Big Changes Are in Store for Oregon Big Game Hunters

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for upland S birds: grouse, pheasant, FEATURES quail and 18 What’s New in Oregon for 2020 By Jim Yuskavitch chukar Big changes appear in Oregon’s 2020 Big Game Regulations.

14-16 22 Westside Waterfowling By Scott Haugen A successful A photo essay captures hunting opportunities as varied as the birds. hunter’s tips for pursuing 27 Checking Our Backtrail By OHA Staff predators OHA’s annual report looks back on a year that could have been a lot worse. with primitive 32 Oregon’s Mid-Day Mountain Lions By Max Zeller weapons Here’s a six-pack of tips to help you get the cat in the bag. 18 OREGON AFIELD What’s new in Oregon for 10 FOREST GROUSE: Oregon’s other white meat 2020: Big changes in 10 CHUKAR: Hit the breaks for central Oregon chukar store for big game hunting 11 QUAIL & PHEASANT: Your reservation is made regulations 22 DEPARTMENTS Oregon 6 FINDING DIRECTION Can muley decline be reversed? Photo Essay: Westside 8 OREGON HUNTING QUIZ Know Oregon? Win a Work Sharp! Waterfowling 8 HUNTING CALENDAR Last call for game bird seasons opportunities are as varied 12 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE OHA challenges gun storage initiative as the birds 32 14 BOWHUNTING Blind faith for predators You think all 16 BLACKPOWDER Get close and personal for predators cats are gray in the dark? 36 YOUNG GUNS Oregon’s youngest Hunter Ed teacher Here’s a six- pack of tips 38 OHA NEWS & VIEWS New gun calendar raffle winners! for mid-day 42 OHA CHAPTER NEWS You’re invited to an OHA banquet! mountain lions 49-53 46 GAME ON THE GRILL Sauce for the goose Nosler Photo 48 ASK ODFW Changes you need to know for 2020 Contest prize winners! Enter 49 NOSLER PHOTO CONTEST Your best shot could win a Nosler rifle! your best photo now for 54 PARTING SHOTS Where’s the Beef? Have you Herd? a shot at a Nosler rifle! Cover: Klamath blacktail photographed by Candi Weitzel

4 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Medford Portland Salem Bend Hillsboro Klamath Falls Albany Roseburg (541) (503) (503) (541) (503) (541) (541) (541) 732-3700 777-8700 589-0800 693-5000 844-9100 273-3000 928-5400 673-0200 OREGON HUNTER Finding Direction Editor & Publisher By Jim Akenson, OHA Sr. Conservation director Duane Dungannon (541) 772-7313 Editorial Assistants Cynthia Martinich, Bret Moore State Officers Reversing the mule deer decline President: Mike Ayers (541) 840-3723 Vice President: Ken McCall, (541) 602-1819 Secretary: Jason Haley (541) 601-8799 any of us can recall when mule deer were plentiful, and seeing bucks hang- Treasurer: Mike Vallery (503) 538-8232 ing in camp was the norm, and not the exception. Those days are gone, but OHA Board of Directors Chair: Fred Walasavage (541) 296-6124 Mhopefully not forever. I recently attended a gathering of mule deer hunt- Northwest: Steve Hagan (503) 551-8645 ers in Enterprise. The theme of the meeting was simply the lack of mule deer Northwest: John Putman (503) 842-7733 in the far northeast part of the state observed this fall. Those in attendance were Midwest: Paul Donheffner (503) 399-1993 shocked at the lack of bucks they were seeing in traditionally stellar muley units Southwest: Bob Webber (541) 332-0886 Southwest: Cindy Rooney (541) 430-4722 like the Minam, Imnaha, Chesnimnus, Sled Springs and Snake River units. Northeast: Vic Coggins (541) 263-0335 This group of highly experienced local mule deer enthusiasts questioned, Southeast: Gary Lewis (541) 317-0116 “How can ODFW offer any tags at all in these units at the current observed Southeast: Ralph Goode (541) 505-4826 population levels?” It’s a good question, and part of the answer is that – in some OHA State Coordinator Duane Dungannon (541) 772-7313 places – whitetail deer are taking up the slack and providing a portion of deer Field Director hunting opportunity, but not in the usual mountain and canyon habitats. Bryan Cook (971) 270-7035 According to the 2020 Big Game Regulations, each Conservation Directors of these five units is slated to offer the same number of Jim Akenson, Enterprise (541) 398-2636 History tells Outreach Coordinator 100 series buck tags as were offered in 2019. ODFW Amy Patrick (503) 949-9785 survey data show that each of these units is well below us that active Lobbyist management objectives, at about 60 percent on aver- and informed Al Elkins (503) 780-6824 age, and every unit experienced an estimated population decline between 2018 and 2019. This mule deer management decline is likely due to the severe late winter condi- can reverse tions of crusted snow and unseasonably cold temperatures last March in Oregon’s northeast corner. deer number ODFW is in a constant balancing act between re- declines, but Official publication of the Oregon Hunters Association, dedicated to wise management of source health and hunter opportunity, not an easy task. effective actions Oregon’s huntable wildlife. United in protecting Conditions vary from place to place, making it extra hunter interests in the state of Oregon. Our mission: Protecting Oregon’s wildlife, important to take note of on the ground observations require applying habitat and hunting heritage. by hunters. There is a classically questionable hunt Oregon Hunter (ISSN 1545-8059) is pub- all available lished bimonthly by the Oregon Hunters Associa- offering in the 2020 gegulations. It offers 20 buck tags tion for its membership and is sold on newsstands for the John Day Canyon in late November, or during information. statewide. Membership rates are: Individual: $35 a year, $65 for two years, $90 for three years, $800 the mule deer rut. for lifetime, $10 for junior, $12.50 for full-time Recently a friend and OHA leader did a float hunt for mule deer on the John student; family: $45 a year, $80 for two years, $900 lifetime; business membership $75. Memberships Day River. He commented, “Four of us experienced hunters floated the John Day include $5 magazine subscription. Periodicals River for six days. We saw 48 does and ZERO bucks. We spoke to five other postage paid at Medford, Ore., and at additional parties. One group shot a spike buck and no other bucks were spotted. Another mailing offices. Oregon Hunter welcomes articles and pho- group indicated that they had floated that river for the past 10 years and over the tos pertaining to wildlife and hunting in Oregon. We are not responsible for unsolicited material. last 5 it has gone downhill significantly.” The cause is thought to be poor fawn Unsolicited material will not be returned unless recruitment. So how can a new opportunity be created given this situation? accompanied by a stamped return envelope. OHA is meeting in December with ODFW staff and other sportsmen group Advertising media kits are available. OHA does not necessarily endorse advertisers, or goods representatives to address some of the mule deer regulation changes slated for and services advertised in Oregon Hunter. Fossil, Heppner and the John Day Canyon hunt areas. These hunt opportunities Address inquiries to OHA State Office, 804 Bennett Ave., P.O. Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501, are based on stable and good buck ratios. However, if the actual numbers are low (541) 772-7313, [email protected] or fawn survival is poor, these hunts are questionable at best. http://www.oregonhunters.org History tells us that active and informed management can reverse deer number POSTMASTER: Send changes to Oregon declines, but effective actions require applying all available information. Hunter, PO Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501. 6 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 YOU COULD LAST CALL! WIN A $1,000 BRING ‘EM IN! GIFT CARD JUST FOR ENTERING! ENTER AUG. 24-Dec. 31, 2019, at Medford store only Awards ceremony: Medford sportsman’s warehouse Jan. 25, 2020

