo Unit total 1,018 9,338 22 101 123 12

DIXON Early GENERAL 218 1686 11 11 22 33 15

EVANS CREEK Early GENERAL 196 1534 11 33 33 17 Late GENERAL 317 1824 44 44 14 Evans Creek Unit total 513 3,358 11 77 77 15

ROGUE Early GENERAL 1018 7482 11 55 55 5 Late GENERAL 726 4980 135 135 19 Rogue Unit total 1,744 12,462 11 190 190 11

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 8,585 68,679 218 88 746 964 11

Early GENERAL 9,041 79,246 186 88 475 661 7

Late GENERAL 5,923 40,063 208 44 724 932 16

1,2 WESTERN OREGON ARCHERY TOTAL 14,964 119,309 394 132 1,199 1,593 11

1 Includes 2,725 archery hunters who also hunted in Eastern Oregon 2 Grand Total includes 3,948 archery hunters who hunted both the early and late seasons in western Oregon.

28 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 10 GENERAL 2918 22752 556 556 19 General/High Cascade 119A 30 209 14 14 47 Saddle Mt Unit 610 381 1874 117 55 55 172 45 Saddle Mt Unit total 3,329 24,835 117 55 625 742 22

SCAPPOOSE 11 GENERAL 3091 24298 868 868 28 General/High Cascade 119A 15 120 Scappoose Unit 611 285 1674 86 43 43 129 45 Cedar Creek Youth 611T1 38 120 8 8 21 Baker Point Youth 611T2 25 106 3 3 12 600-series total 348 1,900 97 43 43 140 40 Scappoose Unit total 3,454 26,318 97 43 911 1,008 29

WILSON 12 GENERAL 1633 11324 226 226 14 General/High Cascade 119A 37 142 Wilson Unit 612 176 772 24 28 28 52 30 Wilson Unit total 1,846 12,238 24 28 254 278 15

TRASK 14 GENERAL 4811 32565 1112 1,112 23 General/High Cascade 119A 60 583 29 29 48 North Muzzleloader 100M1 164 1024 14 7 14 28 17 Trask Unit 614 662 3252 139 103 103 242 37 600 & 100M-series total 826 4,276 153 110 117 270 33 Trask Unit total 5,697 37,424 153 110 1,258 1,411 25

STOTT MT 17 GENERAL 1685 11463 434 434 26 General/High Cascade 119A 52 247 22 22 42 Stott Mt Unit 617 288 1625 87 46 46 133 46 Stott Mt Unit total 2,025 13,335 87 46 502 589 29

ALSEA 18 GENERAL 5627 42047 1511 1,511 27 General/High Cascade 119A 97 852 44 44 45 Alsea Unit 618 390 2028 72 81 81 153 39 600-series total 390 2,028 72 81 81 153 39 Alsea Unit total 6,114 44,927 72 81 1,636 1,708 28

SIUSLAW 20 GENERAL 3665 26208 938 938 26 General/High Cascade 119A 37 366 15 15 41 North Siuslaw 620A 265 1497 48 42 42 90 34 South Siuslaw 620B No Survey Camas Swale 620C 289 1687 28 18 132 160 55 600-series total 554 3,184 76 60 174 250 45 Siuslaw Unit total 4,256 29,758 76 60 1,127 1,203 28

WILLAMETTE 15 GENERAL 5401 33155 1007 1,007 19 General/High Cascade 119A 105 576 44 44 42 North Muzzleloader 100M1 102 737 7 20 27 34 33 Willamette Unit 615 2200 26113 336 61 441 777 35 Willamette Additional Deer 815 No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 2,302 26,850 343 81 468 811 35 Willamette Unit total 7,808 60,581 343 81 1,519 1,862 24

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 29 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

General Season total 28,831 203,812 6,652 6,652 23 119A total (General/High Cascade) 433 3,095 168 168 39 600 & 100M-series total 5,265 42,509 969 504 1,012 1,981 38

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 34,096 249,416 969 504 7,832 8,801 26

MELROSE 23 GENERAL 4394 28205 1736 1,736 40 General/High Cascade 119A 52 411 37 37 71 Melrose-North Sixes Muzzleloader 123M 69 305 4 10 14 20 Calapooya 621C No Survey Melrose Unit 623 No Survey North Bank Habitat Mgt Area Youth #1 623T2 No Survey North Bank Habitat Mgt Area Youth #2 623T3 No Survey Central Melrose 823A No Survey North Bank Habitat Area 823B No Survey Melrose Unit total 4,515 28,921 4 1,783 1,787 40

TIOGA 24 GENERAL 3404 20702 1094 1,094 32 General/High Cascade 119A 45 441 15 15 33 Tioga Unit 624A No Survey East Tioga 624B No Survey Tioga Unit total 3,449 21,143 1,109 1,109 32

SIXES 25 GENERAL 1424 11550 469 469 33 Melrose-North Sixes Muzzleloader 123M 49 208 6 12 18 37 Sixes Unit 625 70 364 13 11 11 24 34 North Sixes Youth 625T No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 119 572 19 11 23 42 35 Sixes Unit total 1,543 12,122 19 11 492 511 33

POWERS 26 GENERAL 1025 7486 452 452 44 Powers Unit 626 No Survey Powers Unit total 1,025 7,486 452 452 44

CHETCO 27 GENERAL 1372 8788 573 573 42 Chetco Unit 627 61 289 17 12 12 29 48 Chetco Unit total 1,433 9,077 17 12 585 602 42

APPLEGATE 28 GENERAL 2657 16656 886 886 33 General/High Cascade 119A 45 224 14 14 31 Applegate Muzzleloader 128M 313 1904 19 13 106 125 40 West Applegate Unit 628A 50 162 19 7 7 26 52 600 & 100M-series total 363 2,066 38 20 113 151 42 Applegate Unit total 3,065 18,946 38 20 1,013 1,051 34

30 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

General Season total 14,276 93,387 5,210 5,210 36 119A total (General/High Cascade) 142 1,076 66 66 46 600 & 800 & 100M-series total 612 3,232 78 43 158 236 39

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 14,888 97,695 78 43 5,434 5,512 37

SANTIAM 16 GENERAL 8667 55838 1546 1,546 18 General/High Cascade 119A 486 3162 97 97 20 Controlled/High Cascade 119A 949 3603 30 30 3 West Santiam Unit 616A 622 3055 182 82 82 264 42 East Santiam Unit 616B 85 314 17 8 8 25 29 Southwest Santiam Youth 616T 109 445 11 4 40 51 47 600-series total 816 3,814 210 94 130 340 42 Santiam Unit total 10,918 66,417 210 94 1,803 2,013 18

McKENZIE 19 GENERAL 6322 44409 1303 1,303 21 General/High Cascade 119A 314 1869 74 74 24 Controlled/High Cascade 119A 561 2362 45 45 8 North Muzzleloader 100M1 239 1468 14 68 82 34 McKenzie Unit 619 803 4012 234 139 139 373 46 Mill Creek 619A 324 910 80 54 54 134 41 Little Fall Creek 619B 36 157 7 2 12 19 53 McKenzie Unit Youth 619T 127 576 5 15 55 60 47 600 & 100M-series total 1,529 7,123 340 210 328 668 44 McKenzie Unit total 8,726 55,763 340 210 1,750 2,090 24

INDIGO 21 GENERAL 2779 18861 729 729 26 General/High Cascade 119A 112 628 22 22 20 Controlled/High Cascade 119A 262 1039 29 29 11 North Muzzleloader 100M1 130 840 14 14 28 22 South Indigo Muzzleloader 121M 51 246 2 2 24 26 51 Dorena 621A 270 1263 71 34 34 105 39 Logger Butte 621B No Survey Calapooya 621C No Survey Round Mountain 621D 31 99 11 2 2 13 42 Prune Hill 621E 69 267 12 8 8 20 29 Simpson Creek 621F 20 51 3 3 15 North Indigo Youth 621T 79 286 4 9 33 37 47 600 & 100M-series total 650 3,052 117 55 115 232 36 Indigo Unit total 3,803 23,580 117 55 895 1,012 27

DIXON 22 GENERAL 3178 21779 1337 1,337 42 General/High Cascade 119A 105 703 45 45 43 Controlled/High Cascade 119A 194 680 45 45 23 West Dixon 622A No Survey Dixon Unit total 3,477 23,162 1,427 1,427 41

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 31 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

EVANS CREEK 29 GENERAL 1789 11115 556 556 31 General/High Cascade 119A 22 135 15 15 68 Evans Creek Unit 629 49 168 23 7 7 30 61 Evans Creek Youth 629T 56 204 8 3 19 27 48 600-series total 105 372 31 10 26 57 54 Evans Creek Unit total 1,916 11,622 31 10 597 628 33

ROGUE 30 GENERAL 6530 41665 1459 1,459 22 General/High Cascade 119A 112 763 67 67 60 Controlled/High Cascade 119A 194 725 52 52 27 Rogue Unit Youth 630T 102 630 18 2 26 44 43 Rogue Unit total 6,938 43,783 18 2 1,604 1,622 23

General Season total 29,265 193,667 6,930 6,930 24 General/119A total 1,151 7,260 320 320 28 Controlled/119A total 2,160 8,409 201 201 9 600 & 100M-series total 3,202 14,991 716 371 625 1,341 42

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 34,627 224,327 716 371 8,076 8,792 25

MUZZLELOADER HUNTS North 100M1 635 4,069 49 27 123 172 27 South Indigo Muzzleloader 121M 51 246 2 2 24 26 51 Melrose-North Sixes Muzzleloader 123M 118 513 10 22 32 27 Applegate Muzzleloader 128M 313 1,904 19 13 106 125 40 Muzzleloader totals 1,117 6,732 80 42 275 355 32

119A HIGH CASCADE General Total 1,726 11,431 554 554 32 119A HIGH CASCADE Controlled Total 2,160 8,409 201 201 9

GENERAL SEASON TOTALS 72,372 490,866 18,792 18,792 26 100-SERIES TOTALS 2,160 19,840 755 755 35 600 & 800 & 100M-SERIES TOTALS 9,079 60,732 1,763 918 1,795 3,558 39

1 GRAND TOTAL 83,611 571,438 1,763 918 21,342 23,105 28

1 General season 119A hunters (1,726) are not included in Area and Grand Totals. Total eliminates duplication where hunters could hunt two areas.

32 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2003 WESTERN OREGON BLACK-TAILED DEER 100M1 HARVEST

HARVEST # OF ANTLER- 2pt+ TOTAL % % OF UNIT HUNTERS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS HARVEST

100M1 NORTH MUZZLELOADER

TRASK 164 14 7 7 28 17 15

WILLAMETTE 102 7 20 7 34 33 18

MCKENZIE 239 14 68 82 34 44

INDIGO 130 14 14 28 22 15

HOOD 14 7 7 14 100 4

WHITE RIVER 0

TOTAL 649 56 27 103 186 29 100

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 33 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCKS DEER SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 125 1,255 19 4 25 44 35 SCAPPOOSE 139 1,097 21 5 24 45 32 WILSON 101 721 11 5 29 40 40 TRASK 240 1,826 32 14 42 74 31 STOTT MT 72 562 7 4 24 31 43 ALSEA 316 2,398 30 21 92 122 39 SIUSLAW 143 1,114 14 11 39 53 37 WILLAMETTE 199 1,432 28 9 53 81 41

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 1,335 10,405 162 73 328 490 37

MELROSE 189 1,432 14 9 78 92 49 TIOGA 186 1,376 14 16 56 70 38 SIXES 58 622 4 32 36 62 POWERS 78 615 7 5 28 35 45 CHETCO 39 224 4 4 13 17 44 APPLEGATE 67 543 7 4 23 30 45

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 617 4,812 50 38 230 280 45

SANTIAM 421 3,234 46 18 81 127 30 McKENZIE 298 2,351 51 19 58 109 37 INDIGO 133 1,156 18 29 47 35 DIXON 158 1,065 21 9 39 60 38 EVANS CREEK 90 865 14 4 39 53 59 ROGUE 285 2,581 36 7 71 107 38

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 1,385 11,252 186 57 317 503 36

GRAND TOTAL 3,337 26,469 398 168 875 1,273 38

34 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WESTERN OREGON DEER SEASON ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE HUNTERS DAYS LESS SPIKE BUCK DEER SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 3847 28900 139 55 636 775 20 SCAPPOOSE 3739 28746 108 43 944 1,052 28 WILSON 2263 15302 35 39 265 300 13 TRASK 6230 42298 175 132 1302 1,477 24 STOTT MT 2314 15938 98 46 513 611 26 ALSEA 7362 54694 127 81 1691 1,818 25 SIUSLAW 4827 33808 76 60 1193 1,269 26 WILLAMETTE 9074 70455 376 81 1664 2,040 22

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 39,656 290,141 1,134 537 8,208 9,342 24

MELROSE 4912 31501 15 1794 1,809 37 TIOGA 3856 24627 11 1120 1,120 29 SIXES 1752 13994 19 11 514 533 30 POWERS 1090 7899 452 452 41 CHETCO 1531 10285 17 12 607 624 41 APPLEGATE 3141 19294 38 20 1024 1,062 34

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 16,282 107,600 89 54 5,511 5,600 34

SANTIAM 13925 90685 286 127 1981 2,267 16 McKENZIE 10811 73330 449 232 1928 2,377 22 INDIGO 4821 32918 139 55 996 1,135 24 DIXON 3695 24848 11 11 1449 1,460 40 EVANS CREEK 2429 14980 31 21 674 705 29 ROGUE 8682 56245 18 13 1794 1,812 21

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 44,363 293,006 934 459 8,822 9,756 22

High Cascade 119A 2,160 8,409 201 201 9 General Season 119A1 1,726 11,431 554 554 32

Muzzleloader Hunts2 1,117 6,732 80 42 275 355 32

Hunters with disabilities3 3,337 26,469 398 168 875 1,273 38 (This data not included in table above)

4 GRAND TOTAL 101,912 705,785 2,555 1,218 22,862 25,417 25

1 General season 119A hunters are included in Unit and Area totals. General season 119A hunters (1,726) have been removed from the Grand Total to eliminate duplication where hunters could hunt two areas. 2 Muzzleloader hunts are included in Unit, Area, and Grand totals. 3 Hunters with disabilities harvest is in addition to harvest shown above. 4 Grand Total includes 2,725 archery hunters who also hunted in eastern Oregon. Grand Total includes 3,948 archery hunters who hunted both the early and late seasons in western Oregon.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 35 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

MINAM GENERAL 174 1730 33 33 19 IMNAHA GENERAL 178 1451 33 33 19 CATHERINE CREEK GENERAL 261 2230 76 76 29 PINE CREEK GENERAL 239 2187 77 77 32 KEATING GENERAL 191 1656 22 22 12 LOOKOUT MT GENERAL 152 1719 55 55 36

WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 1,195 10,973 296 296 25

MT. EMILY GENERAL 415 3923 120 120 29 WALLA WALLA GENERAL 145 1216 46 46 32 WENAHA GENERAL 165 1651 33 33 20 SLED SPRINGS GENERAL 148 1452 13 13 9 CHESNIMNUS GENERAL 178 1677 13 13 7 SNAKE RIVER GENERAL 120 1360 33 33 28

WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE TOTAL 1,171 11,279 258 258 22

UKIAH GENERAL 772 7310 109 109 14 DESOLATION GENERAL 899 8730 79 79 9 SUMPTER GENERAL 633 6408 99 99 16 STARKEY GENERAL 1247 12938 166 166 13 Ladd Marsh Youth 652T1 No Survey Starkey Unit Total 1,247 12,938 166 166 13 HEPPNER GENERAL 635 6374 46 46 7 FOSSIL GENERAL 152 1360 33 33 22 COLUMBIA BASIN GENERAL 152 1556 33 33 22

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 4,490 44,676 565 565 13

MURDERERS CREEK GENERAL 1020 8628 185 185 18 NORTHSIDE GENERAL 627 6361 98 98 16 BEULAH GENERAL 649 6755 109 109 17 MALHEUR RIVER GENERAL 557 5527 22 22 4 SILVIES GENERAL 693 5927 120 120 17 MAURY GENERAL 11 11 11 11 100 OCHOCO GENERAL 1299 11346 186 186 14 GRIZZLY GENERAL 381 4036 33 33 9

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 5,237 48,591 764 764 15

BLUE MT AREA TOTAL 12,093 115,519 1,883 1,883 16

36 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

BIGGS GENERAL 98 631 MAUPIN GENERAL 44 326 HOOD GENERAL 76 772 11 11 14 WHITE RIVER GENERAL 305 3133 11 66 77 25 METOLIUS GENERAL 239 1588 77 77 32 Southeast Metolius #1 139R1 29 289 18 18 62 Southeast Metolius #2 139R2 48 298 29 29 60 Metolius Unit Total 316 2,175 29 95 124 39 PAULINA GENERAL 483 4012 55 55 11 South Paulina 135R 46 157 22 22 48 Paulina Unit Total 529 4,169 22 55 77 15 UPPER DESCHUTES GENERAL 870 7626 132 132 15 FORT ROCK GENERAL 665 4885 100 100 15 SILVER LAKE GENERAL 141 772 33 33 23 SPRAGUE GENERAL 54 348 22 22 41 KLAMATH FALLS GENERAL 374 2794 57 57 15 KENO GENERAL 333 3060 88 88 26 Keno 131R 116 906 24 24 21 Keno Unit Total 449 3,966 112 112 25 INTERSTATE GENERAL 222 1962 33 33 15 WARNER GENERAL 117 961 13 13 11

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 4,260 34,520 95 696 791 19

BEATYS BUTTE GENERAL 41 306 11 11 27 Hart Mt 170R 66 403 12 12 18 Beatys Butte Unit Total 107 709 23 23 21 JUNIPER GENERAL 11 44 11 11 100 Hart Mt 170R 10 72 Juniper Unit Total 21 116 11 11 52 WAGONTIRE GENERAL 87 544 11 11 13 STEENS MT GENERAL 87 500 11 11 13 WHITEHORSE GENERAL 13 310 11 11 85 Trout Creek Mts 168R 95 561 2 2 2 Whitehorse Unit Total 108 871 13 13 12 OWYHEE GENERAL 89 802 44 44 49

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 499 3,542 113 113 23

1 EASTERN OREGON ARCHERY TOTAL 16,852 153,581 95 2,692 2,787 17

1 Total includes 2,725 archery hunters who also hunted Western Oregon.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 37 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

MINAM 60 Minam Unit 160 534 2,674 221 221 41 Upper Wallowa Valley #1 660A1 No Survey Upper Wallowa Valley #2 660A2 No Survey Lostine/Allen Canyon 660B No Survey Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey 600-series total 0 Minam Unit total 534 2,674 221 221 41

IMNAHA 61 Imnaha Unit 161 727 3,805 321 321 44 Upper Wallowa Valley #1 660A1 No Survey Upper Wallowa Valley #2 660A2 No Survey 600-series total 0 Imnaha Unit total 727 3,805 321 321 44

CATHERINE CREEK 53 Catherine Cr Unit 153 509 2,316 283 283 56 Union County Muzzleloader 153M 68 405 11 8 19 28 Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 68 405 11 8 19 28 Catherine Creek Unit total 577 2,721 11 291 302 52

PINE CREEK 62 Pine Cr Unit 162 266 1,405 113 113 42

KEATING 63 Keating Unit 163 515 2,257 263 263 51 Keating Agricultural 663A No Survey Keating Unit total 515 2,257 263 263 51

LOOKOUT MT 64 Lookout Mt Unit 164 186 780 106 106 57

100-series buck deer total 2,737 13,237 1,307 1,307 48 600 & 100M-series total 68 405 11 8 19 28

WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 2,805 13,642 11 1,315 1,326 47

MT EMILY 54 East Mt Emily 154A 300 1,440 124 124 41 West Mt Emily 154B 542 2,278 244 244 45 Union County Muzzleloader 153M 43 204 7 8 15 35 West Blue Mts 649B No Survey Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey Summerville 654A No Survey Rawhide 654B No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 43 204 7 8 15 35 Mt Emily Unit total 885 3,922 7 376 383 43

WALLA WALLA 55 Walla Walla Unit 155 294 1,349 159 159 54 West Blue Mts 649B No Survey Orchards 655A No Survey Walla Walla River #1 655B1 No Survey Walla Walla River #2 655B2 No Survey Walla Walla River #3 655B3 No Survey 600-series total 0 Walla Walla Unit total 294 1,349 159 159 54

38 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

WENAHA 56 Wenaha Unit 156 397 1,865 163 163 41 Union County Muzzleloader 153M 97 591 4 15 19 20 North Wenaha\E Sled Muzzleloader 156M 63 397 12 4 16 25 Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 160 988 16 19 35 22 Wenaha Unit total 557 2,853 16 182 198 36

SLED SPRINGS 57 Sled Springs Unit 157 1,735 7,976 755 755 44 Union County Muzzleloader 153M 25 129 4 4 8 32 North Wenaha\E Sled Muzzleloader 156M 139 566 28 25 53 38 Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey Flora No. 1 657A1 No Survey Flora No. 2 657A2 No Survey North Wallowa Valley #1 657B1 No Survey North Wallowa Valley #2 657B2 No Survey Swamp-Crow Creeks 658A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 164 695 32 29 61 37 Sled Springs Unit total 1,899 8,671 32 784 816 43

CHESNIMNUS 58 Chesnimnus Unit 158 569 2,796 275 275 48 Swamp-Crow Creeks 658A No Survey Upper Wallowa Valley #1 660A1 No Survey Upper Wallowa Valley #2 660A2 No Survey 600 -series total 0 Chesnimnus Unit total 569 2,796 275 275 48

SNAKE RIVER 59 Snake River Unit 159 257 1,275 104 104 40

100-series buck deer totals 4,094 18,979 1,824 1,824 45 600 & 100M-series totals 367 1,887 55 56 111 30

WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE TOTAL 4,461 20,866 55 1,880 1,935 43

UKIAH 49 Ukiah Unit 149 1,959 8,794 584 584 30 North Ukiah #1 649A1 No Survey North Ukiah #2 649A2 No Survey West Blue Mts 649B No Survey 600-series Total 0 Ukiah Unit Total 1,959 8,794 584 584 30

DESOLATION 50 Desolation Unit 150 1,592 9,125 541 541 34

SUMPTER 51 Sumpter Unit 151 1,596 7,664 747 747 47 Sumpter Unity Agricultural 651A No Survey Malheur-Baker Youth Hunt 651T 68 193 54 54 79 600-series total 68 193 54 54 79 Sumpter Unit total 1,664 7,857 54 747 801 48

STARKEY 52 Starkey 152A 1,109 5,869 325 325 29 Starkey Experimental Forest 152B 23 235 6 6 26 Union County Muzzleloader 153M 100 566 11 15 26 26 Ladd Marsh Youth Hunt 652T2 No Survey Union County Agricultural 653A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 100 566 11 15 26 26 Starkey Unit total 1,232 6,670 11 346 357 29

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 39 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

HEPPNER 48 Heppner Unit 148 3,072 14,641 621 621 20 Ditch Creek Muzzleloader 148M 87 368 28 8 36 41 Heppner 648A No Survey Morrow County Youth Hunt 648T No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 87 368 28 8 36 41 Heppner Unit total 3,159 15,009 28 629 657 21

FOSSIL 45 Fossil Unit 145 1,731 7,383 578 578 33 North Fossil Unit 645A No Survey Fossil Unit total 1,731 7,383 578 578 33

COLUMBIA BASIN 44 Columbia Basin Unit 144 1,693 6,202 759 759 45 Coombs Canyon Youth Hunt 144T 9 20 7 7 78 Umatilla NWR 644A No Survey North Columbia Basin #1 644B1 No Survey North Columbia Basin #2 644B2 No Survey South Columbia Basin 644C No Survey Umatilla NWR Youth Hunt 644T1 No Survey Umatilla River Youth Hunt 644T2 No Survey Morrow County Youth Hunt 648T No Survey 600-series total 0 Columbia Basin Unit total 1,702 6,222 766 766 45

100-series buck deer total 12,784 59,933 4,168 4,168 33 600-series total 255 1,127 93 23 116 45

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 13,039 61,060 93 4,191 4,284 33

MURDERERS CREEK 46 Murderers Creek 146 1,022 5,641 330 330 32 John Day Valley 647A No Survey Murderers Creek Unit total 1,022 5,641 330 330 32

NORTHSIDE 47 Northside Unit 147 1,483 7,468 350 350 24 John Day Valley 647A No Survey Northside Unit total 1,483 7,468 350 350 24

BEULAH 65 Beulah Unit 165 1,182 5,649 569 569 48 Southeast Beulah 165A 504 2,517 239 239 47 Sumpter Unity Agricultural 651A No Survey Malheur-Baker Youth Hunt 651T 51 149 26 26 51 Vale Bench #1 665A1 94 475 52 52 55 Vale Bench #2 665A2 101 292 63 63 62 Vale-Ontario Agricultural 665B 97 413 48 48 49 Moores Hollow-Porter Flat #1 665C1 44 119 32 32 73 Moores Hollow-Porter Flat #2 665C2 36 99 24 24 67 Willow Creek Agricultural #1 665D1 55 200 26 26 47 Willow Creek Agricultural #2 665D2 89 461 46 46 52 600-series total 567 2,208 317 317 56 Beulah Unit total 2,253 10,374 317 808 1,125 50

40 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

MALHEUR RIVER 66 Malheur River Unit 166 1,316 6,746 432 432 33 North Malheur Muzzleloader 166M 47 223 15 15 32 Harney Basin Agricultural Hunt 679A 19 36 15 15 79 Harney Basin Youth Hunt 679T 7 12 4 4 57 600 & 100M-series total 73 271 19 15 34 47 Malheur River Unit total 1,389 7,017 19 447 466 34

SILVIES 72 Silvies Unit 172 979 5,018 399 399 41 Silvies Muzzleloader 172M 50 298 25 25 50 Silvies Unit total 1,029 5,316 424 424 41

MAURY 36 Maury Unit 136 822 4,358 199 199 24

OCHOCO 37 Ochoco Unit 137 3,584 18,636 770 770 21 John Day Valley 647A No Survey Ochoco Unit total 3,584 18,636 770 770 21

GRIZZLY 38 Grizzly Unit 138 1,910 8,739 576 576 30 Lower Willow Creek Agricultural 638A No Survey Lytle Creek 638B No Survey 600-series total 0 Grizzly Unit total 1,910 8,739 576 576 30

100-series buck deer total 12,802 64,772 3,864 3,864 30 600 & 100M-series total 690 2,777 336 40 376 54

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 13,492 67,549 336 3,904 4,240 31

100-series buck deer total 32,417 156,921 11,163 11,163 34 600 & 100M-series total 1,380 6,196 495 127 622 45

BLUE MT AREA TOTAL 33,797 163,117 495 11,290 11,785 35

BIGGS 43 East Biggs 143A 665 2,681 260 260 39 West Biggs 143B 567 1,821 227 227 40 East Biggs 643A No Survey West Biggs 643B No Survey Mid-Columbia Private Youth 640T No Survey 600-series total 0 Biggs Unit total 1,232 4,502 487 487 40

MAUPIN 40 Maupin Unit 140 267 1,146 120 120 45 Maupin Unit 640 No Survey Mid-Columbia Private Youth 640T No Survey 600-series total 0 Maupin Unit total 267 1,146 120 120 45

HOOD 42 Hood Unit 142 320 1,402 24 24 8 North Muzzleloader 100M1 14 48 7 7 14 100 Hood-White River 141A 33 134 4 4 12 Mid-Columbia Private Youth 640T No Survey Hood Unit /Hood River Valley 642A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 14 48 7 7 14 100 Hood Unit total 367 1,584 7 35 42 11

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 41 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

WHITE RIVER 41 White River Unit 141 1,714 8,860 404 404 24 North Muzzleloader 100M1 0 Hood-White River 141A 140 518 43 43 31 Mid-Columbia Private Youth 640T No Survey White River Private 641A No Survey The Dalles Orchard 641B No Survey Hood Unit/Hood River Valley 642A No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 0 White River Unit total 1,854 9,378 447 447 24

METOLIUS 39 Metolius Unit 139 709 3,566 159 159 22 Southeast Metolius Muzzleloader 139M1 45 208 8 16 24 53 Southeast Metolius Muzzleloader 139M2 29 101 21 21 72 100M-series total 74 309 29 16 45 61 Metolius Unit total 783 3,875 29 175 204 26

PAULINA 35 Paulina Unit 135 3,061 18,224 548 548 18 Paulina Muzzleloader 135M 264 900 169 169 64 Paulina Unit total 3,325 19,124 169 548 717 22

UPPER DESCHUTES 34 Upper Deschutes 134 2,097 12,364 322 322 15

FORT ROCK 77 Fort Rock Unit 177 3,121 18,942 764 764 24 High Cascade Hunt 119A 0 East Fort Rock 677A No Survey Fort Rock Unit total 3,121 18,942 764 764 24

SILVER LAKE 76 Silver Lake Unit 176 1,615 9,377 283 283 18 Silver Lake 676 No Survey Silver Lake Unit total 1,615 9,377 283 283 18

SPRAGUE 33 Sprague Unit 133 469 2,731 87 87 19

KLAMATH FALLS 32 Klamath Falls Unit 132 850 3,884 267 267 31 Klamath Falls Muzzleloader 132M 39 170 2 24 26 67 Klamath Falls Unit Total 889 4,054 2 291 293 33

KENO 31 Keno Unit 131 652 3,466 180 180 28 High Cascade Hunt 119A 0 Keno Unit total 652 3,466 180 180 28

INTERSTATE 75 Interstate Unit 175 1,313 6,744 534 534 41 Interstate Unit Youth 675T No Survey Interstate Unit total 1,313 6,744 534 534 41

WARNER 74 N Warner Unit 174A 121 557 47 47 39 South Warner Unit 174B 282 1,568 72 72 26 North Warner Muzzleloader 174M 26 103 18 18 69 North Warner Youth Hunt 674T No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 26 103 18 18 69 Warner Unit total 429 2,228 137 137 32

42 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

100-series buck deer total 17,996 97,985 4,345 4,345 24 600 & 100M-series total 417 1,530 207 65 272 65

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 18,413 99,515 207 4,410 4,617 25

BEATYS BUTTE 70 Beatys Butte 170A 268 1,280 118 118 44 Hart Mt Muzzleloader 170M 20 126 17 17 85 Beatys Butte Unit total 288 1,406 135 135 47

JUNIPER 71 North Juniper 171A 164 655 62 62 38 South Juniper 171B 98 452 27 27 28 Hart Mt Muzzleloader 170M 3 6 1 1 33 Juniper Muzzleloader 171M 13 45 9 9 69 Harney Basin Agricultural Hunt 679A 27 122 17 17 63 Harney Basin Youth 679T 11 12 11 11 100 600 & 100M-series total 54 185 28 10 38 70 Juniper Unit total 316 1,292 28 99 127 40

WAGONTIRE 73 Wagontire Unit 173 296 1,323 138 138 47

STEENS MT 69 Steens Mt 169A 295 1,465 138 138 47 Harney Basin Agricultural Hunt 679A 10 19 8 8 80 Harney Basin Youth 679T 7 14 5 5 71 600-series total 17 33 13 13 76 Steens Mt Unit total 312 1,498 13 138 151 48

WHITEHORSE 68 Trout Creek Mts 168A 84 454 51 51 61 East Whitehorse 168B 255 1,174 100 100 39 Northeast Whitehorse Muzzleloader 168M 25 104 9 9 36 Rome 667B No Survey 600 & 100M-series total 25 104 9 9 36 Whitehorse Unit total 364 1,732 160 160 44

OWYHEE 67 Owyhee Unit 167 687 3,158 258 258 38 Malheur Baker Youth Hunt 651T 38 119 23 23 61 Mitchel Baker Butte 667A No Survey Rome 667B No Survey Northeast Owyhee 667C 52 175 14 14 27 600-series total 90 294 37 37 41 Owyhee Unit total 777 3,452 37 258 295 38

100-series buck deer total 2,147 9,961 892 892 42 600 & 100M-series total 206 742 78 36 114 55

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 2,353 10,703 78 928 1,006 43

EASTERN OREGON DEER RIFLE TOTAL

100-SERIES BUCK DEER TOTAL 52,560 264,867 16,400 16,400 31 600 & 100M-SERIES TOTAL 2,003 8,468 780 228 1,008 50

GRAND TOTAL 54,563 273,335 780 16,628 17,408 32

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 43 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 WHITE-TAILED DEER

White-Tailed Deer Buck Season HARVEST SPIKE & THREE TOTAL UNITS HUNT 2 PT POINT PLUS DEER

UKIAH 149 Controlled Buck 0 DESOLATION 150 Controlled Buck 11 11 22 SUMPTER 151 Controlled Buck 11 23 34 STARKEY 152A Controlled Buck 8 8 16 STARKEY (Experimental Forest) 152B Controlled Buck 0 CATHERINE CREEK 153 Controlled Buck 5 5 EAST MT EMILY 154A Controlled Buck 9 9 WEST MT EMILY 154B Controlled Buck 26 16 42 WALLA WALLA 155 Controlled Buck 9 30 39 WENAHA 156 Controlled Buck 8 4 12 SLED SPRINGS 157 Controlled Buck 36 158 194 CHESNIMNUS 158 Controlled Buck 6 35 41 SNAKE RIVER 159 Controlled Buck 0 MINAM 160 Controlled Buck 6 6 IMNAHA 161 Controlled Buck 22 22 PINE CREEK 162 Controlled Buck 6 6 12 KEATING 163 Controlled Buck 0 LOOKOUT MT 164 Controlled Buck 0

Total Controlled Buck Season White-Tailed Deer Harvest 121 333 454

White-Tailed Deer Either Sex and Antlerless Seasons HARVEST ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL UNITS HUNT LESS BUCK DEER

MINAM Upper Wallowa Valley #2 660A2 No Survey MINAM Lostine/Allen Canyon 660B No Survey CATHERINE CREEK Union County Muzzleloader 153M 37 50 87 CATHERINE CREEK Union County Agriculture 653A No Survey WALLA WALLA Orchards 655A No Survey WALLA WALLA Walla Walla River #1 655B1 No Survey WALLA WALLA Walla Walla River #2 655B2 No Survey WALLA WALLA Walla Walla River #3 655B3 No Survey WENAHA N Wenaha-E Sled Muzzleloader 156M 40 29 69 SLED SPRINGS Flora 657A1 No Survey SLED SPRINGS North Wallowa Valley 657B2 No Survey CHESNIMNUS Swamp-Crow Creeks 658A No Survey UKIAH North Ukiah #1 649A1 No Survey UKIAH North Ukiah #2 649A2 No Survey UKIAH/ MT EMILY/ WALLA WALLA West Blue Mts 649B No Survey

White-Tailed Deer Either Sex and Antlerless Hunt Totals 77 79 156

TOTAL WHITE-TAILED DEER HARVEST 198 533 610 Total havest estimates for each hunt are included in the Eastern Oregon Deer Rifle Season section. Hunts 153M, 156M, 649B, 655A, 655B2, 655B3, 657A1, 657B2, and 660A2 are white-tailed deer only hunts.

44 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCKS DEER SUCCESS

MINAM 17 92 2 9 11 65 IMNAHA 21 155 3 8 11 52 CATHERINE CREEK 19 151 6 6 32 PINE CREEK 9 60 5 3 8 89 KEATING 14 88 6 4 10 71 LOOKOUT MT 0

WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 80 546 16 30 46 58

MT EMILY 37 209 10 10 20 54 WALLA WALLA 18 159 9 9 50 WENAHA 34 217 2 15 17 50 SLED SPRINGS 59 239 6 30 36 61 CHESNIMUS 12 84 3 5 8 67 SNAKE RIVER 2 2 2 2 100

WENAHA-SNAKE RIVER ZONE TOTAL 162 910 21 71 92 57

UKIAH 130 806 35 29 64 49 DESOLATION 76 445 16 28 44 58 SUMPTER 88 654 18 32 50 57 STARKEY 58 355 18 20 38 66 HEPPNER 130 923 24 20 44 34 FOSSIL 47 235 5 20 25 53 COLUMBIA BASIN 91 394 17 35 52 57

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 620 3,812 133 184 317 51

MURDERERS CREEK 58 467 12 18 30 52 NORTHSIDE 53 344 15 10 25 47 BEULAH 54 416 2 33 35 65 MALHEUR RIVER 34 235 9 12 21 62 SILVIES 29 204 5 10 15 52 MAURY 41 283 11 6 17 41 OCHOCO 172 988 60 22 82 48 GRIZZLY 83 516 20 17 37 45

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 524 3,453 134 128 262 50

BLUE MOUNTAIN AREA TOTAL 1,386 8,721 304 413 717 52

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 45 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCKS DEER SUCCESS

BIGGS 17 74 2 7 9 53 MAUPIN 12 51 2 8 10 83 HOOD 20 105 3 2 5 25 WHITE RIVER 68 359 15 15 30 44 METOLIUS 60 387 17 16 33 55 PAULINA 211 1,492 36 38 74 35 UPPER DESCHUTES 216 1,487 67 25 92 43 FORT ROCK 215 1,460 56 58 114 53 SILVER LAKE 105 756 27 10 37 35 SPRAGUE 35 287 11 9 20 57 KLAMATH FALLS 49 306 5 17 22 45 KENO 41 328 6 15 21 51 INTERSTATE 79 429 19 20 39 49 WARNER 17 77 3 8 11 65

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 1,145 7,598 269 248 517 45

BEATY'S BUTTE 6 35 2 2 33 JUNIPER 8 52 2 7 9 113 WAGONTIRE 11 60 3 2 5 45 STEENS MOUNTAIN 5 23 2 2 40 WHITEHORSE 3 11 0 0 OWYHEE 11 51 3 3 6 55

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 44 232 8 16 24 55

GRAND TOTAL 2,575 16,551 581 677 1,258 49

46 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER SEASON - TOTAL ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

MINAM 708 4404 254 254 36 IMNAHA 905 5256 354 354 39 CATHERINE CREEK 838 4951 11 367 378 45 PINE CREEK 505 3592 190 190 38 KEATING 706 3913 285 285 40 LOOKOUT MT 338 2499 161 161 48

WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 4,000 24,615 11 1,611 1,622 41

MT EMILY 1300 7845 7 496 503 39 WALLA WALLA 439 2565 205 205 47 WENAHA 722 4504 16 215 231 32 SLED SPRINGS 2047 10123 32 797 829 40 CHESNIMNUS 747 4473 288 288 39 SNAKE RIVER 377 2635 137 137 36

WENAHA-SNAKE RIVER ZONE TOTAL 5,632 32,145 55 2,138 2,193 39

UKIAH 2731 16104 693 693 25 DESOLATION 2491 17855 620 620 25 SUMPTER 2297 14265 54 846 900 39 STARKEY 2479 19608 11 512 523 21 HEPPNER 3794 21383 28 675 703 19 FOSSIL 1883 8743 611 611 32 COLUMBIA BASIN 1854 7778 799 799 43

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 17,529 105,736 93 4,756 4,849 28

MURDERERS CREEK 2042 14269 515 515 25 NORTHSIDE 2110 13829 448 448 21 BEULAH 2902 17129 317 917 1,234 43 MALHEUR RIVER 1946 12544 19 469 488 25 SILVIES 1722 11243 544 544 32 MAURY 833 4369 210 210 25 OCHOCO 4883 29982 956 956 20 GRIZZLY 2291 12775 609 609 27

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 18,729 116,140 336 4,668 5,004 27

BLUE MT AREA TOTAL 45,890 278,636 495 13,173 13,668 30

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 47 Big Game Statistics: Deer 2004 EASTERN OREGON DEER SEASON - TOTAL ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE HUNTERS DAYS LESS BUCK DEER SUCCESS

BIGGS 1330 5133 487 487 37 MAUPIN 311 1472 120 120 39 HOOD 443 2356 7 46 53 12 WHITE RIVER 2159 12511 11 513 524 24 METOLIUS 1099 6050 58 270 328 30 PAULINA 3854 23293 191 603 794 21 UPPER DESCHUTES 2967 19990 454 454 15 FORT ROCK 3786 23827 864 864 23 SILVER LAKE 1756 10149 33 283 316 18 SPRAGUE 523 3079 109 109 21 KLAMATH FALLS 1263 6848 2 348 350 28 KENO 1101 7432 292 292 27 INTERSTATE 1535 8706 567 567 37 WARNER 546 3189 150 150 27

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 22,673 134,035 302 5,106 5,408 24

BEATYS BUTTE 395 2115 158 158 40 JUNIPER 337 1408 28 110 138 41 WAGONTIRE 383 1867 149 149 39 STEENS MT 399 1998 13 149 162 41 WHITEHORSE 472 2603 173 173 37 OWYHEE 866 4254 37 302 339 39

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 2,852 14,245 78 1,041 1,119 39

Muzzleloader Hunts Totals1 1,197 5,558 312 228 540 45

HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES2 2,575 16,551 581 677 1,258 49 (This data not included in table above)

EASTERN OREGON ARCHERY AND 3 RIFLE DEER SEASONS TOTAL 73,990 443,467 1,456 19,997 21,453 29

1 Muzzleloader hunts are included in Unit, Area, Zone, and Grand Totals. 2 Hunters with disabilities harvest is in addition to all other harvest shown above. 3 The Grand Total includes 2,725 archery hunters who also hunted Western Oregon.

48 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer % NTLER- A R NTLER- A % % BLACK-TAILED DEE TOTAL HUNT TOTAL LESS LESS % NTLER- A NTLER- A R % % MULE DEE DEER HUNTING TRENDS 1952 - 2004 TOTAL HUNT TOTAL LESS LESS % DEER HUNT HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HARV. HARVEST HARVEST HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HARV. HARV. HARV. STATEWIDE R 19521955 188,2501960 230,5851961 259,739 77,8971962 133,834 265,3261963 157,504 41 263,8381964 58 163,939 258,375 126,7191965 61 139,712 148,566 249,0801966 62 117,619 141,102 53,030 267,8401967 90,126 53 143,023 147,597 270,7701968 96,122 46 42 119,369 143,580 272,150 611969 97,951 57 147,975 136,676 284,600 681970 76,776 45 68 142,000 148,215 264,900 67 661971 64,678 55 151,380 143,618 282,000 61 53 20,5701972 84,665 52 101,500 37,752 147,975 279,200 60 471973 71,637 53 101,600 28,254 153,950 245,770 55 571974 88,516 38 30,538 163,260 296,290 87,800 55 39 501975 87,180 36 42 24,977 166,350 286,560 73,400 59 601976 89,020 103,470 29 15,403 180,150 61,531 31 251,930 60 571977 68,860 81,919 31 19,931 30 110,725 246,850 76,400 60 55 162,1801978 72,200 35 33 19,242 24,867 101,971 292,470 54,980 61 41 110,7001979 43,708 24 22,821 124,040 47,240 27 61,382 108,343 315,382 80,700 59 401980 40 129,120 24 29,518 29,380 22 65,988 53 105,603 300,982 68 118,9801981 41,340 55 29 124,001 27 23,374 33 62,936 110,555 312,437 71 112,4301982 32 44 65 27 26 14,265 30,960 33 52,941 108,281 317,473 99,723 33 116,9801983 39 39 54 58 112,245 34 14,453 141,740 23,620 5,210 58,358 110,384 301,181 13,4461984 40 40 50 26 121,999 26 20,133 152,029 44,030 33 47,732 109,250 278,335 NO HUNTER SURVEY CONDUCTED 401985 79,650 36 45 53 21 7,840 21 24,529 59,459 111,940 85,231 140,0981986 60,197 38 45 41 44 38 20 21,932 21 145,309 31 54,820 275,356 81,473 561987 33 88,850 41 43 54 98 16,754 151,053 44,619 28 62,360 276,053 40 621988 56,461 37 92,050 40 55 17 50 1,018 18,807 29 254,138 81,696 62 138,5911989 32,640 71,364 35 40 56 32 13,348 109,120 259,349 81,820 49 39 119,314 3901990 29,400 32 39 3,630 14,687 37,077 30 37 0 248,518 83,265 47 9,4001991 32 41 45 0 15,089 19,386 32,604 40,560 30 3 32 274,281 83,943 50 107,352 127,200 28 27 16,586 33 32 153,360 254,825 72,374 58 119,968 155,420 25 37 2 27 6,806 12,728 34,228 32 29 8 90,646 12 123,569 44,020 28 44 5,757 32 14,764 41,844 62,130 29 151,430 78,089 118,264 45,440 122,000 46 27 127,460 40 4,347 32 41,280 33 35 135,935 41 15 35 5,486 99,089 23 43,328 29 31,360 31 7,990 104,745 36,670 18 49,470 42 33 21 60 160,884 63,804 166,404 102 25,905 15 60 21 51 37 90,661 59 36,688 30 39 166,420 7,970 50 15 47 19,099 2,065 20 55,104 10,511 55,784 26 35,326 57 52 35 6,310 45 162,590 38 50,635 34 51 34 0 6,928 36 2,230 39 10,844 18 31 4,530 40 30 9,767 21,572 23 48,154 159,021 6 55 50 15 45 3,583 168,004 30 42 17 14,808 3,838 17,360 22 156,085 48,869 12 7 34 23 13,894 130,569 4,792 47,468 56 31 39,976 141,085 14 27 31 10 11,631 41,985 28 149,429 60 27 26 40,615 169,536 14 32 13,188 58 46,469 24 164,164 49 29 53,958 11,341 50 31 9,633 42,763 48 27 32 12,444 24 64 26 9,480 60 24 11,588 30 15,549 55 23 12,298 25 29 29 YEA Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 49 Big Game Statistics: Deer % NTLER- A R NTLER- A % % BLACK-TAILED DEE 36,15132,663 2535,354 22 5529,004 23 4628,677 7,737 21 4925,317 6,505 21 4620,998 6,582 21 20 4623,695 5,704 20 18 4425,417 5,641 19 22 41 5,187 20 25 46 3,891 20 54 3,906 20 2,555 19 16 10 TOTAL HUNT TOTAL LESS LESS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 % NTLER- A NTLER- A R % % MULE DEE DEER HUNTING TRENDS 1952 - 2004 TOTAL HUNT TOTAL LESS LESS % 65,73270,525 2872,089 30 84,79663,507 30 88,70561,894 29,581 27 91,59257,144 37,862 27 35 93,10150,644 36,735 26 43 90,60351,868 45 34,503 25 40 89,80046,870 54 33,217 26 37 5,303 90,012 51 31,827 27 37 6,348 86,790 54 29,646 35 5,387 73,990 18 54 28,173 33 5,297 17 56 149,232 21,453 32 5,293 15 59 145,263 29 4,726 15 54 151,923 5,099 16 46 141,173 4,577 15 135,386 1,456 17 125,929 16 114,469 109,461 7 101,912 DEER HUNT 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 175,902 HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HARV. HARVEST HARVEST HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. HARV. HARV. HARV. STATEWIDE 2 R 19921993 247,9961994 237,8241995 92,336 234,8161996 57,980 227,991 37 70,868 230,681 24 63,526 91,518 30 76,904 38,749 28 74,442 18,027 42 82,200 28,315 23 28,466 42 38 31 35 5,362 40 2,226 45 3,040 14 3,993 12 156,478 11 160,920 53,587 14 160,374 39,953 145,791 34 42,553 25 35,060 58 27 69 13,472 24 60 10,183 55 8,961 25 6,727 25 21 19 19971998 233,968 1999 243,515 2000 234,274 2001 225,989 2002 215,729 2003 204,481 2004 196,251 Total eliminates duplication where hunters could hunt two areas Harvest surveys were not conducted on all hunts this year. This data is comparable to previous years. YEA 1 2 50 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Deer

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 51 Big Game Statistics: Elk

ELK: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 53 Distribution ...... 54 Management ...... 54 Chronic wasting disease (CWD) ...... 55

2006 Statistical Reports Roosevelt elk herd composition report ...... 56 Roosevelt elk population trends report ...... 57

Rocky mountain elk herd composition report ...... 58 Rocky mountain elk population trends report ...... 59

Roosevelt elk and cascade archery seasons ...... 60 Roosevelt elk and cascade rifle seasons ...... 62 Roosevelt elk and cascades: harvest by hunters with disabilities (all weapons) ..... 68 Roosevelt elk and cascades: total archery and rifle harvest ...... 69

Rocky mountain elk archery harvest ...... 71 Rocky mountain elk rifle seasons ...... 73 Rocky mountain elk: harvest by hunters with disabilities (all weapons) ...... 81 Rocky mountain elk: total archery and rifle harvest ...... 83

Elk hunting trends ...... 85

52 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk

Overview

Two sub-species of elk (Cervus elaphus) reside in Oregon. The Rocky Mountain (C. e. nelsoni) subspecies is found east of the Cascades, while Roosevelt elk (C. e. roosevelti) are distributed throughout the Coast and Cascade Ranges of western Oregon. Elk occur throughout the state of Oregon, but are most abundant in the Blue and Wallowa Mountains and in the northern Coast Range and least abundant in the southeastern high desert region. Roosevelt elk are typically larger and darker in color, and bulls have more massive antlers and a narrower spread than Rocky Mountain elk. Variation among Elk individuals within the 2 subspecies often makes identification difficult.