Enter Your 2019 Elk, Mule Deer and Blacktail Trophies! Over $7,000 in Prizes Will Be Given Away! No Entry Fee Required! All entries must be submitted between 8/24/2019 and 12/31/2019 CATEGORIES: • Rifle Roosevelt Elk, 1,2,3 places • Rifle Rocky Mountain Elk, 1,2,3 places • Rifle Blacktail Deer, 1,2,3 places • Rifle or Archery Mule Deer, 1,2,3 places • Archery Roosevelt Elk, 1,2,3 places • Archery Rocky Mountain Elk, 1,2,3 places • Archery Blacktail Deer, 1,2,3 places • Woman’s Blacktail Deer Rifle or Archery, 1,2,3 places • Youth Blacktail Deer Rifle or Archery, one 1st place winner. PRIZES: • Adult 1st place $300 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift card, 2nd place $200 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift card, 3rd place $100 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift card. • Youth 1st place $350 Sportsman’s Warehouse gift card.

Alex’s Guide Service Work sharp OREGON HUNTING QUIZ Helping sharp Oregon hunters hold their edge OUTDOOR OUTLOOK DECEMBER 31 Know Oregon? Win a Work Sharp! Seasons end for pheasant, fall turkey, W. Oregon bear 1. A record book turkey uses what JANUARY 1 measurements? Where a) spur c) weight 2020 licenses required; in Oregon? b) beard d) all of the above cougar season opens JANUARY 18 2. A record book black bear uses what Klamath PLAY Outdoors, 541-281-2224 measurements? a) weight c) skull JANUARY 19 b) length d) all of the above Zone 2 duck and snipe seasons end

3. Which of these can you hunt in April? JANUARY 25 a) cougar c) bear WHERE IN OREGON Bucks & Bulls ceremony, b) turkey d) all of the above Medford Sportsman’s Warehouse, WAS THIS PHOTO TAKEN? 541-732-3700 4. National Forest land accounts for 60 Name the outback outpost where this JANUARY 26 percent of Oregon’s forestland but only D looms high on the hill, be drawn from Zone 1 duck season ends how much timber harvest? all correct entries, and win a Work Sharp a) 12 percent c) 36 percent Original Knife and Tool Sharpener! JANUARY 31 b) 24 percent d) 48 percent Send your best guess to Oregon Hunt- Harvest reporting deadline, most tags, ing Quiz, OHA, P.O. Box 1706, Medford, Eugene Boat & Sportsmen’s Show opens, 5. The Bridge Creek Wildlife Area is in OR 97501, or submit your guess online at Most upland bird seasons end what unit? oregonhunters.org, where a larger version FEBRUARY 1 a) Northside c) Ukiah of the photo appears. One entry per OHA b) Starkey d) Steens Mountain Deadline to file for OHA state elections, member. OHA Tioga Chapter duck box maintenance, Entry deadline: Jan. 20, 2020. 6. Which wilderness is in the Cascades? 541-294-7912 a) Eagle Cap c) Black Canyon FEBRUARY 5 b) Bull of the Woods d) Grassy Knob Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show opens in Portland 7. Oregon’s spring bear application deadline is: FEBRUARY 8 a) February 10 c) February 20 NW goose season 3rd period opens b) March 15 d) April 1 FEBRUARY 10 8. Black bears are most likely to mate on Deadline to apply for spring bear tags which day? FEBRUARY 14 a) Valentines Day c) fathers day Douglas County Sportsmen’s & Outdoor b) mothers day d) Halloween Recreation Show opens in Roseburg 9. Oregon’s additional fall bear tag is now FEBRUARY 21 valid for: Jackson County Sportsmen’s & Outdoor a) NW Oregon c) NE Oregon Recreation Show opens, Medford b) SW Oregon d) all of the above FEBRUARY 22

10. Which unit is now a general season unit OHA chapter banquets: ungannon D in the W. Cascades elk season? LAST ISSUE’S WINNER: Ochoco 541-447-5730 Hoodview 971-570-7010 uane a) Metolius c) Upper Deschutes James Miller, Salem /D Emerald Valley 541-729-5220 b) Keno d) none of the above James’s name was drawn from among ington

7-a; 8-c; 9-d; 10-d. 9-d; 8-c; 7-a; the OHA members who recognized the a ANSWERS: 1-d; 2-c; 3-d; 4-a; 5-c; 6-b; 6-b; 5-c; 4-a; 3-d; 2-c; 1-d; ANSWERS: central Oregon skyline. W . t M

8 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 PREPARATION DELIVERS SUCCESS Every sportsman knows sharp knives are critical to ﬁeld dress and butcher your game. In these moments, Sharp Matters. Knife & Tool Sharpener

L E A R N M O R E AT : W O R K S H A R P T O O L S . C O M OREGON AFIELD Forest grouse: Oregon’s other or white meat h aut