Although elk are now firmly established in Oregon, this has not always been the case. Numbers were so low at the turn of the century due to market hunting for meat, teeth, and antlers that all hunting was prohibited from 1908-1932. Protection and management resulted in the increase and spread of elk populations until hunting again became possible by 1933.

Management strategies have evolved as habitat conditions, hunter participation, and elk populations changed over the years. In order to measure proper hunter numbers and elk harvest goals, management objectives for elk numbers for each management Oregon Department unit were established in 1981. of Fish and Wildlife 3406 Cherry Ave NE Attempting to restore or maintain mature bulls in herds throughout the state, while still Salem, OR 97303 controlling overall populations, has had several impacts on hunters. Limited entry units www.dfw.state.or.us often mean hunters must be flexible and willing to try new areas, spike-only hunts, or antlerless hunts in order to hunt elk every year.

Life History

Elk breeding behavior involves a complex social system, which revolves around mature bulls gathering harems. This complex process may be altered if bull:cow ratios and/or mature bull:yearling bull ratios become skewed. Studies of Roosevelt elk in western Oregon and Rocky Mountain elk in northeastern Oregon indicate that fewer than 10 older bulls/100 cows during the breeding season can cause delays in conception, affect conception rates, and may contribute to reduced calf survival.

The time of breeding for elk in Oregon typically extends from late August through mid-November. Most cows, however, are bred during a shorter time period, mostly by mid-October. Information collected in a recent study in northeastern Oregon indicates

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 53 Big Game Statistics: Elk

that when breeding is done primarily by mature bulls In many areas, elk will seek out fertilized meadows, (3 ½ years or older) the range of breeding dates is pastures, and crops such as alfalfa. Vegetation in shortened and the median breeding date is up to 2 high rainfall zones generally lack nutritional quality as weeks earlier. compared to mineral-rich ranges in eastern Oregon. Changes in ownership patterns, societal attitudes, for- Reproductive success is closely related to nutrition, est management, and increases in road-building on body condition, physical health, and age of females. public lands have encouraged elk to move out of for- Cows in good body condition during breeding are ested habitats on public land to private lands in some more likely to conceive, and calf survival will generally areas. In northeastern Oregon, most summer ranges be higher than for cows that are nutritionally stressed. for elk are on public lands, whereas winter ranges Calves born early with higher birth weights typically largely are on private lands. Herein lies the source of have a better chance of surviving. most complaints of damage to crops and property. While new opportunities are emerging for hunters, Adult cow elk that have nutritious forage available to ranchers and farmers can experience serious damage them typically produce a calf each year. Roosevelt elk to crops when elk become resident on their land. cows in the coastal areas of Oregon typically produce a calf every other year. Reduced levels of physical condition and lower pregnancy rate of lactating cows Management indicate that the nutritional base in western Oregon is not sufficient to allow many of the lactating cows to Elk management involves a variety of steps, which breed in successive years. include 1) establishing management objectives, 2) regulating hunting seasons, 3) maintaining and improving habitat, and 4) monitoring harvest and elk Distribution populations. Successful management requires consid- eration of both biological and social issues during the Quality, quantity, and arrangement of several habitat decision-making process. components affect the distribution of elk. Availability and distribution of food, water, shelter, space, and The Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission adopted a harassment due to human activities ultimately deter- minimum statewide postseason ratio of 10 bulls per mine the number of elk an area can produce and the 100 cows in 1992. A 3-tiered bull management sys- amount of recreation that can be provided. Migratory tem provides a diversity of hunting opportunities with herds need high quality forage on transitional winter 10, 15, or 20 bulls/100 cows post season. Various and summer ranges. Resident herds must find sources management techniques are recommended to reach of quality forage within their herd range. bull escapement objectives. These include controlled- entry bull hunting, spike-only seasons, and changes During summer, elk use damp sites such as meadows in season timing. Population management objec- and riparian areas, which offer nutritious forage, and tives were revised in 2005 for each Big Game Unit to moist, cool places for escaping summer heat and maintain elk numbers at levels compatible with their insects. Winter survival is primarily dependent on habitat and agricultural considerations. fat stores; thus, quality summer forage is at least as important as adequate winter food for over-winter Annual inventories are conducted to determine survival. Elk require a mosaic of early forage-produc- population trend and herd composition (sex and age ing stages and later cover-forming stages of forest ratios). This information is typically collected from development -- both in close proximity. In western fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. Some herd composi- Oregon, Roosevelt elk utilize forest clearcuts heavily. tion data is collected from the ground. Composition

54 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk and trend information are collected from February to look at several years of harvest, calf survival, and through early April. Each animal is classified as bull, bull ratios to determine the appropriate level of tags cow, or calf, and bull antler class is recorded. This to meet management objectives for bull escapement data is later converted to the number of bulls and and winter population. calves per 100 cows. Herd composition is one measure of bull and calf survival. Low bull:cow ratios Oregon consistently ranks among the top 3 western generally indicate excessive bull harvest, and low states for elk numbers, hunter numbers, and elk calf:cow ratios suggest poor calf survival. Population harvest. Hunter success for bull and antlerless hunts trend is an index to the end-of-winter population size. combined remains fairly stable annually. The wetter Trend data is expanded to a population estimate, climate in western Oregon creates brushy, heavily tim- which is compared to population management objec- bered habitat broken only by clearcuts, while eastern tives (MOs) for each unit and used along with herd Oregon has much more open country with less under- composition data for recommending hunting season brush, and more snow to help in tracking elk. More regulations. Collecting reproductive tracts, udders, detailed information regarding elk can be found in and teeth from harvested antlerless elk in selected Oregon’s Elk Management Plan on the department’s units helps ODFW monitor reproduction and the age website. structure of the population. Pregnancy rates, average age of females, and number of lactating cows (indicating that they raised a calf) are estimated from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) these collections. CWD has not been detected in any Oregon samples Computer modeling of elk populations is used exten- obtained since testing began in 1996. Regulations are sively to assist in making management decisions. All in place to help prevent CWD from being brought to factors affecting reproduction and mortality, such as Oregon from animals harvested in CWD states (see weather, harvest, natural mortality, and habitat, are regulations). considered in this process. Models allow managers

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 55 Big Game Statistics: Elk 8 ------7 18 ------24 ------11 ------40 34 CALVES PER 100 COWS -- -- 43 50 31 39 36 37 40 3113 42 29 26 22 25 35 40 3542 3333 33 35 40 34 38 4529 31 2831 33 2332 28 36 27 31 3133 38 30 31 34 30 30 49 37 22 29 26 26 21 36 81 46 3936 38 33 38 36 38 34 35 3540 38 29 36 26 32 283227 2428 3048 29 24 37 2432 37 26 33 40 29 31 31 32 35 35 37 33 34 38 36 38 38 29 32 33 31 34 23 36 31 2005 2004 2003 P3YR ------2 10 6 10 9 10 8 10 -- 10 ---- 10 10 -- -- 10 -- 10 7 11 15 9 ------14 10 ------0 16 10 10 0 16 5 13 11 10 ------22 14 10 13 20 BULLS PER 100 COWS 7 8 12 9 -- -- 14 43 19 10 13 30 23 17 101217 14 1614 24 15 15 13 141713 10 10 17 24 26 15 20 18 15 15 15 10 1911 1918 15 13 15 17 13 10 16 10 15 23 11 19 1916 15 1113 10 23 1415 13 16 13 23 13 24 13 19 13 21 10 19 10 10 10 14 17 14 15 18 20 21 20 20 1216 21 12 15 15 20 13 13 15 10 14 16 16 16 20 1715 15 16 17 16 16 16 2005 2004 2003 P3YR MO -- -- ROOSEVELT ELK HERD COMPOSITION REPORT 8 81 ------ELK CLASSIFIED IN 2005 9 71 26 106 9 64 5 25 12 42 -- -- 3140 103 174 41 67 106 212 4910 47332 8111 165 190 34 167 687 59 125 4226 281 11 220 154 83 70 24 250 118 41 278 97 416 2862 365 32959 11170 127 554 504 39920 518 199 133 231 812 602 5037 301 23724 163 94 368 5148 238 24 29365 22429 50267 97 127 63 160 438 460 311 34 727 131 190 658 2416 195 103 56 22 275 141 60 302 104 466 101 698 223 1,022 114 634 240 988 385 2,702 919 4,006 314800 1,883 5,283 605 1,747 2,733 7,761 DISTRICT BULLS COWS CALVES TOTAL WATERSHED UMPQUA UMPQUA N COAST N WILLAMETTE N WILLAMETTE N WILLAMETTE S WILLAMETTE UMPQUA S WILLAMETTE UMPQUA N WILLAMETTE N COAST N COAST N COAST UMPQUA UMPQUA ROGUE UMPQUA S WILLAMETTE UMPQUA ROGUE ROGUE DESCHUTES UNIT SCAPPOOSE SADDLE MT WILSON W TRASK NE TRASK TRASK STOTT MT ALSEA E SIUSLAW S SIUSLAW SIUSLAW NORTHCOAST E TIOGA W TIOGA TIOGA SIXES POWERS CHETCO MELROSE SOUTHWEST N WILLAMETTE N SANTIAM S SANTIAM S WILLAMETTE SANTIAM MCKENZIE N INDIGO S INDIGO INDIGO DIXON EVANS CR ROGUE METOLIUS UPPER DESCHUTES DESCHUTES CASCADES GRAND TOTAL ROOSEVELT ELK * This data analyzed by taking means of replicate sample surveys. You can not calculate ratios using the raw data. 56 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk ROOSEVELT ELK POPULATION TRENDS REPORT

WATERSHED MILES ELK ELK PER MILE UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED OBSERVED 2005 2004 2003 BENCHMARK SCAPPOOSE N WILLAMETTE ------SADDLE MT N COAST ------2.4 WILSON N COAST ------2.6 TRASK N COAST ------1.5 ALSEA N COAST ------16.1 SIUSLAW 250 45 0.2 ------

NORTH COAST ------

E TIOGA UMPQUA 75 250 3.3 -- 3.6 2.0 W TIOGA UMPQUA 300 315 1.1 1.2 -- 1.5 TIOGA UMPQUA 375 565 1.5 1.2 -- 1.7 SIXES UMPQUA 500 118 0.2 0.4 -- 1.0 POWERS UMPQUA 750 141 0.2 0.3 0.7 1.2 CHETCO ROGUE ------1.5

SOUTHWEST 1,625 824 0.5 0.6 0.7 --

SANTIAM S WILLAMETTE ------MCkENZIE S WILLAMETTE ------9.6 N INDIGO S WILLAMETTE ------10.2 S INDIGO UMPQUA 200 439 2.2 1.7 1.4 2.1 INDIGO 200 439 2.2 2 -- 3.3 DIXON UMPQUA 390 564 1.4 2.2 1.7 2.5 EVANS CR ROGUE ------3.4 -- -- ROGUE ROGUE ------2.1 -- 2.6

CASCADES 790 1,442 1.8 2.0 1.6 --

ROOSEVELT ELk GRAND TOTAL 2,415 2,266 0.9 1.1 1.4 --

In 1996 an experimental elK inventory was begun in the McKenzie, Alsea, and Stott Mt. units. No elk per mile data are available for these units.

In 1997 portions of the Indigo Unit and the Siuslaw unit were included in the experimental elk inventory.

The management units involved in the experimental elk survey vary from year to year.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 57 Big Game Statistics: Elk ------11 -- -- CALVES PER 100 COWS 0 1421 19 2124 23 22 22 39 28 14 25 30 23 45 39 36 40 2720 4527 26 34 31 26 35 28 24 29 1948 24 17 24 18 22 28 2943 24 38 3936 25 31 33 35 36 35 2632 21 36 32 2832 26 20 32 31 16 25 2033 29 19 34 35 34 4059 35 54 3616 4658 37 38 40 53 42 38 27 35 100 28 45 59 37 3823 28 25 34 16 26 1837 24 24 25 19 2040 27 30 29 33 28 26 26 27 17 2018 26 16 21 22 19 30 3820 31 19 33 24 21 282038 2145 23 32 18 38 13 33 22 48 19 34 44 28 22 17 22 2005 2004 2003 P3YR

------98 10 4 15 7 10 8 10 67 10 10 9 10 8 10 8 10 8 10 8 10 7 10 9 13 98 -- 8 6 0 8 5 977 6 6 12 8 9 8 8 88 9 18 10 12 20 ------20 20 100 0 0 3 7 6 3 15 9 7 4 109 15 13 10 13 15 4 128 4 15 8 12 9 10 10 3 127 10 4 12 4 9 9 14 9 11 15 17 20 12 50 27 15 1310 19 15 18 15 17 13 10 13 1712 6 17 12 11 10 13 1411 23 11 16 18 1814 1316 20 13 15 2110 8 14 1211 12 17 10 13 10 10 10 9 111625 10 2413 25 18 1425 18 193319 13 22 23 15 15 13 17 8 20 10 23 83 18 24 11 40 20 11 20 20 11 1513 1211 10 12 15 BULLS PER 100 COWS 2 1 1 0 76 23 25 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK HERD COMPOSITION REPORT 1 1 2 73 20 95 5 78 195 102 0 1500 44 199 3 16 9 343 58 410 4 12 73 429 62 564 91 463 210 764 39 291 59 389 29 230 10057 359 473 168 698 7054 49012 481 125 316 15458 685 689 958496 630 423 606 592 125 191 121 813 8182 881 36 809 2,10033 728 438 390 907 24362 2,571 212 143 1,053 826 686 1,083 30268 1,190 27116 160 499 63 10 89 12 320 8886 420 931 344 1,361 1649 126 563 25 213 167 825 189 1,971 541 2,701 456 6,780 1,442 8,678 115448 1,581 4,683 221 1,060 1,917 6,191 169 1,057774 428 5,915 1,654 2,364 9,053 111 732203 204 1,799 1,047 803 2,805 1,924 19,822 5,575 27,321 DISTRICT BULLS COWS CALVES TOTAL 2005 2004 2003 P3yr MO WATERSHED ELK CLASSIFIED IN 2005 GRANDE RONDE JOHN DAY JOHN DAY MALHEUR DESCHUTES GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDE GRANDE RONDEJOHN DAY GRANDE RONDE 151JOHN DAY 2,178 392 2,721 MALHEUR DESCHUTES DESCHUTES DESCHUTES UNIT MINAM IMNAHA CATHERINE CRKEATING PINE CR GRANDE RONDE LOOKOUT MT WALLOWA ZONE GRANDE RONDE SNAKE RIVERCHESNIMNUSSLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE WENAHA GRANDE RONDE WALLA GRANDE RONDE MT EMILY JOHN DAY WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE STARKEY UKIAH SUMPTER DESOLATIONHEPPNER FOSSIL JOHN DAY UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE NORTHSIDEMURDERERS CRW. BEULAH JOHN DAY E. BEULAH JOHN DAY MALHEUR RIVERSILVIES MALHEUR JOHN DAY OCHOCO GRIZZLY MAURY OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE WHITE RIVERMAUPIN / BIGGSSTEEN'S MT DESCHUTES DESCHUTES FORT ROCKSILVER LAKEPAULINA MALHEUR WAGONTIRE KLAMATH KLAMATH CENTRAL/SE ZONE DESCHUTES ROCKY MT ELK GRAND TOTAL

58 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK POPULATION TRENDS REPORT

WATERSHED MILES ELK ELK PER MILE UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED OBSERVED 2005 2004 2003 BENCHMARK MINAM GRANDE RONDE 200 1,667 8.3 7.1 8.0 8.1 IMNAHA GRANDE RONDE 200 1,414 7.1 7.7 5.9 3.0 CATHERINE CR GRANDE RONDE 125 654 5.2 2.6 2.7 4.0 KEATING GRANDE RONDE -- 95 -- 1.9 1.5 3.0 PINE CR GRANDE RONDE -- 423 -- 6.9 5.4 3.0 LOOKOUT MT GRANDE RONDE -- 389 ------1.8

WALLOWA ZONE -- 4,642 ------4.6

SNAKE RIVER GRANDE RONDE 200 2,776 13.9 11.5 14.2 15.0 CHESNIMNUS GRANDE RONDE 302 2,479 8.2 7.9 7.7 9.2 SLED SPRINGS GRANDE RONDE 170 1,971 11.6 9.5 10.3 12.0 WENAHA GRANDE RONDE 219 1,167 5.3 4.6 5.4 18.0 WALLA WALLA* JOHN DAY -- 410 ------20.0 MT EMILY* JOHN DAY -- 1,912 ------25.0

WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE -- 10,715 ------14.6

STARKEY GRANDE RONDE 126 5,413 43.0 31.0 42.3 33.7 UKIAH* JOHN DAY -- 2,871 ------46.3 SUMPTER GRANDE RONDE -- 1,053 ------3.8 DESOLATION JOHN DAY ------41.3 6.0 HEPPNER JOHN DAY 67 1,728 25.8 44.4 17.9 20.0 FOSSIL JOHN DAY 58 59 1.0 5.1 -- 4.0

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE -- 11,124 ------18.4

NORTHSIDE JOHN DAY ------11.5 4.8 MURDERERS CR JOHN DAY ------12.0 4.9 W. BEULAH JOHN DAY ------2.3 3.8 E. BEULAH MALHEUR -- 167 -- -- 1.0 -- MALHEUR RIVER MALHEUR 156 830 5.3 4.7 5.0 -- SILVIES MALHEUR 150 1,674 11.2 9.0 7.4 -- OCHOCO DESCHUTES 236 2,102 8.9 6.2 8.6 4.3 GRIZZLY DESCHUTES 78 506 6.5 5.7 7.5 8.9 MAURY DESCHUTES 170 534 3.1 4.9 3.1 2.1

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE 790 5,813 7.4 10.3 6.6 4.5

WHITE RIVER DESCHUTES 108 403 3.7 -- -- 2.3 MAUPIN/BIGGS DESCHUTES ------STEENS MT MALHEUR 65 91 1.4 2.0 1.3 --

ROCKY MT ELK GRAND TOTAL 32,385 ------10.3 * No miles are given because a fixed route has not been used since 1996 when the April fixed wing census flight was eliminated. The elk count data is collected during the early March composition helicopter flights.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 59 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

SADDLE MT Early General 1,080 10,445 67 89 156 14 SCAPPOOSE Early General 434 3,051 22 77 99 23 WILSON Early General 601 4,733 33 33 66 11 Wilson Unit 212R No Survey Wilson Unit total 601 4,733 33 33 66 11 TRASK Early General 897 8,302 33 111 144 16 WILLAMETTE Early General 202 1,542 STOTT MT Early General 334 3,140 22 33 55 16 Late General 278 1,203 Stott Mt Unit total 612 4,343 22 33 55 9 ALSEA Early General 886 7,828 33 33 4 Late General 570 2,523 45 45 8 Alsea Unit total 1,456 10,351 45 33 78 5 SIUSLAW Early General 403 4,119 22 33 55 14

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 5,685 46,886 244 409 653 11

MELROSE Early General 158 1,408 22 11 33 21 TIOGA Early General 1,245 10,509 83 121 204 16 Sitkum 224R 196 785 6 6 3 Tioga Unit total 1,441 11,294 89 121 210 15 SIXES Early General 262 2,025 22 24 46 18 POWERS Early General 158 1,742 2 2 1 Powers 226R No Survey Powers Unit total 158 1,742 2 2 1 CHETCO Early General 67 367 APPLEGATE Early General 24 214

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 2,110 17,050 135 156 291 14

SANTIAM Early General 1,739 14,754 11 67 78 4 Late General 612 3,652 22 22 4 Santiam Unit total 2,351 18,406 33 67 100 4 McKENZIE Early General 1,060 9,696 11 99 110 10 Late General 626 3,371 11 11 2 McKenzie Unit total 1,686 13,067 22 99 121 7 INDIGO Early General 595 5,471 2 13 15 3 Late General 355 1,790 11 11 3 Indigo Unit total 950 7,261 13 13 26 3 DIXON Early General 340 3,095 2 22 24 7 EVANS CREEK Early General 69 807 13 11 24 35 ROGUE Early General 861 8,019 22 22 44 5 West Rogue 230R No Survey Rogue Unit total 861 8,019 22 22 44 5

60 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE ARCHERY SEASONS

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

KENO Early General 158 1,690 SPRAGUE Early General 33 156 11 11 33 UPPER DESCHUTES Early General 447 3,788 22 22 44 10 METOLIUS Early General 122 1,114 FORT ROCK Early General 356 2,895 11 11 3

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 7,373 60,298 127 278 405 5

ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE 1,2 ARCHERY SEASON TOTAL 15,168 124,234 506 843 1,349 9

1 Includes 2,163 archery hunters who also hunted in Eastern Oregon 2 Grand Total includes 1,996 archery hunters who hunted both the early and late seasons in western Oregon.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 61 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 10 Saddle Mt Unit #1 210X 1257 4070 234 234 19 Saddle Mt Unit #2 210Y 1249 6195 158 158 13 Onion Peak 210A 79 285 49 49 62 Lewis & Clark 210B 103 396 76 76 74 Nicolai 210C 43 169 21 21 49 Rock Creek 210D 29 98 18 18 62 Upper Nehalem #1 210E1 34 735 21 21 62 Upper Nehalem #2 210E2 26 162 17 17 65 Upper Nehalem #3 210E3 28 158 18 18 64 Lower Columbia 210F No Survey Youngs River 210G 35 210 22 22 63 Astoria N #1 210H1 21 79 18 18 86 Astoria N #2 210H2 18 84 12 12 67 Astoria N #3 210H3 17 71 12 12 71 Miami/Nehalem #1 212A1 17 134 5 5 29 Miami/Nehalem #2 212A2 3 40 3 3 100 Miami/Nehalem #3 212A3 3 43 Miami/Nehalem #4 212A4 0 North Fork Nehalem Muzzleloader 212M 6 24 Misc CH total 462 2,688 292 292 63 Saddle Mt Unit total 2,968 12,953 292 392 684 23

SCAPPOOSE 11 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 822 2799 56 56 7 GENERAL Coast-Valley 834 3553 79 79 9 Scappoose Unit 211 198 964 64 64 32 South Scappoose #1 211B1 78 966 29 29 37 South Scappoose #2 211B2 102 708 53 53 52 North Central Scappoose 211C 66 816 34 34 52 Upper Nehalem #1 210E1 10 119 7 7 70 Upper Nehalem #2 210E2 4 28 2 2 50 Upper Nehalem #3 210E3 0 Misc CH total 458 3,601 189 189 41 Scappoose Unit total 2,114 9,953 189 135 324 15

WILSON 12 GENERAL Wilson-Trask 1708 6904 198 198 12 GENERAL Coast-Valley 913 4122 118 118 13 Onion Peak 210A 0 Miami/Nehalem #1 212A1 12 121 5 5 42 Miami/Nehalem #2 212A2 16 188 11 11 69 Miami/Nehalem #3 212A3 21 117 12 12 57 Miami/Nehalem #4 212A4 21 175 6 6 29 Lower Kilchis 212B 21 79 15 15 71 Buick Canyon #1 212C1 11 63 Buick Canyon #2 212C2 11 40 2 2 18 Buick Canyon #3 212C3 5 28 3 3 60 Tillamook North #1 212D1 28 137 22 22 79 Tillamook North #2 212D2 30 93 23 23 77 Tillamook North #3 212D3 22 100 17 17 77 North Fork Nehalem Muzzleloader 212M 15 107 2 2 13 Wilson Unit Youth 212T 201 666 114 114 57 Misc CH total 414 1,914 232 232 56 Wilson Unit total 3,035 12,940 232 316 548 18

62 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

TRASK 14 GENERAL Wilson-Trask 1850 7471 237 237 13 GENERAL Coast-Valley 1531 6822 147 147 10 Trask Unit 214 28 115 19 19 68 West Trask #1 214A1 68 3290 30 30 44 West Trask #2 214A2 27 171 17 17 63 West Trask #3 214A3 24 188 20 20 83 Wind River 214B 41 509 18 18 44 Beaver Creek 214C 43 794 12 12 28 Pike 214D 38 331 16 16 42 Tillamook South #1 214E1 20 55 20 20 100 Tillamook South #2 214E2 20 44 18 18 90 Tillamook South #3 214E3 13 81 12 12 92 Northeast Trask #1 214F1 70 1079 21 21 30 Northeast Trask #2 214F2 63 323 28 28 44 Northeast Trask #3 214F3 58 480 21 21 36 Panther Creek 214G No Survey Salmon River Estuary 214H No Survey Northeast Trask Muzzleloader 214M No Survey Misc CH total 513 7,460 252 252 49 Trask Unit total 3,894 21,753 252 384 636 16

STOTT MT 17 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 482 1645 56 56 12 GENERAL Coast-Valley 579 2483 59 59 10 East Stott Mt #1 217A1 48 205 23 23 48 East Stott Mt #2 217A2 30 339 8 8 27 West Stott Mt #1 217B1 80 360 31 31 39 West Stott Mt #2 217B2 58 325 33 33 57 Salmon River Estuary 214H No Survey Thompson Creek 218F 21 226 10 10 48 Misc CH total 237 1,455 105 105 44 Stott Mt Unit total 1,298 5,583 105 115 220 17

ALSEA 18 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 1368 4752 158 158 12 GENERAL Coast-Valley 1639 7538 119 119 7 North Alsea 218A 111 517 31 31 28 Southwest Alsea 218B 140 620 62 62 44 Southeast Alsea 218C 33 149 13 13 39 Central Alsea 218D 102 393 47 47 46 Ona Damage 218E 25 120 8 8 32 Thompson Creek 218F 17 293 11 11 65 Yachats 218G 23 134 12 12 52 Long Tom-Bellfountain 218H 19 213 Airlie-Lewisburg 218J 74 955 23 23 31 North Fork Siuslaw River 218K 11 42 3 3 27 Willamette Unit Plus 215A 2 22 Misc CH total 557 3,458 210 210 38 Alsea Unit total 3,564 15,748 210 277 487 14

SIUSLAW 20 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 538 1787 48 48 9 GENERAL Coast-Valley 913 4378 69 69 8 Noti-Saginaw 220A 17 159 8 8 47 Elkton 220B No Survey West Siuslaw 220C 30 141 18 18 60 Misc CH total 47 300 26 26 55 Siuslaw Unit total 1,498 6,465 26 117 143 10

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 63 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

WILLAMETTE 15 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 95 308 GENERAL Coast-Valley 177 824 10 10 6 Willamette Unit Plus 215A 114 1616 7 26 33 29 Muddy Creek 215B 15 224 Sandy 216F 5 129 3 3 60 Misc CH total 134 1,969 10 26 36 27 Willamette Unit total 406 3,101 10 36 46 11

General Wilson-Trask 3,558 14,375 435 435 12 General Mid Coast-Valley & early CH bull 4,562 15,361 552 552 12 General Coast-Valley & late CH bull 7,835 35,915 759 759 10 Misc CH total 2,822 22,845 1,316 26 1,342 48

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 18,777 88,496 1,316 1,772 3,088 16

MELROSE 23 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 127 451 8 8 6 GENERAL Coast-Valley 167 579 20 20 12 Melrose Plus 223A 222 3399 99 99 45 Melrose Unit total 516 4,429 99 28 127 25

TIOGA 24 Tioga Unit #1 224X No Survey Tioga Unit #2 224Y No Survey Elliot Rifle 224A 82 286 72 72 88 Sumner 224B 23 72 18 18 78 Callahan 224C 38 146 29 29 76 Old Blue 224D 41 202 29 29 71 Lake Creek Muzzleloader 224M 145 587 55 55 38 Lake Creek Youth 224T1 No Survey Ash Valley Youth 224T2 No Survey Callahan Youth 224T3 53 155 41 41 77 Old Blue Youth 224T4 50 145 41 41 82 Melrose Plus 223A 37 841 25 25 68 Misc CH total 469 2,434 310 310 66 Tioga Unit total 469 2,434 310 310 66

SIXES 25 Sixes Unit #1 225X 91 313 48 48 53 Sixes Unit #2 225Y 95 378 52 52 55 North Sixes 225A 44 380 30 30 68 Curry Private 225B No Survey Misc CH total 44 380 30 30 68 Sixes Unit total 230 1,071 30 100 130 57

POWERS 26 Powers Unit #1 226A1 244 981 14 14 6 Powers Unit #2 226A2 52 348 16 16 31 Bone Mt Youth 226T No Survey Melrose Plus 223A 9 262 9 9 100 Misc CH total 9 262 9 9 100 Powers Unit total 305 1,591 9 30 39 13

64 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

CHETCO 27 Chetco Unit #1 227X 54 174 20 20 37 Chetco Unit #2 227Y 35 167 10 10 29 Curry Private 225B No Survey Chetco Unit total 89 341 30 30 34

APPLEGATE 28 GENERAL Mid Coast-Valley 55 206 GENERAL Coast-Valley 39 196 Southeast Evans Cr #1 229A1 No Survey Southeast Evans Cr #2 229A2 No Survey Misc CH total 0 Applegate Unit total 94 402

General Midcoast-Valley & early CH bull 571 2,125 90 90 16 General Coast-Valley & late CH bull 388 1,668 98 98 25 Misc CH total 744 6,475 448 448 60

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 1,703 10,268 448 188 636 37

SANTIAM 16 GENERAL CASCADE 3109 13783 120 120 4 Southwest Santiam 216B 122 557 43 43 35 Jordan 216C 48 507 16 16 33 McDowell Creek 216D 27 217 12 12 44 Molalla 216E 94 1191 35 35 37 Sandy 216F 94 1243 20 20 21 Southwest Santiam Youth 216T 25 96 6 6 24 Northwest Cascade Muzzleloader 200M1 134 761 6 14 20 15 CH total 544 4,572 132 20 152 28 Santiam Unit total 3,653 18,355 132 140 272 7

McKENZIE 19 GENERAL CASCADE 1971 8341 81 81 4 Mohawk 219A 56 256 21 21 38 Southwest McKenzie 219B 65 338 20 20 31 Northwest McKenzie 219C 9 40 Chandler Mt 219D 13 160 7 7 54 Wendling 219E 31 194 12 12 39 Horse Rock 219F 36 404 8 8 22 Scott Mt 219G 12 108 5 5 42 McKenzie Unit Youth 219T 46 200 8 10 18 39 West Cascade Muzzleloader 200M1 170 912 10 10 6 CH total 438 2,612 91 10 101 23 McKenzie Unit total 2,409 10,953 91 91 182 8

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 65 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

INDIGO 21 GENERAL CASCADE 1958 8602 146 146 7 Northwest Indigo 221A 53 260 17 17 32 Cougar Mt-Taylor Bt 221B 22 172 9 9 41 Sutherlin 221C 19 74 13 13 68 North Indigo Youth 221T1 42 168 3 2 5 12 Sutherlin Youth 221T2 25 125 6 6 24 Upper North Umpqua 222A 38 199 16 16 42 Melrose Plus 223A 3 9 3 3 100 Northwest Cascades Muzzleloader 200M1 242 1296 26 10 36 15 Southwest Cascades Muzzleloader 200M2 142 761 16 4 20 14 CH total 586 3,064 109 16 125 21 Indigo Unit total 2,544 11,666 109 162 271 11

DIXON 22 GENERAL CASCADE 1761 8195 152 152 9 Upper North Umpqua 222A 14 182 3 3 21 Tiller 222B No Survey South Umpqua Youth 222T No Survey Melrose Plus 223A 6 71 West Rogue 230A No Survey Soutwest Cascade Muzzleloader 200M2 106 577 12 2 14 13 CH total 126 830 15 2 17 13 Dixon Unit total 1,887 9,025 15 154 169 9

EVANS CREEK 29 GENERAL CASCADE 337 1335 25 25 7 Southeast Evans Cr #1 229A1 No Survey Southeast Evans Cr #2 229A2 No Survey Melrose Plus 223A 6 62 3 3 50 Southwest Cascades Muzzleloader 200M2 16 72 CH total 22 134 3 3 14 Evans Creek Unit total 359 1,469 3 25 28 8

ROGUE 30 GENERAL CASCADE 2390 11628 114 114 5 West Rogue 230A No Survey Foothills Rogue 230B No Survey Rogue Unit Youth 230T 87 649 20 20 23 Southwest Cascade Muzzleloader 200M2 313 1675 22 6 28 9 CH total 400 2,324 42 6 48 12 Rogue Unit total 2,790 13,952 42 120 162 6

KENO 31 GENERAL CASCADE 636 3020 45 45 7

SPRAGUE 33 GENERAL CASCADE 32 108 6 6 19

UPPER DESCHUTES 34 GENERAL CASCADE 1157 5448 25 25 2 Little River 234A 25 144 5 5 20 Tumalo 234B 28 400 10 10 36 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 110 563 5 4 9 8 CH total 163 1,107 20 4 24 15 Upper Deschutes Unit total 1,320 6,555 20 29 49 4

GRIZZLY 38 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 0

66 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

METOLIUS 39 GENERAL CASCADE 343 1430 18 18 5 Tumalo 234B 21 217 10 10 48 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 31 141 5 5 16 Metolius Unit total 395 1,788 15 18 33 8

FORT ROCK 77 GENERAL CASCADE 254 1259 12 12 5 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 2 17 Fort Rock Unit total 256 1,276 12 12 5

General Season Total 13,948 63,149 744 744 5 West Cascade Muzzleloader 200M 881 4,758 66 26 92 10 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 143 721 10 4 14 10 CH total (Includes muzzleloader hunts) 2,333 15,018 427 58 485 21

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 16,281 78,167 427 802 1,229 8

ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE AREA RIFLE TOTALS

General Wilson-Trask 3,558 14,375 435 435 12 General Mid Coast-Valley & early CH bull 5,133 17,486 642 642 13 General Coast-Valley & late CH bull 8,223 37,583 857 857 10 Coast Misc CH total 3,566 29,320 1,764 26 1,790 50 Cascade General season total 13,948 63,149 744 744 5 Cascade CH total 2,333 15,018 427 58 485 21

ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE RIFLE SEASONS TOTAL 36,761 176,931 2,191 2,762 4,953 13

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 67 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADES: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULLS ELK SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 201 852 65 9 74 37 SCAPPOOSE 97 413 11 10 21 22 WILSON 216 919 55 11 66 31 TRASK 361 1,518 70 22 92 25 STOTT MTN. 83 305 15 10 25 30 ALSEA 299 1,236 50 24 74 25 SIUSLAW 103 399 9 4 13 13 WILLAMETTE 28 109 3 3 11

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 1,388 5,751 278 90 368 27

MELROSE 32 96 2 2 4 13 TIOGA 363 1,627 90 21 111 31 SIXES 3 11 2 2 67 POWERS 52 221 14 2 16 31 CHETCO 2 14 APPLEGATE 2 4

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 454 1,973 108 25 133 29

SANTIAM 247 1,246 22 5 27 11 McKENZIE 187 844 14 6 20 11 INDIGO 147 854 19 7 26 18 DIXON 147 773 15 8 23 16 EVANS CREEK 17 74 ROGUE 194 959 9 11 20 10 KENO 38 192 7 2 9 24 UPPER DESCHUTES 134 647 24 5 29 22 METOLIUS 17 87 4 4 24

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 1,128 5,676 110 48 158 14

ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE SEASON TOTAL 2,970 13,400 496 163 659 22

68 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADES: TOTAL ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

SADDLE MT 4048 23398 359 481 840 21 SCAPPOOSE 2548 13004 211 212 423 17 WILSON 3636 17673 265 349 614 17 TRASK 4791 30055 285 495 780 16 STOTT MT 1910 9926 127 148 275 14 ALSEA 5020 26099 255 310 565 11 SIUSLAW 1901 10584 48 150 198 10 WILLAMETTE 608 4643 10 36 46 8

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 24,462 135,382 1,560 2,181 3,741 15

MELROSE 674 5837 121 39 160 24 TIOGA 1910 13728 399 121 520 27 SIXES 492 3096 52 124 176 36 POWERS 463 3333 11 30 41 9 CHETCO 156 708 30 30 19 APPLEGATE 118 616

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 3,813 27,318 583 344 927 24

SANTIAM 6004 36761 165 207 372 6 McKENZIE 4095 24020 113 190 303 7 INDIGO 3494 18927 122 175 297 9 DIXON 2227 12120 17 176 193 9 EVANS CREEK 428 2276 16 36 52 12 ROGUE 3651 21971 64 142 206 6 KENO 794 4710 45 45 6 SPRAGUE 65 264 17 17 26 UPPER DESCHUTES 1767 10343 42 51 93 5 GRIZZLY 0 METOLIUS 517 2902 15 18 33 6 FORT ROCK 612 4171 23 23 4

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 23,654 138,465 554 1,080 1,634 7

Muzzleloader Total 1,432 7,493 159 40 199 14 (Subtotal included in above Area Totals)

Hunters with Disabilities1 2,970 13,400 496 163 659 22 (This data is not included in above table)

ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADE 2,3 SEASON TOTAL 54,899 314,565 3,193 3,768 6,961 13 1 Hunters with disabilities harvest is in addition to all other harvest shown above. 2 Includes 2,163 archery hunters who also hunted in Eastern Oregon. 3 Grand Total includes 1,996 archery hunters who hunted both the early and late seasons in western Oregon.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 69 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROOSEVELT ELK AND CASCADES: TOTAL ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

NORTH COAST AREA TOTAL 24,462 135,382 1,560 2,181 3,741 15

MELROSE 674 5837 121 39 160 24 TIOGA 1910 13728 399 121 520 27 SIXES 492 3096 52 124 176 36 POWERS 463 3333 11 30 41 9 CHETCO 156 708 30 30 19 APPLEGATE 118 616

SOUTH COAST AREA TOTAL 3,813 27,318 583 344 927 24

CASCADE AREA TOTAL 23,654 138,465 554 1,080 1,634 7

Muzzleloader Total 1,432 7,493 159 40 199 14 (Subtotal included in above Area Totals)

Hunters with Disabilities1 2,970 13,400 496 163 659 22 (This data is not included in above table)

70 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK ARCHERY HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

MINAM 60 GENERAL 256 1592 22 33 55 21 IMNAHA 61 GENERAL 312 2194 66 66 21 CATHERINE CREEK 53 GENERAL 256 2795 44 44 17 PINE CREEK 62 GENERAL 236 2311 22 22 9 KEATING 63 GENERAL 134 1470 11 33 44 33 LOOKOUT MT 64 GENERAL 89 757

WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 1,283 11,119 33 198 231 18

MT EMILY 54 GENERAL 481 5374 33 11 44 9 Mt Emily Unit 254R 0 Mt Emily Unit total 481 5,374 33 11 44 9 WALLA WALLA 55 GENERAL 147 1446 Walla Walla Unit 255R 0 Walla Walla Unit total 147 1,446 WENAHA 56 GENERAL 145 1949 11 11 8 Wenaha Unit 256R 0 Wenaha Unit total 145 1,949 11 11 8 SLED SPRINGS 57 Sled Springs #1 257R1 No Survey Sled Springs #2 257R2 No Survey Sled Springs Unit total 0 CHESNIMNUS 58 Chesnimnus Unit 258R No Survey SNAKE RIVER 59 GENERAL 189 1258 11 11 6

WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE TOTAL 962 10,027 44 22 66 7

UKIAH 49 GENERAL 1218 11037 56 55 111 9 DESOLATION 50 GENERAL 1608 14290 56 77 133 8 SUMPTER 51 GENERAL 624 5657 11 66 77 12 STARKEY 52 GENERAL 1422 14524 100 100 200 14 Starkey Exp Forest Bow 252R 0 Starkey Unit total 1,422 14,524 100 100 200 14 HEPPNER 48 GENERAL 813 7127 33 55 88 11 FOSSIL 45 GENERAL 67 791 11 22 33 49 COLUMBIA BASIN 44 GENERAL 33 401

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 5,785 53,827 267 375 642 11

MURDERERS CREEK 46 GENERAL 1236 11436 22 122 144 12 NORTHSIDE 47 GENERAL 761 5831 35 57 92 12 BEULAH 65 GENERAL 654 5540 56 24 80 12 MALHEUR RIVER 66 GENERAL 694 6276 22 79 101 15 SILVIES 72 GENERAL 765 7510 11 55 66 9 MAURY 36 GENERAL 78 713 11 11 14 OCHOCO 37 GENERAL 1565 12555 56 33 89 6 GRIZZLY 38 GENERAL 336 3336 22 22 7

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 6,089 53,197 202 403 605 10

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 71 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK ARCHERY HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS SEASON HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

BLUE MT AREA TOTALS 14,119 128,170 546 998 1,544 11

BIGGS 43 GENERAL 11 22 MAUPIN 40 GENERAL 11 56 HOOD 42 GENERAL 111 902 11 11 10 WHITE RIVER 41 GENERAL 234 1860 11 22 33 14 PAULINA 35 GENERAL 290 2550 11 11 22 8 FORT ROCK 77 GENERAL See Roosevelt/Cascade Archery Summary SILVER LAKE 76 GENERAL 45 290 11 11 24 SPRAGUE 33 GENERAL See Roosevelt/Cascade Archery Summary UPPER DESCHUTES 34 GENERAL See Roosevelt/Cascade Archery Summary KLAMATH FALLS 32 GENERAL 45 356 INTERSTATE 75 GENERAL 78 657 WARNER 74 GENERAL 11 156

CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 836 6,849 33 44 77 9

OWYHEE 67 GENERAL 11 167 WHITEHORSE 68 GENERAL 0 STEENS MT 69 GENERAL 11 56 BEATYS BUTTE 70 GENERAL 0 JUNIPER 71 GENERAL 22 56 WAGONTIRE 73 GENERAL 45 212

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 89 491

1 EASTERN OREGON ARCHERY TOTAL 15,044 135,510 579 1,042 1,621 11

1 Includes 2,163 archery hunters who also hunted in Western Oregon

72 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

MINAM 60 Minam Unit #1 260X 372 1,553 68 68 18 Minam Unit #2 260Y 412 2,274 66 66 16 Alder Slope 260B No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Minam Unit total 784 3,827 134 134 17

IMNAHA 61 Imnaha Unit 261X No Survey GENERAL 2nd 442 2,254 42 42 10 Imnaha Unit 261 No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Imnaha Unit total 442 2,254 42 42 10

CATHERINE CREEK 53 Catherine Cr Unit 253X 193 776 30 30 16 GENERAL 2nd 200 1,137 32 32 16 South Catherine Creek Private 253A No Survey South Catherine Creek 253B No Survey Mt Harris 253C No Survey Mt Harris Muzzleloader 253M No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Catherine Creek Unit total 393 1,913 62 62 16

PINE CREEK 62 Pine Creek Unit 262X 282 1,151 75 75 27 GENERAL 2nd 253 1,569 Pine Creek Unit 262 No Survey Pine Creek Unit total 535 2,720 75 75 14

KEATING 63 Keating Unit 263X 180 804 41 41 23 GENERAL 2nd 63 305 Keating Unit 263 No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Keating Unit total 243 1,109 41 41 17

LOOKOUT MT 64 Lookout Mt Unit #1 264X No Survey Lookout Mt Unit #2 264Y No Survey Lookout Mt Unit 264 No Survey Lookout Mt Unit total 0

All 1st Season Hunts 1,027 4,284 214 214 21 All 2nd Season Hunts 1,370 7,539 140 140 10 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 WALLOWA ZONE TOTAL 2,397 11,823 354 354 15

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 73 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

MT EMILY 54 Mt Emily Unit #1 254X 509 2,110 44 44 9 Mt Emily Unit #2 254Y No Survey GENERAL 2nd 1,032 5,761 11 11 1 Pumpkin Ridge 254A No Survey Reed & Hawley Mt 254B No Survey Mt Emily Unit Muzzleloader 254M No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Mt Emily Unit total 1,541 7,871 55 55 4

WALLA WALLA 55 Walla Walla Unit #1 255X 138 583 9 9 7 Walla Walla Unit #2 255Y No Survey GENERAL 2nd 253 1,496 21 21 8 Mill Creek Watershed 255A No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Walla Walla Unit total 391 2,079 30 30 8

WENAHA 56 Wenaha Unit #1 256X 208 932 30 30 14 Wenaha Unit #2 256Y 18 113 8 8 44 GENERAL 2nd 611 3,644 95 95 16 Bartlett Bench 256A No Survey Troy 256B No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Wenaha Unit total 837 4,689 133 133 16

SLED SPRINGS 57 Sled Springs Unit #1 257X No Survey Sled Springs Unit #2 257Y No Survey Elk Creek 257A No Survey Flora #1 257B1 No Survey Flora #2 257B2 No Survey Whiskey Creek 257C No Survey East Sled Springs 257D No Survey West Sled Springs 257E No Survey Crickett Flat 257F No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Sled Springs Unit total 0

CHESNIMNUS 58 Chesnimnus Unit 258X No Survey Zumwalt 258A No Survey Chesnimnus Unit total 0