e h t orest grouse seem to be going into win- by ter in very good shape this year across oto h Fthe state, according to Mikal Cline, P ODFW upland game bird program leader. Start the new year off right with a January hunt for Oregon’s plentiful forest grouse. Preliminary phone surveys from September and reports from hunters this fall indicate ruffed were strong. On the east side, the seasoning and marinade. The meat is some the birds are doing quite well. Northeast Zone (Wallowa/Union/Baker) of the best fowl around. For me, it’s second nature to load my shot- led the harvest of both blue and ruffed The key to the late season is the good gun and take it along during deer and elk grouse. Zone 4 (Central Oregon, includ- amount of forage still available to these season, but I do also like to take my pointer ing Grant County) didn’t perform as well birds, as it will extend some great hunting out and find them along clear cut edges and as expected.” and also help the birds immensely as they in the timber. I like to use a lemon pepper seasoning, go into winter. There are good numbers “It looks like the Northwest Zone per- butter and olive oil and garlic to slow-roast of birds to be had, and grouse hunting in formed very well in both blue and ruffed my birds over the fire or in the oven. An- Oregon’s quiet season is always a great grouse harvest,” Cline said. “Southwest other great way to prepare them is in the opportunity before hanging up the shotgun Zone didn’t turn out many blue grouse, but crock pot or slow cooker with your favorite until turkey season. —Troy Rodakowski Hit the breaks for Oregon chukar hen chukar hunters gather, we talk Horse rapids, which claims many boats about places like Juntura and River- each year. Wside and the Snake and the Owyhee, Highway 197 crosses the river at Mau- but there are chukar in central Oregon, too, pin, and it’s here the traveling wingshooter in the lower Deschutes River canyon from can find miles of river to explore. The river Madras north to the Columbia. is most accessible from the east bank, and Bird numbers are stable, and good hunt- a good road follows down from town to ing can be found throughout the season, but Sherar’s Falls and beyond. access can be tricky. The first thing to do The road continues downstream from is study a BLM map and look for pockets Sherar’s Falls to Pine Tree, the begin- of huntable public land. ning of a popular float called Pine Tree to Sometimes a drift boat can be a better Mack’s Canyon that can be accomplished chukar hunting vehicle than a pickup. in a one-day drift (or stretch it out to two Part of the west bank is off-limits. days) to Mack’s Canyon. Another option is Starting north of Madras, the Deschutes to put in at Mack’s and float out to Moody is bounded on the west by Warm Springs Rapids (the last rapids on the river), typi- tribal lands to a point 16 river miles south cally called the Mack’s to the Mouth float. of Maupin. Chukar are Oregon’s most-harvested From the bridge at Warm Springs, this upland bird with an average of over 41,000 bagged each season. Hunters drive across com section of river is usually referred to as the . s Warm Springs to Trout Creek drift and can the state, just for a chance to put birds in oor d be drifted in just a few hours with a shuttle the air. It’s a great economic boost from ut O s i and take-out at the Trout Creek ramp. early fall through March, with hunters w e

L The next drift is from Trout Creek to buying ammunition, boots, tires, restaurant ary

G Maupin, a multi-day float that should only meals and hotel rooms, just so they can top The breaks of the lower Deschutes hold plenty of be attempted by experienced boaters. This out these ridges and enjoy the wide open chukars, Oregon’s most-harvested upland bird. is the stretch of river that contains White country. —Gary Lewis 10 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 A non-tribal member can Your reservation buy a permit to hunt the reservation of the is made for quail Confederated Tribes and pheasant of the Umatilla.

t is getting harder to find good wild pheasant hunting in Oregon, but quail Inumbers are up in many places in com

eastern Oregon. There is a little-known . opportunity to hunt roosters, valley quail s oor d

and Hungarian partridge on and around the ut O s i

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian w e Reservation – the home of the Cayuse, L ary

Umatilla and Walla Walla. G A non-tribal member can buy a permit Valley quail are abundant on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. to hunt on Indian lands owned by the Confederated Tribes, and that land is right bird stamp. the construction of McNary Dam. Hunting in the middle of some of the best pheasant The tribes also own large properties that is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays and quail country in the state. are not on the reservation. One option is with preference given to waterfowl hunters The reservation comprises 271 square the 2,700-acre Wanaket Wildlife Area next until noon. Upland hunters may hunt until miles with woodlands along the Umatilla to the Port of Umatilla. close of published shooting hours. River and in the mountains north of Inter- The Wanaket Wildlife Area is man- No tribal license is needed on the Wa- state 84. Umatilla lands are sovereign to aged by the tribes to provide wetlands and naket Wildlife Area, but an Oregon license the tribes and ownership is a mixture of wildlife habitat protection, mitigation for is required. —Gary Lewis fee, title and trust lands. There are larger tracts of land that offer good hunting. A number of small parcels are open, but the tribal permits are not a Don’t Be Misled!!! trespass permit. Prior to hunting, permission must be obtained to cross private Remember... Your Valuables Are Important to You. lands. It can be challenging to figure out Come let where to hunt, but a decent map is provided on the reservation’s website. Visit ctuir. Knute and org and then click on Tribal Services and Marie show Natural Resources. Click on Wildlife and look for the 2019-20 non-member bird you the hunting regulations. Regulations are clear. Season dates mir- difference ror ODFW regulations with a few minor variations. Non-tribal members may not in safes! hunt grouse, mourning dove or mountain quail. Note that pheasant hunting closes Before you consider buying a safe ANYWHERE... Dec. 31. The map is good, but a better map should be obtained. Or use an online app such as OnX. Go to www.RogueSafe.com and view our video! An annual small game/upland game/ See how easily a typical safe can be waterfowl hunting license costs $25, while a juvenile license (12-17 years) costs $16 broken into in under two minutes! and may be purchased at Arrowhead Travel Plaza (www.arrowheadtravelplaza.com) and Mission Market (541-276-9082). In 773-6020 1904 Hazel Street addition to the tribal permit, hunters should Rogue Safe Medford purchase an Oregon license and upland

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 11 updateS on This ballot measure could make you the criminal if LAWS OF your gun is stolen.

THE LAND OHA and NRA are challenging the wording of the ballot title for a gun storage initiative petition. OHA challenges gun bill ballot title OHA, work group to By Al Elkins, OHA Lobbyist strictly liable if firearm that is subject of assess changes [email protected] violation injures person/property within The Oregon Department of Justice has four years of violation; liability does not in big game regs certified the ballot title for the latest gun apply if injury results from self-defense or storage initiative, and OHA and NRA are defense of another. Oregon Health Author- By Jim Akenson, OHA Sr. Conservation Director challenging the title in court. The ballot ity to adopt specifications for trigger locks, [email protected] title reads: cable locks, firearm containers. Defines During the September Fish and Wild- Ballot Title: Owner must lock firearm/ “firearm,” “transfer,” other terms. Other life Commission meeting in Gold Beach, use locked storage (exceptions), report provisions. ODFW staff was instructed by commis- loss, supervise minors’ use. Penalties/ In our letter in opposition to the ini- sioners to provide a deeper discussion liabilities tiative petition, OHA submitted a strong opportunity between sportsmen and staff Result of “Yes” Vote: “Yes” vote statement against the petition filing. Here regarding some of the major regulation requires owner to lock firearms when is a part of the OHA letter: changes approved for 2020. stored, transferred; exceptions. Owner “The ballot measure, title and measure OHA initiated this opportunity must report theft, loss. Use by minors summary deals with multiple subjects in through direct communications with supervised. Penalties; strict liability for violation of Article IV(1)(d) the Oregon commissioners and ODFW staff. This injuries. Constitution. The measure includes the process will be conducted through a Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains following subjects: 1) Storage and Control, work group format. The objective of the current law; locking firearms, reporting 2) Transfer, 3) Reporting and 4) Minors. work group will be to provide input to theft or loss not required. Retains current While item 1 and 2 may be “matters prop- staff on the criteria the department will law regarding possession/sale to minors. erly related therewith” under Article IV, we use to monitor the impact of the follow- Owner liability requires negligence. do not believe that item (3) Reporting, and ing changes to 2020 big game hunting Summary: Requires firearm owner/ especially item (4) Minors, are related. The seasons: possessor to secure it with trigger or cable safe storage of firearms is one matter. The Black-tailed deer bag limits (1 buck lock, or in locked container when not car- requirement for reporting theft/loss and with visible antler and 1 antlerless deer) ried by owner/possessor, with some excep- a creation of strict liability is a separate Late-season mule deer hunts (145A- tions; must transfer firearm with trigger matter. Likewise, the direct supervision Fossil, 148A-Heppner, and 143C-John or cable lock, or in locked container; (undefined) of minors is a separate matter. Day Canyon) must report theft or loss of firearm to The draft ballot title does not comply with General antlerless elk damage season law enforcement within 24 hours; person ORS 250.035. The measure does not con- Prior to the first meeting, ODFW staff transferring firearm to minor must directly form with the Oregon Constitution (Art. will provide the work group with a docu- supervise minor’s use. Failure to comply IV). It should not be on the ballot, period.” ment detailing changes that were made, with requirements treated as violation (not OHA will keep you updated on our objectives of the changes, monitoring crime). Person who violates requirements challenge. criteria, and duration of the monitoring. Besides ODFW, the slate of representatives will include Oregon Hunters Oregon legislative session opens Feb. 3 Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foun- poaching violations. dation, Oregon Bow Hunters, Oregon Hot topics include gun bills OHA will be working with ODFW, Outdoor Council and Traditional Archers and anti-poaching efforts OSP and DOJ on the development of the of Oregon. The first meeting was held on new anti-poaching campaign we helped Dec. 4. A short legislative session is sched- initiate. To date ODFW has completed the uled to start in February. OHA will work final interviews for the person who will be Donate to OHA’s with the House Committee on Natural heading the campaign with a starting date Resources to help pass a “residency of first of the year. Victory Fund at clarification” bill that was introduced in OHA will also be fighting alongside oregonhunters.org/donate 2019 but languished in Ways and Means gun advocacy groups to defeat initiatives until the end of the 2019 Session. The bill that infringe on gun ownership rights in or see Page 31 clarifies dual state residency in relation to Oregon. 12 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Please donate NOW to earn your 2019 tax credit! Hunters: This is your wake up call! Defend your hunting We need your support rights and get every cent back on your to defend hunting & GUN state taxes, up to $100 RIGHTS in the next per married couple! legislative session!

If you use this tax credit, you help us defend your hunting rights with the P.U.government’s Page money! 13 ad from CHECKS MUST BE N/D 08 DATED IN 2019 TO QUALIFY FOR YOUR 2019 RETURN

YES! I want to support the activities to protect my hunting rights, wildlife and habitat management! I understand that my contribution must be dated by December 31, 2019, to entitle me to an Oregon Tax Credit of up to $50 per individual or $100 per married couple filing jointly on the 2019 OregonTax Return. My contribution: ___$1,000 ___$500 ___$250 ___$100 ___$75 ___$50 ___Other $______

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Address______City______State______Zip______Employer______Employer Address______Phone (optional)______Fax (optional)______Email (optional)______Signature______Date______J/F-20 Authorized and paid for by Oregon Hunters Alliance PAC (OHAPAC) Oregon Hunters Alliance PAC, 89286 Cranberry Lane, Bandon, OR 97411 (541) 347-4423 Make checks out to: OHAPAC PHOTO BY DARYL STEWART DARYL BY PHOTO A decoy at a known distance Bowhunting will distract a predator and By Scott Haugen will serve as a mark so you know precise shot distance. Blind faith for predators

hen it comes to bowhunting for Oregon’s predators, the greatest challenge is neither coaxing a crit-

W com ter within shooting range, nor figuring out . which calls to use. The biggest challenge augen predator hunters face is reaching full draw H cott and releasing an arrow on a keen-eyed S predator without spooking it. Bowhunting predators from a ground blind offers 360-degree concealment, which greatly increases Predators have exceptional eyesight. your chances for success. They’re tuned-in to detecting the slightest of movement, be will further help distract the attention of ap- Be sure to practice with a diaphragm it the flicker of a proaching predators away from where the call prior to hunting with one. A single-reed There’s no rodent’s tail or the bowhunter is set up. In fact, electronic calls diaphragm call is simple to use and a range shortage twitch of a bird’s are so effective by themselves, a decoy of sounds can be made with very little air of predator wing. Compare often isn’t necessary for the simple reason and tongue pressure. When practice shoot- these minute move- a predator’s ears are so acute, they’ll dial ing, make sounds with the diaphragm call hunting ments to a human into precisely where the sound is coming throughout the entire shooting sequence so opportunities trying to bring a from and pinpoint it as they approach. it’s second nature. bow to full draw Some electronic calls have an attached As for the shot, predators have very in Oregon. without being de- moving decoy, like a spinning bird or small vitals, so precise shot placement is tected, and it’s easy furry flag. When it comes to a decoy, some key. Practice shooting at predator targets to see why proper setup is an important hunters simply tie a bird wing to a piece of from every conceivable position you may element when bowhunting predators. fishing line with a swivel, and attach that encounter on the hunt. If hunting from a Ground blinds are a top choice when it to a limb a few feet off the ground. A small stool in a ground blind, practice shooting comes to concealment for predator hunters. wing will move in the slightest breeze. from it so you know the parameters of Natural blinds work, as can hunting from Electronic calls also allow hunters to all your gear. If hunting from a treestand, treestands, but these options don’t offer deliver sounds hands-free, and change practice shooting at various angles. total concealment and often result in more up the sounds being offered. While cot- Many archers like predator hunting busts than successes. tontail and jackrabbit are the go-to sounds with expandable broadheads; others prefer Ground blinds afford 360-degree cov- of most predator hunters, don’t overlook fixed-blade broadheads that instantly in- erage, including a solid black backdrop, bird distress sounds and an array of coyote flict a sizable wound upon impact. Practice which is critical for hiding a hunter’s vocalizations. There are a range of bird with each and see what fits your needs. movement. Open the fewest number of distress sounds and all can be effective. A successful predator hunter is one who shooting windows necessary, as this will If the woods are quiet or an approaching fully prepares. Go into the hunt expecting keep it dark inside the blind and maximize predator hangs up out of range, rodent success. Know what sounds you’ll make, the ability of the blind to mask your move- distress sounds can entice them to commit. what shot angles you’re most comfortable ment. Bowhunters can further swing the with, and be confident that you can bring Placing a decoy at a known distance odds of success in their favor by using a it all together. Predator hunting has a lot will not only help distract an approaching diaphragm call. In the time it takes to reach to offer, and there’s no shortage of op- predator from your shooting position so full draw, acquire the target in your sight, portunity when it comes to pursuing them you can safely reach full draw, but it will and release an arrow, a predator can cover throughout the state of Oregon. serve as a mark so you know precise shot a lot of ground and even exit a shooting distance. lane. By having a diaphragm call in your To order signed copies of Scott Haugen’s Electronic calls also offer bowhunters mouth, you can make soft sounds that will best selling books, visit www.scotthaugen. a big advantage. Positioning a speaker or stop and hold a predator exactly where you com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Insta- receiver of an electronic call near the decoy want it for the shot. gram and Facebook.