SNAKE RIVER 59 Snake River #1 259X No Survey Snake River #2 259Y No Survey Snake River Unit total 0

All 1st Season Hunts 855 3,625 83 83 10 All 2nd Season Hunts 1,914 11,014 135 135 7 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 WENAHA-SNAKE ZONE TOTAL 2,769 14,639 218 218 8

74 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

UKIAH 49 Ukiah Unit #1 249A1 No Survey Ukiah Unit #2 249A2 1,002 4,394 78 78 8 GENERAL 2nd 1,812 10,353 95 95 5 Central Ukiah 249B No Survey South Ukiah 249C No Survey McKay Creek 249D No Survey McKay Creek Youth Hunt 249T No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Ukiah Unit total 2,814 14,747 173 173 6

DESOLATION 50 Desolation Unit 250X 1,384 6,014 206 206 15 GENERAL 2nd 1,222 7,667 32 32 3 Desolation Unit #1 250A1 557 2,855 127 127 23 Desolation Unit #2 250A2 302 1,688 64 64 21 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 859 4,543 191 191 22 Desolation Unit total 3,465 18,224 191 238 429 12

SUMPTER 51 North Sumpter 251A 615 2,581 126 126 20 South Sumpter #1 251B1 No Survey GENERAL 2nd 864 5,045 11 11 1 South Sumpter #2 251B2 No Survey North Sumpter 251C No Survey South Sumpter 251D No Survey Elkhorn Mt #1 251E1 No Survey Elkhorn Mt #2 251E2 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Sumpter Unit total 1,479 7,626 137 137 9

STARKEY 52 Starkey Unit #1 252C1 453 1,952 56 127 183 40 Starkey Unit #2 252C2 1,574 7,061 131 131 8 GENERAL 2nd 1,864 10,416 126 126 7 Starkey Exp Forest 252A No Survey South Starkey #1 252D1 No Survey South Starkey #2 252D2 No Survey South Starkey Private 252E No Survey Starkey Experimental Forest/Range 252F No Survey North Starkey 252G No Survey Union Agriculture Muzzleloader 254M1 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Starkey Unit total 3,891 19,429 56 384 440 11

HEPPNER 48 Heppner #1 248A1 644 2,666 86 78 164 25 Heppner #2 248A2 567 2,855 58 58 10 Ritter #1 248B1 No Survey GENERAL 2ND 1,654 9,616 53 53 3 Ritter #2 248B2 No Survey Monument 248C No Survey Heppner 248D No Survey West Grant Private 247D No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Heppner Unit total 2,865 15,137 86 189 275 10

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 75 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

FOSSIL 45 North Fossil #1 245A1 536 2,213 37 37 74 14 South Fossil #1 245B1 No Survey North Fossil #2 245A2 537 3,030 39 26 65 12 South Fossil #2 245B2 455 2,397 36 66 102 22 North Fossil 245C No Survey South Fossil #1 245D1 No Survey South Fossil #2 245D2 No Survey South Fossil #3 245D3 No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Fossil Unit totals 1,528 7,640 112 129 241 16

COLUMBIA BASIN 44 GENERAL 1st 110 682 20 20 40 36

All 1st Season Hunts 6,885 30,418 199 861 1,060 15 All 2nd Season Hunts 8,408 48,524 75 409 484 6 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 859 4,543 191 191 22 UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE TOTAL 16,152 83,485 465 1,270 1,735 11

MURDERERS CREEK 46 Murderers Cr Unit 246X 368 1,508 69 69 19 West Murderers Creek 246A No Survey East Murderers Creek 246B No Survey Flagtail 246C No Survey Upper John Day River 246D No Survey East Grant 265F No Survey East Grant Muzzleloader 265M No Survey 2nd season total 0 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Murderers Creek Unit total 368 1,508 69 69 19

NORTHSIDE 47 Northside Unit 247X No Survey Northside Private #1 247A1 No Survey Northside Private #2 247A2 No Survey West Northside 247B No Survey East Northside 247C No Survey Northside Unit 247 No Survey West Grant Private 247D No Survey East Northside Private 247E No Survey Upper John Day River 246D No Survey 2nd season total 0 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Northside Unit total 0

76 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

BEULAH 65 West Beulah #1 265A1 No Survey East Beulah #1 265B1 77 312 2 12 14 18 West Beulah #2 265A2 No Survey East Beulah #2 265B2 102 554 25 14 39 38 East Beulah #3 265B3 145 849 17 19 36 25 Bully Creek 265D 35 138 11 11 31 East Grant 265F No Survey East Grant Muzzleloader 265M No Survey Upper John Day River 246D No Survey Drewsey Valley #1 266A1 26 126 Drewsey Valley #2 266A2 9 88 4 4 44 2nd season total 247 1,403 42 33 75 30 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 70 352 4 11 15 21 Beulah Unit total 394 2,067 48 56 104 26

MALHEUR RIVER 66 North Malheur R #1 266X 384 1,738 34 34 9 North Malheur River #2 266Y 389 2,372 25 25 6 Drewsey Valley #1 266A1 56 329 9 9 16 Drewsey Valley #2 266A2 31 177 4 North Malheur River 266B 227 1,416 68 68 30 South Malheur River 266C 71 336 13 13 18 High Desert 278A 60 275 6 6 10 High Desert 278A2 280 1,766 38 38 76 27 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 40 184 6 6 15 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 765 4,483 138 44 182 24 Malheur River Unit total 1,538 8,593 138 103 241 16

SILVIES 72 Silvies Unit #1 272X 556 2,392 94 94 17 Silvies Unit #2 272Y 543 3,593 76 76 14 Silvies Unit #1 272A1 266 1,375 63 63 24 Silvies Unit #2 272A2 224 1,027 67 67 30 Silvies North Juniper #1 271A1 74 478 24 24 32 Silvies North Juniper #2 271A2 41 171 12 12 29 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 605 3,051 166 166 27 Silvies Unit total 1,704 9,036 166 170 336 20

MAURY 36 Maury Unit #1 236X 87 299 33 33 38 Maury Unit #2 236Y 103 508 23 23 22 Maury Unit 236 No Survey Maury-Hampton Buttes 236A 42 171 15 15 36 Crooked River 237B 16 91 10 10 63 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 58 262 25 25 43 Maury Unit total 248 1,069 25 56 81 33

OCHOCO 37 Ochoco Unit #1 237X 375 1,800 80 80 21 Ochoco Unit #2 237Y 378 2,196 78 78 21 Ochoco Unit 237 516 2,959 115 115 22 North Ochoco 237A 29 218 11 11 38 Crooked River 237B 85 535 16 16 19 Ochoco Unit Youth Hunt 237T 182 737 14 14 8 Southwest Grizzly 238A 4 20 2 2 50 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 816 4,469 158 158 19 Ochoco Unit total 1,569 8,465 158 158 316 20

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 77 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

GRIZZLY 38 Grizzly Unit #1 238X No Survey Grizzly Unit #2 238Y No Survey Grizzly Unit 238 50 227 3 3 6 Southwest Grizzly 238A 177 1,832 44 44 25 North Grizzly Private 238B 158 716 79 79 50 East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 0 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 385 2,775 126 126 33 Grizzly Unit total 385 2,775 126 126 33

All 1st Season Hunts 1,847 8,049 2 322 324 18 All 2nd Season Hunts 1,660 10,072 42 235 277 17 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 2,699 15,392 617 55 672 25 OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE TOTAL 6,206 33,513 661 612 1,273 21

All 1st Season Hunts 10,614 46,376 201 1,480 1,681 16 All 2nd Season Hunts 13,352 77,149 117 919 1,036 8 Misc CH total 3,558 19,935 808 55 863 24 BLUE MT AREA TOTAL 27,524 143,460 1,126 2,454 3,580 13

BIGGS 43 GENERAL 1st 149 822 5 5 10 7 GENERAL 2nd 84 527 North Grizzly Private 238B 0 Maupin/West Biggs 240A 82 583 40 40 49 Biggs Unit total 315 1,932 45 5 50 16

MAUPIN 40 GENERAL 1st 30 70 10 10 33 GENERAL 2nd 147 758 53 53 36 North Grizzly Private 238B 0 Maupin/West Biggs 240A 143 1,027 32 32 22 Maupin Unit total 320 1,855 32 63 95 30

HOOD 42 GENERAL 1st 60 199 5 5 8 GENERAL 2nd 432 2,264 Hood River/Mosier Valley 242A 33 399 7 7 21 White River/Hood 241B 15 80 North White River/Hood #1 241C1 2 2 North White River/Hood #2 241C2 3 15 2 2 67 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 53 496 9 9 17 Hood Unit total 545 2,959 9 5 14 3

WHITE RIVER 41 GENERAL 1st 224 906 20 20 9 GENERAL 2nd 716 3,992 11 11 2 The Dalles Watershed 241A 26 86 3 3 12 White River/Hood 241B 131 711 2 2 2 North White River/Hood #1 241C1 19 134 2 2 11 North White River/Hood #2 241C2 15 106 2 2 13 Larch Creek 241D 29 364 4 4 14 Hood River/Mosier Valley 242A 7 73 1 1 14 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 227 1,474 11 3 14 6 White River Unit total 1,167 6,372 11 34 45 4

KLAMATH FALLS 32 GENERAL 1st 90 398 Klamath Falls Unit 232 44 236 4 4 9 Klamath Falls Unit total 134 634 4 4 3

78 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

SPRAGUE 33 GENERAL 1st 90 383 5 5 6 Sprague Unit 233A 70 445 7 1 8 11 Sprague Unit total 160 828 7 6 13 8

PAULINA 35 GENERAL 1st 1,101 4,751 30 30 3 Paulina/East Fort Rock 235A 134 889 12 12 9 Badlands 235B No Survey Little River 234A 9 42 3 3 33 Paulina-East Fort Rock Muzzleloader 235M 52 217 4 4 8 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 61 259 3 4 7 11 Paulina Unit total 1,296 5,899 15 34 49 4

WARNER 74 GENERAL 1st 80 264 Warner Unit 274 44 215 Warner Unit total 124 479

INTERSTATE 75 GENERAL 1st 259 996 5 5 2 Interstate Unit 275 101 459 4 4 4 Interstate Unit total 360 1,455 4 5 9 3

SILVER LAKE 76 GENERAL 1st 369 1,549 20 20 5 Silver Lake Unit 276 180 1,174 13 6 19 11 Connley Hills 277A No Survey Hayes Butte-Murdock Creek 277B No Survey Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 0 Silver Lake Unit total 549 2,723 13 26 39 7

FORT ROCK 77 GENERAL 1st 657 2,948 15 15 2 Paulina/East Fort Rock 235A 62 319 12 12 19 Connley Hills 277A No Survey Hayes Butte-Murdock Creek 277B No Survey East Cascade Muzzleloader 234M 2 17 Total CH other than 1st & 2nd season 2 17 Fort Rock Unit total 721 3,284 12 15 27 4

All 1st Season Hunts 3,109 13,286 5 115 120 4 All 2nd Season Hunts 2,014 11,278 48 75 123 6 Misc CH total 568 3,856 95 7 102 18 CENTRAL AREA TOTAL 5,691 28,420 148 197 345 6

OWYHEE 67 Owyhee Unit 267 No Hunt High Desert 278A 16 118 High Desert #2 278A2 68 348 8 12 20 29 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 6 35 1 3 4 67 Owyhee Unit total 90 501 9 15 24 27

WHITEHORSE 68 East Whitehorse 268A No Survey High Desert 278A 0 High Desert 278A2 21 98 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 1 3 Whitehorse Unit total 22 101

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 79 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE SEASON

HARVEST SEASON # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE OR HUNT HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

STEENS MT 69 Steens 269A No Survey High Desert 278A 36 169 6 6 17 High Desert #2 278A2 127 853 13 8 21 17 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 35 171 1 1 2 6 Steens Mt Unit total 198 1,193 20 9 29 15

BEATYS BUTTE 70 High Desert 278A 2 14 High Desert #2 278A2 0 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 0 Beatys Butte Unit total 2 14

JUNIPER 71 Silvies-North Juniper #1 271A1 7 70 4 4 57 Silvies-North Juniper #2 271A2 8 70 1 1 13 High Desert 278A 22 90 6 6 27 High Desert #2 278A2 30 183 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 3 16 Juniper Unit total 70 429 11 11 16

WAGONTIRE 73 Wagontire Unit 273 No Survey High Desert 278A 108 542 10 10 9 High Desert 278A2 144 1,023 4 16 20 14 High Desert Muzzleloader 278M 39 197 4 9 13 33 Wagontire Unit total 291 1,762 18 25 43 15

HIGH DESERT AREA TOTAL 673 4,000 58 49 107 16

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RIFLE HUNTER TOTALS All 1st Season Hunts 13,723 59,662 206 1,595 1,801 13 All 2nd Season Hunts 15,366 88,427 165 994 1,159 8 Misc CH totals 4,799 27,791 961 111 1,072 22

GRAND TOTAL 33,888 175,880 1,332 2,700 4,032 12

80 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULLS ELK SUCCESS

MINAM 13 52 5 5 38 IMNAHA 29 137 8 5 13 45 CATHERINE CREEK 19 164 PINE CREEK 27 118 3 5 8 30 KEATING 7 49 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN 0

WALLOWA ZONE 95 520 16 10 26 27

MT EMILY 98 506 17 2 19 19 WALLA WALLA 26 176 5 2 7 27 WENAHA 99 661 33 8 41 41 SLED SPRINGS 43 193 9 6 15 35 CHESNIMUS 12 62 2 2 17 SNAKE RIVER 3 11

WENAHA-SNAKE RIVER ZONE 281 1,609 66 18 84 30

UKIAH 375 1,973 69 14 83 22 DESOLATION 157 956 20 5 25 16 SUMPTER 149 774 48 5 53 36 STARKEY 267 1,531 35 5 40 15 HEPPNER 203 1,313 38 7 45 22 FOSSIL 3 11 2 2 67 COLUMBIA BASIN 3 11 1 1 33

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE 1,157 6,569 210 39 249 22

MURDERERS CREEK 9 42 2 2 22 NORTHSIDE 12 56 2 2 17 BEULAH 15 63 MALHEUR RIVER 28 145 11 11 39 SILVIES 39 188 6 3 9 23 MAURY 2 6 OCHOCO 17 68 5 5 29 GRIZZLY 22 94 2 2 4 18

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE 144 662 28 5 33 23

BLUE MOUNTAIN AREA TOTAL 1,677 9,360 320 72 392 23

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 81 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK: HARVEST BY HUNTERS WITH DISABILITIES (ALL WEAPONS)

HARVEST HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNIT NAME HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULLS ELK SUCCESS

BIGGS 5 42 2 2 40 MAUPIN 3 10 HOOD 6 17 WHITE RIVER 55 339 6 2 8 15 PAULINA 100 445 3 1 4 4 FORT ROCK 64 290 3 3 5 SILVER LAKE 17 72 3 3 18 SPRAGUE 5 20 KLAMATH FALLS 4 21 2 2 50 INTERSTATE 11 39 1 1 9 WARNER 0

CENTRAL AREA 270 1,295 16 7 23 9

OWYHEE 0 WHITEHORSE 2 3 2 2 100 STEENS MOUNTAIN 0 BEATYS BUTTE 0 JUNIPER 0 WAGONTIRE 2 10 2 2 100

HIGH DESERT AREA 4 13 4 4 100

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK SEASON TOTAL 1,951 10,668 340 79 419 21

82 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK SEASONS - ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

MINAM 1,040 5,419 22 167 189 18 IMNAHA 754 4,448 108 108 14 CATHERINE CREEK 649 4,708 106 106 16 PINE CREEK 771 5,031 97 97 13 KEATING 377 2,579 11 74 85 23 LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN 89 757

WALLOWA ZONE 3,680 22,942 33 552 585 16

MT. EMILY 2,022 13,245 33 66 99 5 WALLA WALLA 538 3,525 30 30 6 WENAHA 982 6,638 144 144 15 SLED SPRINGS 0 CHESNIMNUS 0 SNAKE RIVER 189 1,258 11 11 6

WENAHA-SNAKE RIVER ZONE 3,731 24,666 44 240 284 8

UKIAH 4,032 25,784 56 228 284 7 DESOLATION 5,073 32,514 247 315 562 11 SUMPTER 2,103 13,283 11 203 214 10 STARKEY 5,313 33,953 156 484 640 12 HEPPNER 3,678 22,264 119 244 363 10 FOSSIL 1,595 8,431 123 151 274 17 COLUMBIA BASIN 143 1,083 20 20 40 28

UMATILLA-WHITMAN ZONE 21,937 137,312 732 1,645 2,377 11

MURDERERS CREEK 1,604 12,944 22 191 213 13 NORTHSIDE 761 5,831 35 57 92 12 BEULAH 1,048 7,607 104 80 184 18 MALHEUR RIVER 2,232 14,869 160 182 342 15 SILVIES 2,470 16,556 178 225 403 16 MAURY 319 1,751 21 67 88 28 OCHOCO 3,140 21,041 217 191 408 13 GRIZZLY 721 6,111 126 22 148 21

OCHOCO-MALHEUR ZONE 12,295 86,710 863 1,015 1,878 15

BLUE MT AREA 41,643 271,630 1,672 3,452 5,124 12

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 83 Big Game Statistics: Elk 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK SEASONS - ARCHERY AND RIFLE HARVEST

HARVEST # OF HUNTER ANTLER- TOTAL TOTAL % UNITS BY AREA OR ZONE HUNTERS DAYS LESS BULL ELK SUCCESS

BIGGS 326 1,954 45 5 50 15 MAUPIN 331 1,911 32 63 95 29 HOOD 656 3,861 9 16 25 4 WHITE RIVER 1,401 8,232 22 56 81 6 PAULINA 1,586 8,449 26 45 71 4 FORT ROCK 721 3,284 12 15 27 4 SILVER LAKE 594 3,013 24 26 50 8 SPRAGUE 160 828 7 6 13 8 KLAMATH FALLS 179 990 4 4 2 INTERSTATE 438 2,112 4 5 9 2 WARNER 135 635

CENTRAL AREA 6,527 35,269 181 241 425 7

OWYHEE 101 668 9 15 24 24 WHITEHORSE 22 101 STEENS MT. 209 1,249 20 9 29 14 BEATYS BUTTE 2 14 JUNIPER 92 485 11 11 12 WAGONTIRE 336 1,974 18 25 43 13

HIGH DESERT AREA 762 4,491 58 49 107 14

Hunters with Disablities1 1,951 10,668 340 79 419 21 (This data not included in table above)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN 2 ELK SEASONS TOTALS 50,883 322,058 2,251 3,821 6,075 12

1 Hunters with disabilities harvest is in addition to all other harvest shown above. 2 Includes 2,163 archery hunters who also hunted in Weastern Oregon.

84 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Elk % NTLER- A BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT ROOSEVELT ELK % NTLER- A ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT % ANTLER- BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT ELK HUNTING TRENDS 1940 - 2004 STATEWIDE HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. R 194019451950 6,1521955 8,5971961 1,350 22,8021962 2,398 27,709 3,1571963 1,179 51,349 4,2281964 2,529 52,991 9,707 2,2341965 67 54,724 7,998 1,855 5,3911966 10,084 2,465 41 62,898 2,384 6,0831967 11,846 12,091 67,387 2,1781968 24 3,606 10,176 68,178 29 8,066 4,8091969 13,690 22 5,311 64,200 24 8,030 16,726 1,1521970 17,157 65,900 19 7,660 21,504 7,270 4,2001971 2,210 25 36,514 12,266 66,000 7,160 3,372 1,1791972 3,361 2,176 27 39,432 11,402 73,560 7,098 7,800 2,870 41,2161973 1,234 2,331 10,150 10,530 74,550 6,460 18 2,250 41,0101974 1,749 6,959 3,444 79,100 17 7,830 1,863 2,118 9,4101975 7,576 48 67 5,110 47,651 2,530 98,300 16 8,075 1,925 8,961 9,9181976 12,680 106,700 11,087 3,606 21 49,504 2,243 5,768 8,385 2,440 10,5651977 14 110,830 9,527 4,879 24 46,100 1,343 10,270 5,529 11,480 25 2,235 12,4551978 15 17 31 2,913 10,310 6,076 98,770 5,220 3,594 21 45,600 261979 14,000 112,340 198 4,543 6,205 14 14,835 9,767 3,189 13,270 9,362 46,300 30 52,190 3,8711980 4,170 14,070 100,949 947 15,351 13 13,559 1,327 2,690 13,508 8,718 2,6091981 5,800 110,642 6,920 14 9,699 51,640 867 21,888 20 7,910 1,538 3,423 3,125 4,5031982 119,270 1,980 13 9,647 53,700 1,000 13,190 222 5,330 17,773 14 13,626 18 0 4,270 65,1001983 124,596 2,080 2,420 6,150 6,298 521 5,742 19,736 1,947 10,949 17 69,1001984 15,997 106 121,691 7,626 7,880 9,340 6,481 73,280 253 13 18,674 2,260 16 10,526 2,298 3,130 198 9,1741985 16,128 NO HUNTER SURVEY CONDUCTED 128,095 6,628 13 0 22,800 432 18,100 2,188 7,393 10,584 7,590 2,501 1,791 9,233 32 1986 973 0 16 2,735 17 18 64,970 73,580 20,182 7,930 2,440 3,125 10,361 4,702 6,4001987 20,300 21 133,676 15 15 4,036 606 7,389 16,926 9,318 19 13,419 3,476 15 10,664 67,389 6,4571988 19,700 13 134,285 222 21,370 2,990 16 10,869 183 17,041 16 10,764 15 2,904 16 68,7181989 23 101,603 7,287 21 2,000 3,230 74,655 180 22,910 2,838 14 3,696 2,684 15 7,252 113,718 6,444 8,114 17 10,227 15 13,014 77,934 20,671 25,400 9,279 13 33,200 10,542 2,500 2,620 270 4,906 15 114,110 5,063 74,986 15,670 7,578 37,600 11,323 2,333 12,350 3,461 110 14 5,091 37,550 3,260 16 38 5,775 18 76,879 7,128 15 6,672 11,535 2,899 7,428 13,889 14 3,340 15,951 4,087 180 17,970 7,319 12 2,038 7,496 18 6,777 33,800 38,760 15,074 81,550 16 18,100 178 4,910 2,680 17 47 14 2,378 21 12,038 3,952 78,102 507 16 8,798 16 33,560 5,643 3,639 10 395 2,380 19 12,962 7,651 16 41,924 2,412 62,822 3,406 12 44,615 16 68,960 4,482 5,736 3,203 585 5,363 807 11 46,662 17 14,534 4,347 67,791 7,507 4,096 1,235 9 46,705 2,963 11,747 3,371 4,759 9 7,484 12 1,390 4,677 3,647 51,216 18 3,398 2,502 6,200 10,040 4,593 15 13,707 3,265 1,737 12 4,889 6,849 9 52,126 12,373 1,490 11 5,108 16 56,183 20 4,621 11 4,888 15 814 18 3,113 38,781 11 44,758 4,079 1,516 2,751 10 46,319 3,035 6,137 810 3,839 1,098 8 3,923 1,228 12 3,849 1,888 4,263 5,727 7 10 10 12 YEA

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 85 Big Game Statistics: Elk % NTLER- A BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT ROOSEVELT ELK % NTLER- A ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT % ANTLER- BULL LESS TOTAL HUNT ELK HUNTING TRENDS 1940 - 2004 STATEWIDE 105,781 7,586 5,444 13,030 12 50,882 3,818 2,251 6,069 12 54,899 3,768 3,193 6,961 13 HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. HUNTERS HARV. HARVEST HARV. SUCC. 1 R 199019911992 110,504 10,7621993 117,342 13,3841994 128,560 13,082 7,5741995 138,270 18,336 13,254 8,1851996 129,903 21,569 14,568 8,9331997 140,777 22,015 17 13,291 8,3351998 137,032 11,496 21,589 18 13,2131999 142,262 26,064 66,121 10,167 17 12,8292000 146,614 23,458 71,069 12,755 7,690 16 12,1382001 142,980 25,968 20 76,710 12,878 9,856 11,5732002 137,624 25,707 17 81,899 11,634 8,998 10,645 5,6182003 76,313 137,348 23,772 19 13,308 10,004 8,048 10,934 6,503 10,027 81,906 134,4852004 21,577 18 16,359 10,889 7,012 9,595 77,736 129,101 9,210 16 20 16,010 20,240 10,512 6,288 8,827 9,448 78,841 8,269 15 23 14,336 18,854 20,382 9,458 79,419 8,186 44,383 7,541 21 20,347 15 9,007 16,751 78,263 7,452 46,273 9,601 18 3,072 25 19,519 15 17,870 7,474 51,850 9,209 75,181 3,528 15 20 17,395 56,371 8,472 53,590 74,408 4,084 1,956 6,697 15 23 15,924 7,171 74,408 5,206 1,682 4,541 6,747 5,028 58,871 22 14,645 69,760 1,921 6,747 6,531 5,210 59,296 20 4,081 13,228 2,047 2,669 6,085 6,210 6,005 63,421 19 4,944 11 12,957 6,210 7,253 67,195 7,210 4,643 2,626 11 18 12,957 5,284 64,717 4,686 3,154 12 6,707 17 11,369 4,099 3,669 13 13 62,443 8,098 17 3,162 62,940 8,312 16 3,948 11 2,833 60,077 7,848 4,187 14 59,341 6,932 4,142 3,064 13 4,427 3,238 12 7,012 3,248 11 7,425 3,723 7,390 11 8,150 12 12 14 Harvest surveys were not conducted on all hunts this year. This data is comparable to previous years. YEA 1 86 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 87 Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn

PRONGHORN: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 89 Distribution ...... 90 Management ...... 90 2005 Statistical Reports Pronghorn herd composition report ...... 91 Aerial pronghorn population trends ...... 92 Statewide pronghorn herd composition and trend ...... 93 Pronghorn hunting trends ...... 95

88 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn

Overview

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are found only on the North American continent and occupy a unique position among Oregon’s native wildlife species. Unlike deer and elk, pronghorn have no living relatives in the Old World (Europe and Asia), and they are not related to true antelope of Africa and India. Pronghorn are also the fastest North American land animal.