14 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Trophy Buck Hunt Zumwalt Prairie Preserve! Recent Zumwalt Trophy Muley 1 Hunter and up to 2 non-hunting guests & 1 guide for 3 days in 2020!

Tickets: $50, or 5 for $200. 400 offered. Value: $4,900. Drawing: March 21, 2020. For tickets, call 541-772-7313, visit oregonhunters.org/store or mail check & contact info to OHA, Recent Zumwalt Bucks in velvet PO Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501.

3-day guided buck rifle hunt for 1 hunter on the 33,000-acre Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in Oregon’s Wallowa County during the fall 2020 season (dates TBD; early October). Hunter may bring up to 2 guests who do not hunt. Hunting is all on foot and hunters should be in good physical condition. Recent hunter success has been close to 100%. Mature bucks are common with trophy potential. The Preserve is part of the largest remaining intact Pacific Northwest bunchgrass prairie in North America. Food, beverages, gear, and gratuity not included. Transportation to the Preserve not included (once there, your guide will provide transportation). Tag is guaranteed, but hunter is responsible for license & tag cost. Valid for the fall 2020 season only; must make arrangements by April 1, 2020. Sponsored by TNC. Proceeds benefit OHA. Drawing: March 21, 2020, OHA Josephine County Chapter banquet (for banquet tickets, call 541-821-1511), 1451 Fairgrounds Rd., Grants Pass, OR, 7 p.m. Need not be present to win. black powder By SCott haugen

Get up close and personal Bringing coyotes in close will greatly boost the odds of for predators success when hunting them or h with a muzzleloader, and aut

unting with a muzzleloader isn’t e h

t there are multiple steps you what typically comes to mind when by we think of pursuing predators. But can take to achieve this.

H oto front-stuffer fans throughout Oregon can h P find good reason to take to the woods, Coaxing a predator to within muzzleloader range is a bigger challenge than it may seem. with the bonus goal of building big game hunting skills while familiarizing oneself cealment. I also like wearing two different need to create alluring sounds without with their muzzleloader setup. camo patterns when predator hunting: one being seen. To accomplish this, use a Coaxing a predator to within pattern of pants, another on my jacket, as diaphragm call, which requires no hand muzzleloader range is a bigger challenge this will further breakup my outline. movement. than it may seem, because most preda- Keeping still is also key to successful If using a blind for frontal concealment, tor hunters in Oregon who set out with predator hunting with a muzzleloader. you’ll be able to operate a remote control a muzzleloader are employing the same Muzzleloaders are bulkier than modern unit for an electronic call without being setups used for big game hunting. This predator rifles, and likely don’t have seen. With the call resting on your leg means no scope, which equates to open a bipod mounted on them for stability or the ground, you can work it with your sights that can cover most of a predator’s with long-range shooting. In order to be non-shooting hand, sending sounds to the body unless it gets extra close. ready for a shot and keep movement to a receiver while also controlling the volume. Put the front bead of an open-sight minimum, consider taking a telescoping This is another reason why having a shoot- muzzleloader on a coyote at 50 yards, and monopod or bipod afield. Get your gun ing stick is valuable, to cradle the gun that about all you’ll see is its head and tail. For set in the shooting sticks prior to calling, you’re holding with the other hand. this reason, hunters will want to focus on as this will minimize movement when an A game-changer can be trail cameras. the proper concealment in order to bring animal pops into view. A monopod or bipod Trail cameras are excellent tools to help predators in close when setting up at a shooting stick affords easier, more discrete learn where and when predators are mov- calling location. movement over a tripod, allowing you to ing. Wherever you set up, make sure there’s efficiently track a predator on the move. Figuring out where to set up will initial- a backdrop to break up your body’s outline. Ground blinds are also important aids in ly be determined by wind direction. If the If sitting against a tree, make certain it’s concealment. Don’t feel like you need a full wind isn’t blowing toward you or across wider than your torso. If setting up on a concealment blind, however, which can your body, don’t waste time calling, for hillside, make sure a predator approach- be cumbersome to carry afield. A simple you’ll only educate keen-nosed predators. ing from below can’t see your silhouette drop cloth style blind that’s two feet tall If the wind is wrong, either approach from against the skyline. and five feet long is ample to offer frontal a different angle or come back another day. Not only is a backdrop important for coverage. Simply put a stick at your feet, Predator hunting with a muzzleloader concealing hunters, but having a bit of another on each side of you, and drape the hones multiple skills that will help build cover in front will also help hide you. It camo cover over them. This will create a your big game hunting repertoire. Addi- doesn’t take much to break up your body V-shape of concealment around you. You tionally, pursuing predators is a lot of fun, outline in the foreground: a coniferous can also attach camo material to a tripod and when it comes to coyotes, they can be limb, some branches, even a small bush. shooting stick, securing it to each each leg, hunted year-round in Oregon. Anything that breaks up the soles of your and sit behind that when calling. boots and lower body will help bring a Since the goal is to bring predators in To order signed copies of Scott Haugen’s predator in close. close, using a mouth call is a good idea. best selling books, visit www.scotthaugen. A facemask and camouflaged gloves Handheld calls will likely do the job, but com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Insta- are a wise choice in order to optimize con- if a predator hangs up out of range, you’ll gram and Facebook.