The dominant color of pronghorn is golden brown with sharply contrasting black and white markings on the head and neck. The entire nose of the buck is black as is the cheek patch below the ear. A doe will not have a black cheek patch and black on the face of the doe is confined to the tip of the nose.

The belly and lower sides are creamy white and a large white rump patch surrounds

the short tail. A mane is present along the top of the neck. When alarmed, pronghorn Pronghorn erect the hairs of their rump patch. This behavior serves as a visual “alarm” to other pronghorn within sight. Shedding is continuous, the individual hairs being loosely attached and readily dislodged. Since the hairs are hollow and can be flattened against the skin or erected at will, pronghorn are able to readily adjust to temperature changes. Such ready-made insulation adapts the animal to the extreme climatic changes found Oregon Department throughout its range. of Fish and Wildlife 3406 Cherry Ave NE Salem, OR 97303

Life History www.dfw.state.or.us

The rutting or breeding season is short, beginning in early September and reaching a peak by the middle of the month. Individual bucks collect groups of does with the number dependent on the aggressiveness and vigor of the particular male. Actual fighting is most evident prior to the breeding season when the pecking order is determined.

Pronghorn prefer company and band together into large herds during the winter and again late in the summer. During spring and early summer, bucks may be found alone or in company with others of their sex, joining the does prior to the breeding season. Does become solitary when the fawns are born, but soon join into small groups shortly after the young are old enough to follow.

Approximately eight months elapse between the breeding season and the birth of fawns beginning in mid-May. Open basins covered with low sagebrush are preferred fawning grounds. Twins are the norm and individual fawns are usually concealed apart, possibly to avoid detection by predators. The doe returns periodically to nurse her young, which remain hidden for the first few days of life.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 89 Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn

Although lacking white spots typical of deer, young devastating to pronghorn populations because the pronghorn are difficult to observe due to their animals are unable to travel, and it is more difficult uniform color that blends well with the surrounding to forage. Movement to the fawning grounds and vegetation and soil. Fawns can outrun a man by the higher summer ranges occurs as spring approaches. fourth day and shortly thereafter are following the mother during her daily routines. Management An important factor setting pronghorn apart from other hoofed animals is their horns. Unlike goats, big- Trend counts are made in February when animals horn sheep, and the true antelope of Africa and Asia, are concentrated. Because of the vast areas involved, pronghorn bucks shed their horn sheath every year airplanes are used to fly wintering areas. similar to antlered animals like deer and elk. Shed- ding of horn sheaths occurs during late October and Composition counts (both aerial and vehicle) are early November. Females generally don’t shed. Horn conducted from late July through early August to de- sheaths rapidly disintegrate and are eaten by rodents termine the number of bucks and the size of annual so little evidence remains. Shortly after shedding, the fawn crops. Percentages of bucks, does, and fawns new horn sheath commences to grow from the tip of are calculated from these counts. The age and size the bony core. Growth is completed by the following class of bucks is also recorded during these counts. July, when the hair-like sheaths harden. Additionally, pronghorn are the only horned animal where the Losses are an important factor affecting pronghorn horn typically branches, which is why they are appro- numbers. Hunter surveys provide information on legal priately called pronghorn. harvest. Fawn mortality can be determined indirectly by comparing fawn ratios in August with population trends the following February. A good fawn crop Distribution should be followed by a population increase if the young animals survive the first months of life. Pronghorn rely on keen eyesight and speed to avoid predators. They have evolved to fill an ecologi- Hunting regulations are an important part of man- cal niche in low sagebrush plant communities. The agement. Since pronghorn are polygamous, with one Great Basin high desert of eastern Oregon represents buck breeding several does, surplus males can be the western-most edge of their distribution. Grant, harvested without affecting the overall population. Umatilla, Baker, Gilliam, Wasco, Klamath, Deschutes, Because demand for hunting exceeds the supply, and Union Counties also have small populations. limited entry hunting has become necessary. Such Some herds on the east slope of the Cascades and in regulations provide for a more equitable distribution Grant County spend extended periods during summer of hunting pressure and harvest, and assure a fair in forested habitat. It is not certain if heat, predator allocation of hunting privileges. In some cases doe avoidance, or range expansion causes this behavior. seasons are used to reduce herd size and/or resolve Late summer water shortages often restrict distribu- damage situations. tion as waterholes dry up and pronghorn gather at those that remain.

In the late fall and early winter, pronghorn migrate to lower elevation ranges where snow depths are not extreme and food is more readily available. Hard, crusty snow that persists for long periods can be

90 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn E 42 R S VERAG 3-YEA A 47 39 2003 2002 FAWNS PER 100 DOE 41 4 200 E R VERAG 3-YEA A 2003 2002 BUCKS PER 100 DOES 4 2004 PRONGHORN HERD COMPOSITION 3 22 4 29 14 183 10 37 14 13 18 53 32 8 28 20 26 40 23 35 27 8 23 ------7 ------32 -- -- 43 123 4810 214 39 35 11 40 60 35 263959 36 179 17 282 39 41 16 70 259 19 411 20 35 22 28 21 39 31 23 65 20 13 38 27 22 41 23 25 16 37 25 14 21 25 3443 155 123 512423 48 240 71 214 81 22 22 15 3560 43 11782 119 121 3359 26 34 139 57 28 167 3519 3098 27 52 238 34 65 56 34 461 273 33 33 291 50 41 28 111 39 43 59 31 43 35 103 670 34 22 30 20 31 28 26 19 34 21 35 35 9 31 25 40 30 25 58 32 21 29 47 29 41 32 6 28 37 47 39 30 37 22 22 43 30 24 50 43 52 46 31 49 34 40 18 37 24 45 16 67 4253 125 2375853 90 24 31092 149 380 128 40 19328 496 42 22 40 99 11622 244 19 384 31 63 35 93 36 29 37 207 48 63 41 42 36 51 30 24 156 65 16 28 19 20 38 21 24 31 41 17 55 39 23 50 28 45 33 51 20 14 25 54 51 42 54 20 13 47 48 0 44 22 50 33 41 30 29 38 180 620 309 1,109 29 42 25 32 50 50 31 44 849109 2,057 218 1,112 4,018 103 430 24 37 50 39 33 46 33 54 43 51 47 44 57 23 50 43 162 488 185 835 33176147 39 326 321 185 29 179 687 647 34 54 38 46 55 40 37 28 45 45 46 41 43 57 56 68 54 44 45 57 52 PRONGHORN CLASSIFIED IN 2004 MANAGEMENT UNITBEATYS BUTTE BEATYS BUTTE (E) BUCKS BEATYS BUTTE (W) DOES HART MT Nat. Ant. Refuge FAWNSBEULAH TOTALFT. ROCK-SILVER LAKE 560GRIZZLY 200 INTERSTATE 1,219 INTERSTATE (W) INTERSTATE (E) 700JUNIPER KEATING 2,479LOOKOUT MT MALHEUR RIVER MAUPIN/SW BIGGS 46MAURY MURDERERS CREEK OCHOCO 36OWYHEE PAULINA SILVIES 44STEENS MT SUMPTER NORTH SUMPTER 42 SOUTH SUMPTER WAGONTIRE WAGONTIRE (N) 57 WAGONTIRE (S) WARNER WHITEHORSE 50TOTALS AND AVERAGES 53 1,271 3,795 54 1,553 10,430 33 38 31 34

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 91 Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn 2005 AERIAL PRONGHORN POPULATION TRENDS (January - March 2005)

PRONGHORN PER MILE MILES PRONGHORN 3-YEAR MANAGEMENT UNIT DISTRICT TRAVELED COUNT 2005 2004 2003 AVERAGE

BEATYS BUTTE COMBINED 920 5,530 6.0 5.8 4.9 5.6 BEATYS BUTTE (E) HARNEY 900 5,471 6.1 5.8 4.6 5.5 BEATYS BUTTE (W) LAKE 20 59 3.0 8.4 18.9 10.1 BEULAH MALHEUR 200 767 3.8 3.4 2.9 3.4 FT ROCK-SILVER LAKE LAKE 175 315 1.8 1.8 2.3 1.9 GRIZZLY OCHOCO 75 104 1.4 1.0 1.1 1.2 INTERSTATE (E) LAKE 50 85 1.7 0.0 4.0 1.9 JUNIPER HARNEY 240 743 3.1 2.8 3.2 3.0 KEATING BAKER 55 117 2.1 0.7 1.3 1.4 LOOKOUT MT BAKER 180 119 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.7 MALHEUR RIVER COMBINED 140 753 5.4 9.0 6.4 6.9 MALHEUR RIVER (W) HARNEY 140 753 5.4 9.0 8.7 7.7 MALHEUR RIVER (E) MALHEUR ------3.1 -- MAURY OCHOCO 225 1,456 6.5 3.2 4.9 4.9 MURDERERS CREEK JOHN DAY ------3.3 3.1 -- OCHOCO OCHOCO 180 751 4.2 5.4 4.6 4.7 OWYHEE MALHEUR 290 1,472 5.1 4.3 3.7 4.4 MAUPIN \ W BIGGS MID COLUMBIA 350 65 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.4 PAULINA COMBINED 240 105 0.4 0.3 -- -- NORTH PAULINA DESCHUTES 90 42 0.5 0.2 -- -- SOUTH PAULINA DESCHUTES 150 63 0.4 0.4 -- -- SILVIES COMBINED 130 560 4.3 5.5 6.2 5.3 SILVIES (W) OCHOCO 130 560 4.3 5.3 3.8 4.5 SILVIES (E) HARNEY ------6.8 11.3 -- STEENS MT HARNEY 220 801 3.6 5.3 3.5 4.1 SUMPTER COMBINED 170 157 0.9 1.2 0.9 1.0 SUMPTER (N) BAKER 50 54 1.1 1.3 0.7 1.0 SUMPTER (S) BAKER 120 103 0.9 1.1 0.9 1.0 WAGONTIRE COMBINED 550 921 1.7 1.8 3.4 2.3 WAGONTIRE (N) DESCHUTES 390 176 0.5 0.9 -- -- WAGONTIRE (S) LAKE 150 745 5.0 3.7 3.7 4.1 WAGONTIRE (E) HARNEY 10 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 WARNER LAKE 105 1,408 13.4 9.8 6.7 10.0 WHITEHORSE COMBINED 420 1,482 3.5 3.9 1.9 3.1 WHITEHORSE (E) MALHEUR 400 1,470 3.7 4.0 1.9 3.2 WHITEHORSE (W) HARNEY 20 12 0.6 2.9 2.2 1.9

STATEWIDE TOTALS AND AVERAGES 4,915 17,711 3.6 3.7 3.5 3.6

92 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn VE. A PRIOR / VE. DOES A PRIOR FAWNS / 100 3-YR. 100 3-YR. BUCKS HERD COMPOSITION VE. BUCKS DOES FAWNS TOTAL DOES A 22 -- --2 -- -- 2 -- -- 350 -- -- 730 933 1,818 477 66 50 1,5572 54 -- 48 1.7 50 42 452 483 29 -- 65 2.2 1,521 57 715 353 2,719 1,397 474 32 2,224 27 25 48 27 41 34 32 -- -- 130 423 135 688 31 -- 32 -- 0.6 -- 91 142 19 252 64 -- 13 -- 1.92.32.22.3 --1.5 2 2.1 2.11.4 2.31.4 -- 3711.3 334 1.91.3 419 1.61.5 417 612 694 1.6 --1.5 952 1.41.1 194 950 1.31.3 236 555 417 1.41.6 203 -- 470 455 1.41.4 274 1,538 589 1,445 542 1.41.6 393 1,841 608 1.31.5 326 875 268 1,956 711 1.31.8 214 63 320 48 806 1.41.7 321 493 44 942 1.51.5 355 917 77 551 1,098 44 770 1.5 412 64 361 1,304 63 785 1.62.4 269 555 1,536 63 887 1.72.1 298 43 49 347 1,560 44 52 8542.3 285 452 1,823 91 33 879 1.7 602.1 308 1,029 581 1,331 39 49 293 45 432 1,558 2 83 50 45 917 2.2 621.8 1,265 343 1,823 35 58 45 436 2.32.2 75 584 1,183 1,698 28 40 78 290 1,491 59 41 41 39 554 509 1,763 2.1 59 67 464 1,692 40 41 594 81 340 1,492 2 48 41 2,004 2,068 77 1,582 31 59 38 498 2,070 45 31 62 413 1,394 35 59 61 747 31 36 548 413 2,774 45 24 66 1,642 43 472 57 25 72 40 3,305 2,107 2,459 66 68 37 660 2,060 51 35 60 31 39 50 29 40 637 28 2,715 29 54 32 24 56 27 40 3,292 58 50 52 31 25 32 43 31 29 37 26 37 37 26 26 34 46 25 42 40 38 31 30 31 36 HORN 3-YR. PRONG- PRIOR R NUMBE TREND -- 1,182 2,900 1,646 MILES COUNTED PER MILE 1 1 R 194719481949 1,7901950 2,1911951 3,906 3,566 1952 3,595 4,302 1953 3,723 7,435 1954 3,098 8,193 1955 3,839 8,288 1956 3,589 7,030 1957 3,344 5,657 1958 1,949 7,061 1959 3,644 4,773 1960 3,644 2,804 1961 3,645 4,846 1962 3,725 4,916 1963 3,445 5,465 1964 3,905 5,712 1965 3,900 3,865 1966 4,205 4,925 1967 3,755 6,068 1968 4,000 6,056 1969 4,125 5,859 1970 4,250 6,010 1971 4,150 7,593 1972 4,250 7,298 1973 3,375 6,326 1974 4,075 8,409 1975 4,090 8,055 1976 3,725 8,627 1977 3,905 9,270 3,285 7,930 4,015 7,745 6,054 8,757 1946 1945 YEA STATEWIDE PRONGHORN HERD COMPOSITION AND TREND

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 93 Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn VE. A PRIOR / VE. DOES A PRIOR FAWNS / 100 3-YR. 100 3-YR. BUCKS HERD COMPOSITION VE. BUCKS DOES FAWNS TOTAL DOES A 2.52.42.42.1 2 2.22.2 2.4 2.42.7 559 2.33.3 5233.1 683 2,266 2.53.6 684 1,995 2.7 694 2,446 2,402 793 3 7303.9 678 3,017 3 8064.2 582 3,618 660 3,2483.6 2,993 753 596 3,935 3.73.8 1,332 3,080 3,747 3.82.4 25 3,375 591 4,307 263.4 4,209 1,052 1,619 4 3.9 282.9 1,451 1,505 4,262 3.9 283.1 2,217 4,714 5,237 25 3.3 232.9 25 1,341 1,290 4,990 5,633 3.22.5 26 7,758 1,466 1,956 2.9 232.9 26 5,254 19 1,285 4,345 1,041 3.1 353.2 27 37 5,946 8,812 3.0 223.3 977 1,858 33 32 1,364 5,852 7,464 2.83.5 24 926 27 23 1,131 1,616 2.74.2 35 4,960 8,453 20 35 1,380 6,241 31 3.23.6 21 774 6,561 34 21 1,784 5,174 9,028 29 3.4 20 35 1,636 5,145 1,731 34 669 3.7 7,911 26 32 1,604 5,603 1,130 33 3.6 45 30 1,866 4,426 1,778 9,363 53 25 33 7,115 24 1,271 5,133 1,859 7,435 22 22 30 4,871 1,869 8,303 37 27 29 3,795 2,001 9,246 22 33 28 21 20 2,269 7,931 22 27 1,553 8,738 35 27 45 9,006 21 32 22 27 40 10,430 26 37 78 13 32 32 21 34 31 24 28 26 33 24 27 22 28 32 35 33 33 21 36 20 42 15 39 24 47 28 41 30 37 38 43 3.1 2.23.83.8 746 3.3 3,334 3.5 2,213 875 1,691 5,917 4,955 5,451 2,628 2,135 22 10,758 9,277 26 37 31 26 24 30 27 44 39 44 47 HORN 3-YR. PRONG- PRIOR R 13,093 16,891 14,993 NUMBE TREND MILES COUNTED PER MILE R 197819791980 3,9951981 3,8951982 4,220 9,845 1983 4,220 9,492 10,310 1984 4,1201985 8,904 1986 3,790 8,902 1987 3,505 10,392 1988 4,044 11,462 1989 3,864 12,715 1990 14,571 19911992 4,3311993 4,455 16,679 1994 4,455 18,595 1995 4,455 16,127 1996 4,878 16,817 1997 5,152 11,639 1998 4,984 17,328 1999 4,774 14,337 2000 4,864 15,020 2001 5,044 14,205 2002 3,979 12,367 2003 4,274 11,369 2004 5,134 13,646 2005 4,544 16,923 4,469 15,992 4,915 18,981 17,711 YEA 1945 and 1946 trend counts completed during September, other years were conducted January-March. STATEWIDE PRONGHORN HERD COMPOSITION AND TREND 1

94 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn % HUNT 03 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 5 3 3 3 3 3 ARCHERY SEASONS 369445 58 460 60 408 54 440 60 55 708764 52 749 56712 49628 47 50 44 65 130 39 130 51 101 101 181334 48 358 57 318 63 294 57 314 54 451 57 459 56 418 54 277 51 54 679600 48 448 53 42 773 58 333378 58 63 10 871 63 150 117 1 HORNS < HORNS < HORNS < TOTAL % 369 445 460 408 440 708 764 749 712 628 861 FIREARMS SEASONS 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 380589570560 181 543 334 554 358 812 318 845 294 814 314 516 451 459 418 277 1,4221,1331,076 679 600 448 PRONGHORN HUNTING TRENDS 1950-2004 PRONGHORN HUNTING TRENDS 1950-2004 % BUCK HORNS < BUCK EARS TOTAL HUNT TAGS BUCK BUCK EARS EARS EARS FIREARM HUNT TAGS STATEWIDE 380589570 181560 334543 358554 318 0812 294 0845 314 0 181814 451 0 334516 459 48 0 358 418 57 0 318 277 63 0 294 57 0 314 54 0 451 57 0 459 56 418 54 277 51 54 1,4221,1331,076 679 600 448 0 0 0 679 600 48 448 53 42 # TAGS 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 19631964 6501965 700 675 578 597 641 333 378 369 0 0 0 333 378 58 369 63 650 58 700 675 578 597 641 333 378 19731974 1,6801975 1,7201976 1,584 1,6501977 1,611 1,6101978 1,545 1,720 7521979 1,503 1,480 7121980 1,521 1,740 6281981 1,271 1,715 867 0 1,0231982 1,575 1,834 01983 1,478 2,470 743 0 752 1,485 2,100 10 877 99 712 1,909 953 47 101 628 1,756 995 1,122 44 877 1,615 24 913 41 1,590 74 58 844 93 1,533 958 1,520 125 1,400 1,460 1,510 901 66 1,046 78 1,443 1,120 1,150 1,361 1,386 57 28 71 1,235 75 991 1,104 1,300 1,320 1,021 986 1,186 52 1,248 1,267 56 1,740 120 740 1,550 1,610 865 948 115 130 1,484 988 30 130 123 911 180 99 953 124 28 280 1,120 101 171 100 82 241 93 841 24 125 92 200 76 1,041 1,113 78 889 83 160 77 200 28 75 989 285 334 167 475 981 61 2 230 66 218 389 450 1 3 450 5 299 7 2 12 272 2 3 3 2 5 1 2 19661967 7751968 9001969 7151970 736 8401971 855 1,3651972 679 1,440 445 1,337 798 1,480 460 1,367 408 1,397 773 440 0 708 0 764 0 445 0 0 460 0 60 408 0 54 773 440 775 60 708 900 58 55 764 715 736 52 1,365 840 855 55 1,440 1,337 679 1,430 1,367 798 1,358 773 YEAR ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST HARVEST HARVEST SUCC. ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST TAGS HUNTERS HARVEST HARVEST SUCC. ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 95 Big Game Statistics: Pronghorn % HUNT ARCHERY SEASONS 1,153 77 500 313 7 2 1 HORNS < HORNS < HORNS < TOTAL % FIREARMS SEASONS % BUCK HORNS < BUCK EARS TOTAL HUNT TAGS BUCK BUCK EARS EARS EARS FIREARM HUNT TAGS STATEWIDE Includes Pronghorn with horns < ears taken during either sex seasons. Hunter numbers based on long term average of 95% tags issued. Archery hunter numbers based on average of 78% tags Issued. # TAGS 1 2 3 19841985 1,9901986 1,9201987 1,514 2,0301988 1,631 2,0301989 1,715 1,980 9261990 1,807 2,940 9681991 1,638 3,040 963 1,1601992 2,442 3,305 50 1,2771993 2,399 3,040 37 1,5831994 2,675 2,520 976 6 1,660 1,005 01995 2,466 2,535 16 1,7401996 2,110 64 2,353 62 59 1,160 1,694 9691997 2,164 2,334 1,400 125 1,293 1,390 1,2641998 2,178 2,139 121 64 1,642 57 1,370 1,3361999 1,816 79 1,785 2,105 1,337 1,530 1,480 80 1,2102000 1,996 67 1,861 1,850 2,221 41 74 1,0712001 2,020 2,095 2,362 1,494 1,390 1,774 63 70 2,150 1,5932002 2,050 922 2,437 933 1,305 967 51 2,355 2,0152003 2,028 72 2,599 245 838 1,433 2,025 1,153 2004 2,126 62 140 2,180 2,707 No Harvest Survey 949 951 1,261 1,264 2,248 225 80 2,273 66 1,316 1,805 997 1,547 203 1,078 2,095 2,211 58 1,596 1,780 120 1,158 72 50 80 214 1,164 1,735 1,704 1,714 72 105 1,086 1,439 172 1,216 1,712 230 58 163 1,643 1,155 1,664 50 210 54 153 1,234 47 63 1,232 1,422 1,176 94 1,258 37 56 156 196 1,189 1,300 150 1,204 1,335 58 972 189 1,219 1,157 59 80 1,004 16 1,169 1,403 1,042 1,518 6 125 130 59 59 1,623 50 73 1,210 102 75 121 63 1,769 1,280 1,192 345 888 59 1,721 1,606 1,259 957 1,843 450 838 80 47 80 1,825 450 1,399 85 81 80 906 350 69 387 1,342 81 41 1,003 178 1,723 944 351 294 50 660 740 63 1,089 336 500 400 245 82 51 1,273 740 1,160 298 334 423 1,363 4 291 374 427 400 45 73 1,287 1,208 325 1 225 710 287 427 338 344 80 203 91 2 73 318 635 1,113 0 214 64 36 13 371 12 302 705 1,041 163 172 36 550 92 537 17 1,109 29 153 375 8 89 4 1,173 1,114 51 156 452 8 92 555 394 433 1,248 70 70 565 14 32 1,340 69 666 70 392 29 53 73 769 698 9 428 15 783 440 12 7 45 783 457 427 45 459 11 46 364 11 85 62 10 87 19 15 63 19 17 YEAR ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST HARVEST HARVEST SUCC. ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST TAGS HUNTERS HARVEST HARVEST SUCC. ISSUED HUNTERS HARVEST SUCC. 96 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bear

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 97 Big Game Statistics: Bear

BEAR: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 99 Food ...... 99 Distribution ...... 100 Management ...... 100 2005 Statistical Reports Oregon general bear season and harvest summary ...... 102

98 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bear

Overview

Once hunted as a predator and nuisance animal for bounty, the black bear (Ursus americanus) received game mammal status in 1970. Since then bear numbers have increased under a more conservative harvest strategy. However, larger bear populations and statutory changes to management alternatives have increased the complexity of bear management.