16 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020

What’s New for 2020 By Jim Yuskavitch

18 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Big changes are in store for Oregon big game hunters.

n 2017, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife em- Deer barked on a hunting regulations simplification process Deer hunts are where the biggest changes are in store for intended to make big game hunting rules simpler and more 2020. This includes three new controlled buck hunts – John easily understood. Now in Phase 3, expected to take two Day Canyon, Fossil Unit No. 2 and Heppner Unit No. 2 – along years, there are quite a few changes for 2020, and more with three bow hunts, Mount Emily Unit Bow, Walla Walla Unit slatedI for 2021. Here is a rundown of some of the bigger changes Bow and Wenaha Unit Bow, consolidated into the new North approved by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at its Sept. Blue Mountains Bow. In addition, boundaries for 13 hunts 13 meeting in Gold Beach. But, as always, be sure to check the have been simplified or adjusted to include the entire wildlife big game hunting regulations for specific rules on your hunt and management unit. hunt area before going afield to avoid any awkward conversations For antlerless 600 series controlled hunts, 16 will be con- with OSP Fish and Wildlife officers. solidated into seven hunts. The Juniper Muzzleloader hunt will General Regulation Changes be deleted. Additionally, the SE Whitehorse Bow hunt will be This year, there are a number of regulation changes made at eliminated. There will be a new youth hunt for 2020, the 616T2 the legislative level. These include House Bill 2068, NW Santiam, and a new white-tailed deer hunt 157M which increases the number of available non-resident The biggest Sled Springs. The Heppner, John Day River and Fossil bear tags from 3 percent to 5 percent for spring bear hunts will be added as late-season mule deer hunts. controlled hunts; and House Bill 2069 that modifies change is The biggest adjustment, and one that has caused a previous law that leftover big game tags are to be making concern for some hunters, is a change to the bag limit distributed on a first-come first-served basis. The new for western Oregon buck hunts from “one buck deer law allows leftover tags for any particular species to spikes legal having not less than a forked antler” to “one buck be limited to hunters who have not already drawn a for general with a visible antler.” This bag limit change is in tag for that species. blacktail buck combination with adjusting the western Oregon 600 Other regulation changes made by the state legis- series hunts from “one antlerless or spike deer” to lature include House Bill 2071, which exempts ewe season. “one antlerless deer.” hunts from the “once in a lifetime” limit for bighorn These bag limit changes are intended to make it sheep tags. The purpose of this exemption is to allow ewe hunts easier to identify legal deer and to make sure that 600 Series hunts if they are needed for management purposes, such as maintain- are focused on damage and population control issues rather than ing the health of a herd. House Bill 2294 prohibits the use of an opportunity to harvest an additional buck. “commercial cervid attractors,” primarily urine, to prevent the Some hunters have concerns that adding spike bucks to the unintended introduction of chronic wasting disease into Oregon. buck hunts might reduce future buck populations, particularly An administrative rule change now prohibits anyone from in light of the fact that – unlike the controlled 12-day mule deer possessing any game mammal part unless it has been killed le- season – tags are unlimited for the 35-day blacktail season. gally, or shed antlers obtained by lawful methods. Another rule ODFW notes that research has shown that not all spike bucks defines a traditional bow as exclusively a long bow or recurve are yearlings and that genetics and nutrition also play a role in bow, and compound bows are excluded during traditional bow the size of a younger buck’s antlers. The new bag limit changes archery hunts. will allow some larger bucks to survive the season, and to grow Tags and Hunts larger for the following season, since some hunters will choose to For next year, big game hunting changes encompass a whole harvest a spike buck. Of course, the question becomes how many range including new or combined hunts, expanded seasons, hunt bucks will live past their yearling year to become bigger bucks. boundary simplifications and, for deer, some new bag limits based ODFW claims Oregon’s black-tailed deer population contains on recent wildlife research that challenges former assumptions. enough bucks to have an increased harvest. All but one western d an l e h W n h o J

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 19 Elk Damage Tag that will have a bag limit of one antlerless elk and will be used for population control in elk de-emphasis areas and areas with chronic elk damage in western and northeastern Oregon. One major change for elk bowhunters is to allow compound bows, along with traditional archery equipment, during the general archery season on the entire Mur- derers Creek Unit to simplify regulations and enforcement. While only about one

k percent of Oregon bowunters participate oc l

K in traditional archery, ODFW is trying to en

K accommodate traditional archery oppor- General-season elk damage tags are among the new concepts in the 2020 big game regulations. tunities with a North Fork John Day Wil- derness elk hunt, and two new traditional Oregon wildlife management unit has met Elk archery hunts proposed in western Oregon or exceeded its buck ratio benchmark in For 2020, 87 hunts are being combined for the 2021 season. two of the last three years, and trail camera to make a total of 31 hunts. Hunting ODFW will offer 60,240 controlled elk surveys and recent research examining seasons will be expanded or simplified hunt tags for 2020, up slightly from 2019. deer scat DNA indicate that there may be for 25 hunts. Hunt boundaries will also Rocky Mountain elk numbers remain more than 50 black-tailed bucks per 100 be expanded or simplified for 25 hunts, just above the management objective of does, a higher ratio than observed during and six new hunts will be added. To help about 70,000, while Roosevelt elk numbers spotlight surveys. boost elk numbers on the east slope of are below MO at about 60,000. The mule deer population in the eastern the Cascade Mountains, several wildlife Rocky Mountain Goat part of the state is just a little over 190,000 management units are being removed from With the Rocky Mountain goat popula- – significantly below the statewide man- the Cascade Elk Season and converted to tion stable or increasing, ODFW will offer agement objective of 350,000. ODFW will four new controlled hunts — Hood/White three additional tags for a total of 27 tags in provide 62,735 controlled mule deer tags River #1 and #2, East Central Cascades 16 hunts for 2020. A dozen of those hunts for the 2020 season, down a little more than and Southeast Cascades. have had season date changes, and four 2 percent from 2019. Another new item is a General Season hunt boundary expansions. No previous

Thinking of hunting in the big leagues? Of fulfilling a life-long dream? The Epic Hunting Safari outfitter team has the expertise and support to make your safari unforgettable. Past customers will tell you that the outfitter team at Epic Hunting Safari will give you a thrilling experience. Your hunt will be exclusive, unhurried, and customized to your personal tastes and requirements. Epic Hunting Safari is located on a family-owned property that covers a massive 42,000 acres, situated in the majestic and wildlife-rich Limpopo province of northern South Africa. The hunting area is malaria- free, making it safe to visit year around. Their outfitters are highly knowledgeable in rifle, bow, eco, and muzzle-loader hunts. They are also highly proficient in judging game size and tracking. Look what Epic’s Lead Professional Hunter, Christoff, did for me on past hunts! The guys will successfully guide you through the terrain to find your dream trophy. Accommodations vary depending on your particular preferences, ranging from a rustic, tented facility to an upmarket luxury lodge with a host of activities to keep you and the non-hunters in your party occupied and entertained in the off- hunt hours. Want to know more? For more information or to book a hunt, contact me, Cap, OHA Member 30830, at [email protected] Attention Oregon Hunters or call 541-670-8535. You can also go to: Lead Professional Hunter, Christoff, will http://www.epichuntingsafari.co.za or have displays at the February 2020 Douglas and Jackson County Sportsman's [email protected] for more information and Outdoor Recreation Shows. I will be or to book your dream hunt directly! Please tell hosting meet-and-greets for Christoff. Email me you want to meet up with him! them "Cap" sent you!