Color of individual black bears may vary greatly and includes many shades of black

and brown. Black is by far the most common color in western Oregon. But nearly 3/4 Bear of bears in eastern Oregon have some shade of brown. The preponderance of brown- phase black bears could explain the occasional grizzly bear sightings reported in northeastern Oregon.

Life History

Black bear breed primarily in June and July and cubs are generally born in the den during January or February during hibernation. Because lactating females do not breed, alternate year pregnancies are typical in black bear. Black bear litter size varies from one Oregon Department to six cubs, with two young per litter most common. In years of poor food production, of Fish and Wildlife litter sizes tend to be smaller. 3406 Cherry Ave NE Salem, OR 97303

Young generally remain with the female for slightly over one year and disperse as year- www.dfw.state.or.us lings in the spring, when females breed again. Once born, cubs have a relatively high chance of survival; however, all or part of a litter may be lost to factors such as predation, disease, or cannibalism (primarily by adult male bears). If a female loses her litter, she will generally breed the following season.

Bears are long-lived animals. In Oregon, bears 20 years old and older have been documented. The fact that a number of animals reach this age indicates that adult survival rates are fairly high. However, survival rates may vary by age class, sex and location.

Food

Because bears must eat and store 12 months’ worth of energy in only 8-10 months, their behavior is dominated by a desire to fill their stomachs. As a result, bears have a very diverse diet that includes a wide range of plants and animals. Their annual diet consists mostly of plant material, but bears also will scavenge carrion or kill for food.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 99 Big Game Statistics: Bear

When a bear emerges from its den, it seeks any abun- The highest black bear population densities are found dant food source to replace body mass lost during in the Coast Range, Siskyou, Cascade, Wallowa, and hibernation, and to build body reserves in preparation Blue Mountains. Black bear distribution in Oregon for the coming winter. tends to be restricted to forest zones, typifying their preference and need for forest ecosystems. The avail- Bear foraging areas change seasonally. In spring, just ability of trees to climb for safety directly influences after emergence from the den, bears may select open bear survival (particularly for cubs). Shade provided by hillsides or clearcuts for foraging, because these areas forest cover is important to bears for thermo-regula- are the first to green up. In some areas, bears may tion during hot periods of the year. Stumps and logs prey on newborn elk calves and deer fawns when are important sources of den sites used for hiberna- they are vulnerable during the first few weeks of life. tion, birthing, and rearing cubs. As the seasons progress, bears often move to utilize more readily available food resources. Bears seek out Bears tend to prefer heavy cover adjacent to forag- berries and nuts when and where available. Moist ing areas for resting. Typically, a bear will hollow out sites are preferred, regardless of the time of year. a small bed for resting in a location that is sheltered from environmental extremes. The location of bed Early successional vegetation that occurs following sites changes as the bear changes foraging areas. forest disturbances such as timber harvest or fire generally provides desirable food concentrations for bear. As forests mature, food production for bears decreas- Management es and animals shift foraging areas to those providing the most desirable grasses, forbs, berries and shrubs. Since an annual census of bears is not yet feasible, Most desirable for bear management are those timber the Department has used other methods of assessing harvest practices that open extensive dense canopies, overall population health and the impact of harvest increase diversity of the plant species that provide on the population. Monitoring sex and age character- foods for bear, leave trees for escape, and maintain istics of the harvest is biologically sound and used by large hollow trees and snags for denning. managers to track trends in overall bear population health, size, and structure. Bears typically forage at night. However as winter denning approaches, bears may forage more during Black bear populations are difficult to estimate daylight because of the need to store fat reserves. because of the animal’s secretive nature, relatively Additionally, bears may forage more during daylight low density compared to animals like deer and elk, when food availability is poor (drought, late spring, and their ability to use natural cover. In southwest- poor berry crop). ern Oregon, biologists have been using tetracycline wrapped in bacon to mark bears to estimate the bear population. Once eaten, the tetracycline marks Distribution a ring in the teeth similar to a tree ring. Bear teeth submitted by hunters and from bears taken on dam- Historically, black and grizzly bears (U. arctos) were age are examined to age the bear and determine if both native to Oregon; however, the last grizzly bear it was “marked” by tetracycline. Under a microscope documented in Oregon was killed in Wallowa County and ultraviolet light, the markings on the teeth from in 1937. Occasionally grizzlies are reported in Oregon the tetracycline can be seen. The ratio of marked to but no evidence to substantiate these reports exists. unmarked bears can be used to develop an improved These are likely sightings of light or cinnamon colored population estimate. In 2005, the bear marking black bears. project using tetracycline has been expanded from

100 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bear

SW Oregon to statewide. In order for the study to hunters are asked to submit a premolar tooth accom- be successful and provide accurate estimates of bear panied with information on date, location, and sex of populations, it is essential that hunters provide teeth the kill to the Department. from harvested bears. Mandatory return of bear teeth may be necessary Black bear population studies in several states (includ- if voluntary compliance does not provide adequate ing Idaho, Alaska, and Arizona) indicate that lightly numbers. hunted black bear populations have a high percent- age of adult males (30 percent or more), a high ratio All data indicates that current harvest levels are not of adults to sub-adults (60:40 or more), and a median detrimental to bear population structure. In addition, age of 4 to 5 years or greater. Heavily hunted popula- bear damage problems have increased in recent years, tions had relatively low percentages of adult males, indicating a stable or increasing population. adult to sub-adult ratios favoring sub-adults, and median ages of 4 years or less.

A mandatory check-in of all harvested bear is required in Idaho and Montana for the purpose of population analysis. Oregon has acquired similar information on a voluntary basis without mandatory check-in. Oregon

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 101 Big Game Statistics: Bear / R DAYS / HUNTER BEA S ------HUNTER HUNTER DAYS SUCCESS DAY 2 2 L Y (1,350) (1,250) 8 649 3% 238,514 11 368 -- 506 ------812-- 958-- 783 1,313 7% 1,420 9% 118,338 8% 8% 7% 113,722 196,713 10 -- 314,315 146 11 12 15 -- 145 150 221 -- -- 1,841-- 1,074-- 11% 148,092 920 10% 102,557 9 7% 133,570 9 80 95 10 145 T UNKNOWN TOTA E FEMAL E HARVES 9,569 733 388 51 1,172 12% 117,616 12 100 11,32411,072 --10,124 --16,756 --20,500 ------20,748 -- 17,666 800 -- 15,920 60016,781 501 47617,080 417 277 596 23611,882 216 10013,749 555 274 77 1,37613,672 841 6612,506 905 237 31 95420,672 474 323 7% 18 80320,755 552 280 66426,235 503 239,346 140 5% 13 88827,552 556 272 5% 1534,418 568 202,879 138 4% 12 65 80536,893 169,335 676 1,179 264 5% 1031,649 202,125 379 1,250 174 264 11 5632,260 217,459 669 277 7% 11 624 9% 613 213 216 12 16 880 9% 160,004 211 231 183,666 13 24 304 232 198,363 5% 836 24 245 4% 13 856 30 13 173,765 50 977 15 282,670 199 156 3% 22 625 159 3% 14 950 382,127 14 3% 867 379,639 278 2% 321 489,337 15 3% 553,970 14 3% 457 384,585 14 444 352,476 15 501 12 886 11 405 407 16,24711,043 --12,883 ------No Survey -- -- No SurveyNo Survey ------1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 S TAG SOLD HUNTERS MAL A ARE Entire State 37,506 S 5 Tag Sale Deadline Based on Report Card Returns Tag Sale Deadline Changed to Day Before Archery Season From General Rifle Deer Tag Sale Deadline Returned to Same as General Rifle Deer Season Western Oregon hunts extend to December 31 SEASON DATE OREGON GENERAL BEAR SEASON AND HARVEST SUMMAR Aug. 01-Nov. 30 Entire StateAug. 01-Nov. 30 Entire State 17,924 Aug. 01-Nov. 30 Entire State 14,660 15,847 Aug. 01-Nov. 30 Bag Limit: One Bear; Cubs Less Than 1 Year Old and Sows with Protected 1 2 3 4 5 R YEA 1975 July 01-Dec. 31/1976 Coast & NE Aug. 01-Dec. 31/ Coast & NE 1977 Aug. 01-Dec. 31/ Coast & NE 19781979 Aug. 01-Dec. 31 3/4 of State1980 Sep. 01-Nov. 30 3/4 of State1981 Aug. 23-Nov. 30 Entire State1982 Aug. 29-Nov. 30 8,770 15,705 Entire State1983 Sep. 04-Nov. 30 14,762 Entire State1984 Aug. 27-Nov. 30 15,503 Entire State1985 Aug. 25-Nov. 30 21,586 Entire State1986 Aug. 24-Nov. 30 25,474 Entire State1987 Aug. 23-Nov. 30 26,753 Entire State1988 Aug. 22-Nov. 30 25,863 Entire State1989 Aug. 20-Nov. 30 25,928 Entire State1990 Aug. 26-Nov. 30 25,496 Entire State1991 Aug. 25-Nov. 30 20,771 Entire State1992 Aug. 24-Nov. 30 19,467 Entire State1993 Aug. 29-Nov. 30 20,375 Entire State1994 Aug. 28-Nov. 30 12,020 Entire State1995 Aug. 27-Nov. 30 16,573 Entire State1996 Aug. 26-Nov. 30 17,190 Entire State1997 Aug. 24-Nov. 30 17,242 Entire State1998 Aug. 30-Nov. 30 13,981 Entire State1999 Aug. 29-Nov. 30 22,194 Entire State Aug. 28-Nov. 302000 23,819 Entire State2001 27,310 2002 Aug. 01-Nov. 305 Entire State 34,697 2003 Aug. 01-Nov. 305 Entire State2004 Aug. 01-Nov. 305 39,971 Entire State No Harvest Survey 41,911 39,817

102 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Cougar

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 103 Big Game Statistics: Cougar

COUGAR: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 105 Food habits ...... 106 Distribution ...... 106 Density ...... 106 Management ...... 107 2005 Statistical Reports Cougar harvest trend ...... 108 Cougar harvest and quota by hunt zone ...... 109 Cougar harvest summary ...... 110

104 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Cougar

Overview

Once hunted as a predator and nuisance animal for bounty, the cougar (Puma concolor) received game mammal status in 1967. Since then cougar numbers have increased under a more conservative harvest strategy. However, larger cougar populations and statutory changes to management alternatives have increased the complexity of cougar management.

The largest member of the cat family in Oregon, the cougar (Puma concolor), is known by many names: panther, puma, catamount, mountain lion, and most commonly, cougar. Historically, the cougar had one of the most extensive distributions of any North American wildlife species. The cougar is a secretive animal that is perceived by many as Cougar a symbol of wilderness and the western backcountry.

Although few people have the opportunity to see a cougar, increased observations, road kill incidents, and increasing damage complaints indicate the statewide cougar population has increased substantially since 1980.

Life History Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Female cougar typically breed for the first time at about 2 years of age. Wild cougar in 3406 Cherry Ave NE good health are usually sexually mature by 24 months of age, and normally give birth Salem, OR 97303 by the age of 36 months. Few cougar live past the age of 10-12 years in the wild; how- www.dfw.state.or.us ever, several as old as 17 years have been turned in to ODFW in recent years. Cougar breed year-round, but studies in Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and here in Oregon reported that most births occurred during late spring and summer following an approximate 90-day gestation period. This “pulse” in mountain lion births generally coincides with the spring birth pulse in prey species such as deer and elk. Most females give birth at approximately 24-month intervals, with some giving birth every 12-15 months.

Female cougar may have 1 to 6 young per litter. Studies in Oregon show an average of 2.8 kittens per litter in Oregon. Cougar can quickly replace individuals lost from the population because of their relatively high reproductive potential. The recruitment trend of the cougar population is a significant factor in developing management strategies, harvest seasons, and quotas.

Cougar populations should stabilize as they approach carrying capacity, which is determined by prey abundance, habitat, and social tolerance between cougars. Cougar kittens remain with their mothers until 15-24 months of age. Once separated from their

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 105 Big Game Statistics: Cougar

mothers, kittens, or sub-adults, will search for a new The number of prey consumed by an individual cou- territory. If these dispersing animals survive, they will gar varies with the cougar’s sex, age, and reproduc- ultimately establish a home range of 50 to 200 square tive status, as well as weather conditions (spoilage in miles. Sub-adult males typically disperse farther than warm temperatures) and scavenging by other species females, and may establish a home range as far as such as birds and coyotes. In general, an adult cougar 100 miles from the area where they were born. Males will kill a deer or elk about every 7-10 days. If the kill generally use larger areas (up to 200 sq. mi.) than is scavenged or spoils due to warm temperatures, females, and their territories usually overlap those of cougar will kill more often. Females with young will one or more females. kill more often than solitary cougars.

Adult males on established territories generally do not tolerate other males within their home range. Disper- Distribution sal of kittens or sub-adults is an important factor in maintaining cougar populations by replacing cougar Cougar are highly adaptable and widely distributed, in vacated areas. This dispersal period is a dangerous occurring in a broad spectrum of habitats ranging time for young cougars. Studies indicate that cougar from desert to alpine environments. They are very kill each other at fairly high rates. Long-term livestock closely associated with deer and elk habitat, due to depredation and dispersal into human population their dependence on these species for food. Cougar areas may occur when the natural habitats become are now distributed statewide. occupied as cougar populations approach carrying capacity. Biologists believe the most productive cougar habitat in western Oregon is the Douglas fir/trailing black- Health of the cougar population is integrally linked to berry type, with an old growth forest component. the health of their primary prey species. When severe The best eastern Oregon habitat is thought to be winter conditions or large-scale habitat loss severely the open mixed-conifer type of the Blue Mountains, reduce local deer or elk populations, cougars may including the pine-bunchgrass type and the canyon depress population recovery of the herd. However, country of northeastern Oregon. All Oregon cougar when local prey populations are severely reduced habitats are also productive deer, bighorn sheep (regardless of cause), the cougar population that and/or elk areas. depends on them also faces eventual decline.

Density Food Habits Cougar density is primarily influenced by a combina- Throughout the western United States, deer and elk tion of prey availability, habitat structure, and toler- are the main food of cougar; Oregon is no excep- ance for other cougars. Generally, prey availability tion. Radio collared cougar in northeastern Oregon is directly related to the quality of habitat for prey consumed (in order of decreasing frequency): mule species. In turn, prey availability directly influences deer, Rocky Mountain elk, porcupine, snowshoe hare, cougar reproduction and mortality rates. Studies and deer mice. Winter foods for cougar in Oregon’s indicate cougar populations increase as available prey Cascade Range were principally black-tailed deer and increases. porcupine. Another Oregon study indicated deer, elk, and porcupine were the most common winter food Because cougars are territorial animals, population items. In some areas, bighorn sheep are an important growth rate decreases as density of cougars increases. prey species. As population density increases, a large number

106 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Cougar of young cougars disperse into unoccupied or less western Oregon. Beginning in 2005, hunters may densely occupied habitat, and mortality rates from purchase two tags and take two cougars in eastern fighting and cannibalism increase. The dependence of Oregon. cougars on their prey and their territorial social structure explain why cougar numbers do not reach levels Hunters are required to check in the hide of any observed in many other wildlife species. cougar taken, as well as the reproductive tract of any female cougar, to an ODFW office, with skull and proof of sex attached. The Department evaluates sex Management and age structure of all cougar mortalities, (including cougar taken on damage) to monitor the overall Controlled hunt seasons were authorized for cougar health of the population. This information is particu- between 1970 and 1994. Since then, unlimited tags larly important because it is impossible to conduct an have been allowed for a general statewide season. annual census of cougars. Harvest quotas have been established by six geographical zones to ensure that the population in an The age distribution of harvested cougars is used area is not over harvested. Cougar quota hunt zones as an indicator of population health and to monitor are described in the Big Game Regulations. If a quota impacts of hunting on a population. The Department is reached in a particular zone, that zone will be is currently revising the Cougar Management Plan, closed to further cougar hunting for the year. Year- which is scheduled to be completed and adopted by round seasons were authorized in 1997 to address the Commission in early 2006. high levels of damage in selected areas of south-

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 107 Big Game Statistics: Cougar 2004 Cougar Harvest Trend

HARVEST HARVEST UNIT # UNIT 2002 2003 2004 UNIT # UNIT 2002 2003 2004

ZONE A NORTH CASCADES ZONE E BLUE MOUNTAINS

10 Saddle Mountain 1 37 Ochoco 10 9 12 11 Scappoose 46 Murderers Creek 11 10 7 12 Wilson 1 1 47 Northside 4 9 6 14 Trask 48 Heppner 5 11 14 15 Willamette 4 49 Ukiah 9 6 7 16 Santiam 4 5 17 50 Desolation 5 11 8 17 Stott Mountain 51 Sumpter 4 9 11 18 Alsea 3 3 4 52 Starkey 6 5 9 20 Siuslaw 3 6 4 53 Catherine Creek 3 5 4 24 Tioga 3 4 5 54 Mount Emily 5 3 5 25 Sixes 3 4 1 55 Walla Walla 2 1 2 26 Powers 2 2 56 Wenaha 4 8 11 27 Chetco 1 3 1 57 Sled Springs 14 6 4 39 Metolius 2 1 58 Chesnimnus 5 6 6 41 White River 8 6 2 59 Snake River 1 3 1 42 Hood 2 60 Minam 1 4 1 Zone A Total 28 36 42 61 Imnaha 3 2 4 62 Pine Creek 6 2 5 ZONE B SOUTHWEST CASCADES 63 Keating 3 3 7 64 Lookout Mountain 1 4 7 19 McKenzie 8 3 6 Zone E Total 102 117 131 21 Indigo 2 2 22 Dixon 6 1 2 ZONE F SOUTHEAST 23 Melrose 5 8 2 28 Applegate 7 5 6 36 Maury 5 1 29 Evans Creek 1 5 65 Beulah 12 7 6 30 Rogue 1 7 6 66 Malheur River 6 15 10 31 Keno 3 1 1 67 Owyhee 2 Zone B Total 32 28 28 68 Whitehorse 4 1 2 69 Steens Mountain 2 4 4 ZONE C SOUTHEAST CASCADES 70 Beatys Butte 71 Juniper 1 32 Klamath Falls 2 1 2 72 Silvies 7 9 7 33 Sprague 1 1 73 Wagontire 34 Upper Deschutes 1 2 74 Warner 7 3 5 35 Paulina 3 6 6 Zone F Total 43 43 34 75 Interstate 4 4 2 76 Silver Lake 1 2 77 Fort Rock 1 1 Zone C Total 12 15 13

ZONE D COLUMBIA BASIN GRAND TOTAL 232 249 264 38 Grizzly 6 5 7 40 Maupin 2 2 43 Biggs 1 2 44 Columbia Basin 1 1 45 Fossil 5 4 5 Zone D Total 15 10 16

108 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Cougar COUGAR HARVEST AND QUOTA BY HUNT ZONE

2002 2003 2004 ZONE NAME QUOTA HARVEST QUOTA HARVEST QUOTA HARVEST

A Coast / North Cascades 93 28 116 36 128 42 B Southwest Cascades 106 32 133 28 146 28 C Southeast Cascades 37 12 46 15 51 13 D Columbia Basin 13 15 16 10 18 16 E Blue Mountains 98 102 123 117 135 131 F Southeast Oregon 61 43 76 43 84 34 TOTAL 408 232 510 249 562 264

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 109 Big Game Statistics: Cougar 1 7 7 1 2 1 1 2 1 ------12 63 48 29 47 29 26 27 37 43 32 36 40 58 64 38 49 41 40 43 42 48 39 41 400 HARVEST PERCENT 5 344860 352 352 352 79 62 153160220 360 232 380 248264 400 408 510 562 138 gan the change to a hrough December. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 -- -- 294 661 863 1 9,378 -- 13,427 19,097 25,966 12,765 28,017 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 257583 167595 46 55 10 34 52 22 16 16 15 263 362 100 68125140130 18 140 60160 73141 80163 71188 16 89 27 83 34 98 23 85 32 33 57 54 462457442451 307471 337482 325517 356 117 560 363 166 588 365 132 391 144 413 155 358 155 187 160 145 779 935 385 9,930 14,545 22,356 31,167 33,330 34,017 27,777 TAGS STATEWIDE TOTALS 3 2 4 8 2 ------" " " " " " " " 8 ------37 26 -- 19 1617 3331 10 2934 15 14 13 " " " " " " " " ------96 10 25 25 25 40 43 46 56 155 230230205225 146230 180230 162250 203275 56 185280 90 192 69 202 79 212 77 180 69 94 78 60 " " " " " " " " TAGS Season Check In Required General Mandatory Cougar WESTERN OREGON COUGAR HARVEST SUMMARY " " " " " " " " ---- 42 36 -- 15 164655 10 3452 22 52 16 54 16 64 15 54 14 56 25 52 24 69 19 51 17 25 43 41 " " " " " " " " -- 25 75 83 75 95 98 167 207 115 115 105 115 120 117 132 232227237226 161241 157252 163267 153285 61 178308 76 173 63 189 65 201 78 178 86 93 82 85 " TAGS No hunter survey taken. General season tag sales deadline matches that of first rocky mountain elk. General season tag sales deadline matches that of general black bear season. Expanded harvest survey data. Reduced season length this year. Four month general and six expanded season. Previous hunting seasons ran from fall through spring. In 2000 the season August December (5 months) as we be calandar year framework. For the 2001 hunting season is a split and runs from January through May August t Phone survey conducted differently from other years. EASTERN OREGON 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 1 6 19992000 " 2003 " 2004 " " 19961997 Season1998 " Check In Required 2001 " " 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 General Mandatory Cougar 2002 1984 1985 YEAR AUTHORIZED HUNTERS HARVEST AUTHORIZED HUNTERS HARVEST AUTHORIZED HUNTERS HARVEST QUOTA SUCCESS

110 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 111 Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep

BIGHORN SHEEP: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 113 Habitat and habitat management options ...... 113 Distribution ...... 114 Inventory ...... 115 2005 Statistical Reports Bighorn sheep herd composition, fall and spring ...... 116 Bighorn sheep season harvest ...... 118

112 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep

Overview

Historically, 2 subspecies of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were native to Oregon. The Rocky Mountain subspecies (O. c. canadensis) inhabited the northeastern corner of the state from the John Day-Burnt River divide, north and east to the Snake River and the Oregon-Washington state line. The California subspecies (O. c. californiana) ranged over southeast and southcentral Oregon and through much of the John Day and Deschutes River drainages.