20 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Join us! SUPPORT ELK COUNTRY! WIN PRIZES! k oc l K en K Seasons for bighorn sheep and mountain goat have been expanded to ensure flexibility for those drawing these once-in-a-lifetime hunts. goat hunts have been deleted. The cur- while season dates have been increased for 1/25/2020, Lakeview, OR rent Rocky Mountain goat population is three hunts, and 12 hunt boundaries have 2/1/2020, Tillamook, OR around 1,200. either been expanded or simplified. 2/8/2020, Pendleton, OR Pronghorn The pronghorn population is estimated Youth Outdoor Day While pronghorns are doing well at between 16,000 and 19,000 animals. in southeastern Oregon, there has been Bighorn Sheep 2/8/2020, Gold Beach, OR some overall population declines since it Major changes for bighorn sheep hunts 2/15/2020, Ontario, OR reached a high point in 2012. A total of include lengthening seasons for consis- 2,286 pronghorn tags are being offered for tency between hunts and moving hunts to 2/22/2020, Klamath Falls, OR 2020 for 55 hunts, although this includes cooler times of the year along with simpler 2/29/2020, Coos Bay, OR a reduction in buck/either sex tags of 46 hunt boundaries. In addition, the two Al- tags over 2019, and 16 fewer bow and drich Mountains hunts will be combined 3/7/2020, Burns, OR muzzleloader tags. However, with a small into one longer hunt and the east and west 3/14/2020, Wilsonville, OR increase in doe tags, the overall pronghorn John Day River hunts are now combined 3/14/2020, Roseburg, OR tag offering for 2020 will be down by 55 into three consecutive hunts. Overall, 21 from 2019. This decline in tags is due to bighorn hunts season durations will be 3/21/2020, Enterprise, OR reduced tags for the Malheur and Owyhee expanded. 3/21/2020, Pendleton, OR units, where pronghorns are still suffering There will be 67 California bighorn from the impacts of the severe winter of tags and 9 Rocky Mountain bighorn tags 4/4/2020, Eugene, OR 2016-17. offered for 2020, with five earmarked for 4/11/2020, Bend, OR Seven hunts will be combined into four, non-residents. 4/18/2020, John Day, OR foothillstaxidermybydangrace.com Foothills Taxidermy 4/25/2020, Medford, OR Preserving Hunting Memories facebook.com/foothillstaxidermyoregon 4/25/2020, Hood River, OR [email protected] P..O.. BoBox 820 13825 NW Meadow Lake Road 4/25/2020, Newport, OR Carlton, Oregon, 97111 5/9/2020, McMinnville, OR 503-852-7334 5/16/2020, Grants Pass, OR 6/27/2020, Bend, OR Women for Wildlife Event 7/16/2020, Seneca, OR Summer Rendezvous GET TICKETS AT: RMEF.ORG/OREGON OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 21

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ere they come,” whispered my buddy Nolan there were a lot more birds coming. Cook as he hunkered into his layout blind. Soon the head flock was funneling into the decoys in classic “Stay down and let ‘em circle, there are cackler fashion, and joining them was a seemingly endless band more behind ‘em!” of birds. As the geese began touching down in the lush, rye grass When I first saw the flock of cacklers field, the rest of the flock continued spiraling down. When Nolan approaching from the south, they were a mere mist on the horizon. gave the green light, geese fell from the sky. A few minutes later They quickly covered ground, however, and as their calling grew another flock came in, and just like that, our limit of cacklers was ‘Hlouder, my heart rate escalated. secured, right on the I-5 corridor, north of Eugene. Cupping their wings, the lead flock locked on to our decoys Not only was that cackler hunt last season one of my best and began coasting in. I was so focused on the 2,000 birds in goose hunting memories in Oregon, it was the biggest flock of our lap, I was surprised when Nolan instructed not to shoot, as geese I’d ever had drop into the decoys at once, anywhere in North 22 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 The opportunities are as varied as the birds.

Story & Photos by Scott Haugen

America. More than 5,000 cacklers descended upon us, their raccoon, beaver and red fox was memorable, it was the chance calling so deafening we struggled to hear each other shouting as encounter with ducks that I most looked forward to when check- to when to shoot. For the next several nights all I could hear was ing traps after school. the ringing of geese in my head. Here I’d take wood ducks in filbert orchards, wigeons in small In the late 1960s, before I was old enough to hunt, I vividly pockets of flooded fields, and jump-shoot mallards wherever they recall being the retriever for Dad and Grandpa as they hunted popped up. I’d not hunted woodies for some time, but last season ducks and geese in Corvallis. That’s when the seed was planted had the opportunity to join a couple friends along secluded creeks for my waterfowling passion, a passion that continues to grow near Harrisburg. Having woodies dive-bomb into the decoys was with age. unlike anything I’d seen, resulting in my most thrilling hunt for When in grade school, I started running my own trapline near these birds. In addition to their captivating beauty, wood ducks our home along the McKenzie River. While trapping muskrat, are among the tastiest ducks of all.

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 23 Late last season I hunted Siltcoos Lake for the first time in decades. I was invited to join Josh Farnsworth of Farnsworth Guide Service (541-206-7163), a local man who lives just down the road from our Walterville home. Josh loves his waterfowl hunting and makes the drive to the coast multiple times a week in the late season where he guides hunters from around the state. By the end of the morning we secured limits of diving ducks consisting of five species, including great-eating can- vasbacks and a dandy ruddy duck I’d been eager to add to my office wall for years. When I was a kid I didn’t have a hunting dog; I didn’t have the proper time to de- vote to training and raising one. Six years ago I got my first bird dog, and two years after that, my second canine companion. If you’ve never owned, trained, and hunted with your own dog, I hope one day you can. While hunting with a buddy’s dog is fun, hunting with a dog you personally Late season means multiple duck species making their way into Oregon’s valleys west of the Cascades.

Nothing gets the blood pumping like when the landing gear drops and birds commit to the decoys.

Divers, sea ducks, and puddle ducks can all be hunted in various parts of western Oregon. Every waterfowler knows this is the moment the These hunters are pleased with a handsome birds most prefer to come in for a landing. lesser scaup.