Settlement of the west brought with it overhunting, changes in land use, domestic livestock, and associated diseases which negatively impacted native bighorn populations. Bighorn were gone from Oregon by 1945. Their re-establishment has been very successful, but not without setbacks, particularly from disease outbreaks.

Life History

Bighorn sheep are gregarious and spend most of the year in group associations of one Bighorn Sheep form or another. Except for the breeding season, ram groups generally live separately from ewe-lamb-subadult groups. These ram groups, often called “bachelor groups,” Oregon Department frequently occupy habitats not used by the ewes and lambs, which reduces competition of Fish and Wildlife for available resources. Ram groups maintain a social hierarchy that is established and 3406 Cherry Ave NE maintained primarily through head butting rituals. This behavior establishes dominance Salem, OR 97303 within the ram segment of the population and results in larger, more dominant rams www.dfw.state.or.us doing most of the breeding.

There is little interaction between the sexes until fall, when the groups combine for the breeding season or rut. In Oregon, the rut usually begins in October, peaks during November, and ends by early December.

Habitat & Habitat Management Options

In general, bighorn sheep prefer rugged, open habitat that provides high visibility of their surroundings. Cliffs, rimrock, and rocky outcrops are important habitat components for bighorn sheep survival. These habitats are particularly important for lambing and escape from predators. Bighorn sheep do not normally use tree cover to the extent that deer or elk do, but it is not unusual to find them seeking shade under conifers, juniper, or mountain mahogany where available.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 113 Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep

Grasses are a staple in the bighorn’s diet through Lake sheep. In February 2000 16 animals of Penticton, most of the year. Forbs and shrubs are of seasonal British Columbia origin, were moved from Nevada to importance depending on type and availability. Within Steens Mountain to evaluate the effects of genetics in certain plant community types, fire can be used to re- California bighorn sheep. move the dead, unpalatable remains of forage plants and renew their growth and vigor, thereby improving Natural range expansion from a population in Idaho forage quantity and quality. has resulted in establishment of an additional Califor- On historic ranges where the condition of plant com- nia bighorn herd in the upper Owyhee River drainage munities is poor, spraying of undesirable plant species near the Idaho border in Malheur County. and/or fertilization can be used to improve the forage resource for bighorn sheep. Transplants of bighorn sheep usually are composed primarily of females, lambs, and young rams. The Water is an essential requirement of bighorn sheep desired ram to ewe ratio for a transplant is one ram and in some cases may limit their distribution, espe- for every three to four ewes. The Department does cially in southeastern Oregon. Habitat improvements not attempt to transplant large rams because they are such as spring developments or guzzler installations difficult to handle in the capture process and tend to have made historic habitat once again suitable for wander from the release site once released. Contin- bighorn sheep. ued trapping and transplanting over time will leave a population with more adult males than females. As a result, there will be more rams in the population than Distribution needed for breeding. Therefore, hunting of rams is used to keep the ram to ewe ratio at desired levels. Overall, most established herds are stable to increasing, although it will take a few years to evaluate the Oregon’s bighorn sheep seasons are designed to pro- success of recent transplants. The annual rate of vide a quality hunting experience with a reasonable increase in all populations tends to decrease as total chance of success. The number of tags authorized population size increases. The exact cause for this each year are based on total population size, propor- drop in productivity or survival is not yet known. tion of rams in the population, and the availability of mature rams, size of the herd range (hunt area), and Management previous lamb recruitment rates. Some bighorn sheep herd ranges are relatively small, and hunter crowding California Bighorn Transplant History could occur if too many permits were authorized for During November 1954, 20 bighorn sheep were a specific period. Therefore, two or more consecutive trapped near Williams Lake, British Columbia, and hunts have been authorized in some herd ranges. released in a 1,000-acre holding pasture on the west Past harvest has rarely exceeded 15 percent of total face of Hart Mountain. This population thrived and estimated ram populations and less than five percent has been the source of most California bighorn trans- of the total population. plants in Oregon since 1960. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Transplant History Through February 2004, more than 1,360 California From 1971 to 2004, 49 transplants totaling 444 bighorn have been trapped in southeast Oregon and sheep were made to 19 Oregon locations. Transplants transplanted to about 30 sites in Oregon. Bighorn varied from 2 to 30 animals in 12 separate herds. sheep have also been provided to Nevada, Wash- In addition, Rocky Mountain bighorns were sent to ington, Idaho, Wyoming and North Dakota. Most of Idaho and Washington. these animals are descendants of the original Williams

114 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep

Inventory

Bighorns are generally surveyed 1 to 2 times per year by helicopter or from the ground in late fall and spring. They are classified as ewes, lambs and rams. Rams are further classified by age class as ¼, ½, ¾ and full curl.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 115 Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep 1995 1983 1990 1992 2002 1993 1992 1965 1993 2003 1989 1991 1996 1996 1977 1984 1991 1994 1987 1961 1983 1995 1988 1989 1988 1983 1992 1995 1989 1995 1954 1993 1991 1978 1988 INITIAL 0 3 0 3 0 67 67 -- -- 0 0 33 -- -- 6 8 6 4 13 38 20 30 31 6 18 74 44 -- 27 -- 45 12 23 130 47 -- 564 20 -- 35 0 -- 286 35 10 0 15 28 -- 20 4 6 -- 27 -- -- 40 0 95 57 29 EXPANSION 218 400 100 -- 77 -- 14 40 -- 79 300 35 18 -- 50 40 25 120 120 50 120 0 13 51 18 1 0 15 0 -- 2 -- 100 -- 80 38 9 23 16 ------0 -- 50 -- 27 47 -- 40 ------40 3 136 4 6 20 5 23 17 27 100 367 ------108 -- -- 31 83 18 33 --0 -- -- 62 5 -- -- 2 ------7 ------0 32 33 -- 20 40 5 10 -- 30 20 30 40 ------No transplant ------41 ------41 ------80 ------75 -- 48 80 -- -- 100 ------50 -- 18 0 ------14 ------40 46 176 34 25633 26 4414 4541 14 2520 50 -- 91 30 8 68 10 51 75 16 47 101 102 19 66 32 5623 82 26 56 29 56 67 62 123 -- 114 63 16 16 31 35 -- 25 32 31 43 101 21 23 6 --58 37 31 -- 20 32 43 21 34 32 53 -- 9 42 40 38 36 12 -- 34 49 43 -- -- 120 104 1989 & 1990 16 57 -- 171 31 -- 26 150 195 -- 51 17 -- 104 -- 28 13867 -- 150 --60 17 43 116 100 -- 20 77 140 35 49 120 20 28 232 -- 36 165 160 58 25 71 78 26 91 -- 195 10 205 -- 140 -- 33 -- 42 38 36 18 -- 19 -- -- 21 ------120 7039 84 15 3827 4 192 3312 58 83 6 85 260 1210 382 89 66 5 5 -- 59 82 57 -- 29 63 3 45 100 -- 95 18 47 78 -- 27 220 200 35 93 91 59 -- 45 100 -- 18 61 -- -- 41 -- 300 42 300 16 -- -- 300 67 -- 180 140 60 180 44 12 -- 150 -- 33 150 -- 100 -- 60 -- 60 60 60 60 60 3310 17 19 22 18 72 47 194 320 53 193 143 41 325 288 103 480 129 70 95 29 8622 30 8820 38 50 34 0 100 70 1 90 120 0 120 61 90 120 20 58 90 -- 48 86 3 ------348 10 -- 59 18 14 19 5220 --19 126 -- 75 -- 100 81 0 14 115 -- -- 109 37 100 0 -- -- 27 19 -- 35 -- 40 -- 8 EXPANSION 129 32 -- 31 -- 23 ------19 -- -- 62 -- 23 -- 29 ------100 ------100 -- -- 10 857 1239 433 2529 69 71 61 68 66 35 33 33 39 38 -- -- 2971 BIGHORNS CLASSIFIED RAMS PER 100 EWES LAMBS PER 100 EWES POPULATION EST. DATE OF MALHEUR MALHEUR MALHEUR KLAMATH MALHEUR BIGHORN SHEEP HERD COMPOSITION, FALL AND SPRING 2004 - 2005 GRANDE RONDEJOHNDAY 28 34 9 71 82MALHEUR 94 93MALHEUR MALHEUR 64MALHEUR 75MALHEUR 26 19MALHEUR KLAMATH 50KLAMATH 50KLAMATH 41KLAMATH 75KLAMATH KLAMATH 75KLAMATH 80KLAMATH 1987* KLAMATH MALHEUR DESCHUTES AREA CALIFORNIA BIGHORNALDRICH MOUNTAINMcCLELLAN MOUNTAIN WATERSHEDBURNT RIVER LOWER JOHN DAY RIVER (E) RAMS EWES LAMBS JOHNDAY JOHNDAY TOTAL JOHNDAY POTAMUS 2005 2004LOWER JOHN DAY RIVER (W) DESCHUTES 2003 2002LOWER DESCHUTES (E) 2001LOWER DESCHUTES (W) 2005 2004STEEN'S MOUNTAIN DESCHUTES 2003 2002BLK PNT / ALVORD PEAKS 23 DESCHUTES 2001S. CATLOW RIM 2005 MALHEUR 16 2004PUEBLO MOUNTAINS 2003 MALHEUR MICKEY BUTTE 35 TRANSPLANT 47HEATH RIM 7 42PALAMINO CANYON 77 MALHEUR SQUAW CREEK 46 25RIVERSIDE 44 144ANDREWS RIM 102 92 MALHEUR 168N. CATLOW RIM LONE MOUNTAIN 83 74 61STONEHOUSE CANYON 68 63WILDCAT CREEK 86 68 84HART MOUNTAIN MALHEUR 46 100ABERT RIM 44 84HADLEY BUTTE 85DIABLO / SHEEP ROCK 42 52COGLAN HILLS 60 56FISH CREEK RIM 57 35 KLAMATH MILL CREEK 59 55 45COLEMAN RIM 45 66ALKALI RIM 45 150DAUGHTERY RIM 65 23WINTER RIDGE 80 46 160UPPER OWYHEE CANYON 160MIDDLE OWYHEE CANYON 150 MALHEUR 135 LOWER OWYHEE CANYON 100 MALHEUR 100 E. TROUT CR. MTN MALHEUR RATTLESNAKE CREEKTENMILE CREEK SOUTH PAULINA MALHEUR CALIFORNIA BIGHORN TOTAL

116 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep 2000 1999 2000 1985 1984 1997 1990 1971 1979 1979 1993 INITIAL 170 321 87 578 53 54 55 55 51 27 31 39 32 37 672 660 625 1027 1560 520 3107 66 68 59 64 62 33 33 35 37 38 -- -- 3596 BIGHORNS CLASSIFIED RAMS PER 100 EWES LAMBS PER 100 EWES POPULATION EST. DATE OF GRANDE RONDE 4 8 3GRANDE RONDE 15 50 -- 75 120 -- 77 100 -- 38 -- 25 40 -- 46 -- 50 -- 35 -- 35 -- 35 ------BIGHORN SHEEP HERD COMPOSITION, FALL AND SPRING 2004 - 2005 GRANDE RONDEGRANDE RONDE 23GRANDE RONDE 35 38 93 31 13GRANDE RONDE 41 32 74GRANDE RONDE 169 --GRANDE RONDE 9 61GRANDE RONDE 38 -- 9 55 72 54 3GRANDE RONDE 25 51 -- -- 38GRANDE RONDE 97 5 57GRANDE RONDE 50 -- 66 -- 1 45 -- 33 36 62 0 -- 7 35 49 -- 34 54 -- 44 19 8 36 50 13 -- 9 42 -- -- 26 36 60 60 28 1 95 -- -- 40 -- 55 35 11 53 -- 27 59 67 50 42 -- 14 41 -- 36 74 -- 190 37 17 80 -- -- 103 -- 175 35 29 80 165 72 4 -- -- 0 -- 42 80 68 11 85 -- 0 -- 58 0 13 80 27 -- 74 -- 22 35 65 -- 33 -- 79 0 39 5 ------40 28 -- -- 5 -- 30 29 75 ------25 95 10 -- 0 0 -- 90 15 -- -- 0 90 -- 10 EXPANSION 27 -- -- 30 -- -- 35 -- AREA ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORNLOSTINE DISTRICTLOWER IMNAHA RAMSBEAR / MINAM EWES LAMBS TOTAL WENAHA 2005 2004UPPER JOSEPH CREEK 2003 2002UPPER HELLS CANYON 2001LOST PRAIRIE ** 2005 GRANDE RONDE 2004LOWER HELLS CANYON 2003 GRANDE RONDE 2002MUIR CREEK 2001 10SLUICE / SADDLE 2005 GRANDE RONDE 12 2004LEAP CREEK 2003 16 TRANSPLANT BIG SHEEP 17 3MINAM 0FOX CREEK 19 3SHEEP MOUNTAIN 26 32 3ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN TOTAL 63 71 25 39GRAND TOTAL 50 37 16* Includes 9 sheep transplanted 01-31-97 80 47** Lost Prairie merged with Wenaha 59 82 42 27 87 5 0 18 43 39 39 58 16 13 35 29 14 32 47 13 35 45 40 40 64 45 40 35 45 EXPANSION 40 35 EXPANSION

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 117 Big Game Statistics: Bighorn Sheep 2004 BIGHORN SHEEP SEASON HARVEST

CALIFORNIA BIGHORN HUNTS ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN HUNTS # OF RAMS # OF RAMS HUNT # HUNT NAME HUNTERS TAKEN HUNT # HUNT NAME HUNTERS TAKEN

543A1 E. John Day River #1 3 3 558A Chesnimnus 1 1 543A2 E. John Day River #2 2 2 559A1 Snake River #1 3 3 543A3 W. John Day River #1 3 3 559A2 Snake River #2 2 2 543A4 W. John Day River #2 2 2 560A Hurricane Divide 2 2 543B1 E. Deschutes River #1 2 2 560B Bear Creek 1 1 543B2 E. Deschutes River #2 2 2 564 Lookout Mt 2 2 543C W. Deschutes River 1 1 546A Aldrich 2 1 546B1 McClellan #1 2 2 546B2 McClellan #2 1 1 551A Burnt River Canyon 1 1 566A1 Riverside #1 1 1 566A2 Riverside #2 1 0 567A1 East Owyheee #1 1 1 567A2 East Owyhee #2 1 1 Total Rocky Mountain Bighorn 11 11 568A1 Upper Owyhee #1 2 2 568A2 Upper Owyhee #2 3 3 568B East Trout Creek Mts 2 2 568C1 Alvord-Buckskin #1 2 1 Hunter Success Rate 100 Percent 568C2 Alvord-Buckskin #2 1 1 568D1 Sheepshead Mts #1 1 1 568D2 Sheepshead Mts #2 2 2 569A1 Steens Mt #1 2 2 569A2 Steens Mt #2 3 2 569B1 North Catlow Rim #1 1 0 569B2 North Catlow Rim #2 1 1 570A1 Hart Mt #1 1 1 570A2 Hart Mt #2 1 1 570A3 Hart Mt #3 1 1 570B1 East Beatys Butte #1 3 3 570B2 East Beatys Butte #2 3 2 570C Coleman-E Guano 1 1 571A1 Poker Jim #1 1 1 571A2 Poker Jim #2 1 1 571A3 Poker Jim #3 1 1 574 Warner Unit 4 2 575A S. Central 4 4

Auction Tag, Lookout Mt Uni 1 1 Total California Bighorn 66 58 Tag Sold For: $86,000

Hunter Success Rate 88 Percent Raffle Tag, S. Central 1 1 Total Ticket Sales: $31,479.50

GRAND TOTALS: Hunters = 79, Sheep Taken = 72, with 91% Success

NOTE: According to Oregon Revised Statutes, no less than 5% and no more than 10% of Bighor Sheep tags will be issued to non-residents. In 2004, 4 non-resident tags were issued; on in W. John Day River #2, one in Hart Mountain #3, one in Poker Jim #2, and one in Snake River #

118 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 119 Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOATS: Table of Contents

Overview Life history ...... 121 Distribution ...... 121 Management...... 122 2005 Statistical Reports Rocky mountain goat herd composition ...... 123 Rocky mountain goat season harvest ...... 124

120 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats

Overview

Rocky Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) are native only to the rugged mountains of western North America. The presence of mountain goats in Oregon prior to Euro- pean settlement is supported by archeological evidence in Hells Canyon and Wildcat Canyon, 30 miles east of The Dalles. Rocky Mountain goats were apparently extirpated from Oregon prior to, or soon after, European settlement.

Life History Goats Mountain goat pelage is comprised of white wool and white guard hairs. Their hooves

have cushion-like pads surrounded by a hard shell, allowing a grip on smooth rock Rocky Mountain surfaces. During summer months females molt about a month later than males, which is useful in determining sex of adults. Animals will often rub against obstacles, leaving clumps of discarded wool on shrubs and trees.

Age can be determined by counting horn rings as with bighorn sheep. The first ring is formed during the second winter at 22 months of age. Black glands behind the horns are used for marking territory during the rut by rubbing brush. Females can normally Oregon Department breed at 2 ½ years of age, usually producing a single kid, although twins are not un- of Fish and Wildlife common. Breeding takes place from early November to mid-December. Kids are born 3406 Cherry Ave NE approximately 7 months later during late May or early June. Salem, OR 97303 www.dfw.state.or.us Cougar and golden eagles are the most significant predators of mountain goats. Gold- en eagles take newborn kids and sometimes knock young sheep from cliffs. Accidental death is also a significant mortality factor.

Diet varies among populations according to the geographical location and plant availability. Grasses, shrubs, and mosses or lichens are consumed. Salt licks are used extensively during the summer.

Distribution

The Elkhorn Mountains herd is found from Anthony Lakes on the northwest end to Marble Creek, going southeast. Mountain goats from the Elkhorn herd have dispersed to locations to the west such as Indian Rock, Vinegar Hill, Dixie Mountain, Cable Creek, and the Strawberry Mountains.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 121 Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats

In the Wallowa Mountains, the highest densities of base of Joseph Mountain. This population increased mountain goats are found along the Hurwal and until 1965 when hunting seasons started. They were Hurricane Divides. Small satellite populations occur hunted through 1968 when low populations resulted in the Cusick Mountain and McCubbin Basin areas. in termination of hunting. Supplemental transplants Mountain Goats also are found in the Hat Point area from Misty Fjord, Alaska and Olympic National Park, of the Snake River Unit. All populations are the result Washington from 1985-89 resulted in improved kid of reintroduction efforts by ODFW. survival and an increasing population.

The Elkhorn herd began with transplants from three Management locations: Northfork Clearwater, Idaho; Olympic National Park, WA; and Misty Fjord Alaska, during Inventory and composition counts of mountain goats 1983-86, totaling 21 animals. are conducted by fixed-wing aircraft and ground counts. Groundwork takes place during August, while Transplanting from several locations has insured good flights are completed in September. Counts from the genetic diversity. Hunting was resumed in the Wal- air classify animals as adult and kid, while ground lowa and Elkhorn Mountains in 1997 with very con- surveys allow detailed observation to determine sex. servative seasons of one tag for each area. Mandatory identification sessions with biologists help hunters Transplant History with the difficult task of identifying male goats in Transplants have been made to the Wallowa Moun- the field. Male-only harvest is important for reten- tains, Elkhorn Mountains, Snake River unit, and the tion of social structure of populations. Hunters are Columbia River Gorge. Three transplants (Wallowa also required to check in after harvesting an animal and Elkhorn Mountains and Snake River unit) suc- so that biological information can be obtained. The cessfully established mountain goat herds while the Bighorn Sheep Management Plan was revised in 2003 Columbia River Gorge attempt failed. In 2004, the to include a Rocky Mountain Goat chapter and is now population estimate was 234 in the Wallowa Moun- called the Bighorn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Goat tains herd, 164 in the Elkhorn Mountains herd, and Management Plan. about 75 additional Mountain Goats in other herd ranges.

Mountain goats were reintroduced to the Wallowa Mountains in 1950 when 5 animals from the Chopa- ka Mountains in Washington were released at the

122 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT HERD COMPOSITION

WALLOWA MOUNTAIN S ELKHORN MOUNTAINS a YEAR ADULTS KIDS UNKNOWN TOTAL ADULTS KIDS UNKNOWN TOTAL 1962 8 4 12 1963 1964 18 8 26 1965 1966 18 11 29 1967 17 4 21 1968 9 2 12 1969 8 2 10 1970 12 5 17 1971 17 5 22 1972 17 1 18 1973 16 2 18 1974 13 2 15 1975 17 3 20 1976 17 2 19 1977 11 5 17 1978 18 4 22 1979 20 4 24 1980 23 8 32 1981 14 5 19 1982 13 2 15 1983 11 1 12 5 1 6 1984 8 2 10 1985 12 2 17 8 8 1986 No Survey Conducted 7 7 1987 20 6 26 9 3 12 1988 8 0 8 4 2 6 1989 8 1 7 No Survey Conducted 1990 23 8 31 No Survey Conducted 1991 21 7 28 11 4 15 1992 19 6 25 21 10 31 1993 28 9 37 15 10 25 1994 38 b 13 51 28 19 47 1995 51 c 17 68 20 6 26 1996 47 26 73 50 25 10 85 * 1997 75 d 27 4 106 68 20 88 1998 66 e 26 9 101 64 33 97 1999 88 f 38 126 84 29 113 2000 113g 50 163 64 28 92 2001 119h 43 162 84 60 144 2002 138i 43 181 115 53 168 2003 153j 67 220 101 45 146 2004 188k 46 234 109 55 164 * Elkhorn survey method changed to include ground surveys in addition to air survey a Includes subadults g Includes 24 yearlings b Includes 9 yearlings h Includes 24 yearlings c Includes 10 yearlings i Includes 32 yearlings d Includes 7 yearlings on Hurricane Divide j includes 37 yearlings e Includes 10 yearlings on Hurricane and Hurwal divides k Includes 43 yearlings f Includes yearlings on Hurwal Divide

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 123 Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats 2004 ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT SEASON HARVEST

HUNT NAME HUNT NUMBER TAGS AUTHORIZED HARVEST

ELKHORN 951 2 2

HURRICANE CREEK 960A 2

CUSICK MT 960B 1

TOTAL 5 2

124 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Big Game Statistics: Rocky Mountain Goats

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 125