24 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 The author’s most memorable cackler hunt unfolding before your eyes as thousands of birds drop into the decoys.

trained takes the joy of waterfowling to the next level. The extent of your dog’s dedication, hard work, and willingness to please will surpass your wildest dreams and take your waterfowl hunting experience to another level. Over the decades, waterfowl hunts with family and friends make fine memories. From my high school buddy, Mark Brab- ham, to good friend Jody Smith, to my wife and our two sons, the memories are unforgettable. For over 45 years my closest hunting partner has been my dad, Jerry Haugen. Dad and I continue to share duck and goose hunts throughout western Oregon, and beyond. As we age, our time together is what’s most important, not how many birds we bring home. Thankfully, when it comes to late-season waterfowl hunting near where we both grew up, the season is long and the variety of birds and ways to hunt them are a true blessing.

To order signed copies of Scott Haugen’s best selling books, visit www.scotthaugen. Anticipation to the start of a duck hunt on Fern Ridge Reservoir, just one of many public land hunting com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Insta- opportunities that exist in western Oregon. gram and Facebook.

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 25 If you support hunting, show your colors! Free shipping on these newer items!

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Wolves and elk were hot issues for OHA in ‘19 By Jim Akenson, OHA Sr. Conservation Director Regulation Review and Changes: [email protected] In September, the Commission voted Several drawn-out issues OHA worked to adopt the large package of regulation on tirelessly finally reached closure in changes proposed by ODFW. Most of these 2019, including approval of the revised changes will go into effect beginning in Wolf Plan, the Ochoco Summit Trails 2020. The three biggest issues presented lawsuit, and the big game regulations by OHA representatives were about the

review and changes. OHA was constantly new regulations for black-tailed deer, the / O DFW involved in these processes, attending dire situation with mule deer populations in ena h a every possible meeting and testimony op- eastern Oregon, and the scale and process W portunity. Our fundamental intent was al- of the proposed general cow elk hunts. OHA helped keep hunting and trapping as future ways protecting the best interest of hunter New for blacktails in western Oregon tools in the revised Oregon Wolf Plan. opportunities and the wildlife resource. will be the bag limit allowing for spike Wolf Plan Approval: harvest with the new definition of “one OHA’s concern for mule deer centered In June the Commission voted to adopt buck with a visible antler.” Spike bucks around some new late buck hunts occurring the new and revised Wolf Management now will be illegal to harvest during in units where the total number of mature Plan. controlled antlerless hunts. Our main rec- bucks (counted) did not seem robust OHA actively participated in five stake- ommendation here was for a gradual test enough for new opportunities as proposed. holder meetings and gave public testimony implementation to see how it goes prior A positive result of OHA’s meeting testi- at every opportunity over the past three to applying this regulation across the full mony was that the Commission directed years. We always emphasized that wolf range for blacktails in Oregon. Many OHA the development of deer advisory com- population growth needs to be monitored members and leaders have concerns about mittees for both blacktail and mule deer. very closely, and with ever-increasing excessive vulnerability of spike blacktail OHA will play a key role in this meeting consideration for game populations and bucks in a 35-day season with unlimited input process as it develops. livestock interests. tags. Ochoco National Forest Lawsuit: The wording about the use of hunting The cow elk damage tag is a change In June the Federal DOJ dropped its ap- and trapping as future management tools for areas of the state with high elk dam- peal of OHA’s Ochoco lawsuit, resulting in was kept intact for this plan revision. We age and will replace 19 controlled hunts victory to stop developing the High Sum- encouraged ODFW to make wolf popula- and the need to provide damage tags to ungannon

mit OHV Trail. This was a long journey to D tion monitoring a key priority, while at landowners. Again, the geographic extent success for OHA, on both chapter and state uane the same time looking closely at deer and of these changes brought us concern, and levels, giving science-based stakeholder /D elk population stability in units with es- additionally, hunters taking advantage of input. A lot of our success related to hir- bu lls tablished wolf packs. Looking ahead, we this new opportunity would still need per- ing an effective attorney in Scott Jaeger. will need to stay on top of the Wolf Plan mission to hunt on private land to use the Besides our internal coordination, we also ounty implementation – regularly providing input tag and it would be their only elk hunting partnered with RMEF and others to protect C a k er from our observations in the field. opportunity. extremely critical elk habitat. B Oregon gun owners dodged bullets again in ‘19

By Al Elkins, OHA Lobbyist [email protected] OHA’s 2019 Investments in Our Mission The year 2019 was a very busy one on the legislative front, with the session Projects benefiting Oregon’s wildlife & sportsmen: $236,482 beginning in January. OHA tracked close to 1,000 bills that affected hunting, habitat Publications, information & education: $239,151 and wildlife. Here is a summary of 2019 Defending hunting rights/Advocating for wildlife: $134,514 from the legislative perspective. Fighting poaching in Oregon: $42,561 Bills That Passed Anti-Poaching Campaign Funded Volunteer hours donated by OHA members: 32,369 A big victory for OHA this session was the funding of a new anti-poaching campaign that OHA, ODFW, OSP, Oregon Department of Justice and members of the worked with other pro-gun organizations Coyote Hunting Contest Ban Bill legislature worked on developing for over to stop these bills. Our actions, plus those A bill that would have made it illegal two years. The new $3.7 million General enacted by the Senate Republicans’ first to have coyote hunting contests in Oregon Fund appropriation was allocated in part walk-out, helped prevent any anti-gun died after passing the Senate. It had one to OSP for the hiring of an additional five legislation from being passed. Here are hearing in the House Committee on Rules troopers, DOJ for the hiring of a “circuit the types of issues we’re facing through and died in that committee. rider” and support staff to work with pros- the gun bills – the good, and the mostly Oregon Conservation & Recreation Fund ecutors around the state on prosecuting bad and the ugly: In 2020 OHA, along with other groups, poachers, and to ODFW for development • firearms safety training in schools will work with ODFW on the implementa- of a “poaching awareness” campaign. • ban on exploding targets/tracer ammo on tion of a bill that passed last session that Elk Damage Bill Compromise public lands during high fire danger created the Oregon Conservation and There were many elk damage related • registration of “assault” firearms with Recreation Fund. This fund will be used bills introduced this session. After hearings OSP to carry out activities that serve to protect, on the bills, a work group was established • definition of “assault” rifles and limits maintain or enhance fish and wildlife in to find a compromise between legislators, on sale/possession Oregon. landowners and hunters on elk damage to • minimum age to purchase “assault” rifle ranches and farms. A compromise proposal or handguns Initiative filed to restrict gun penned by ODFW staff was agreed to by • background check bills to tighten restric- storage, impose liability all parties involved. tions, delay purchases Ban on Commercial Urine Products • storage/locking bills to require guns be An initiative petition is on the horizon The bill originally required that the kept or transported under lock for the November ballot in 2020. The urine product be free of CWD. Finding • endangering minor by allowing access to proposed ballot measure includes these that there was no test to determine if a firearms (new crime) provisions: urine product is CWD free, the legislature • theft reporting bills with liability for • A person who owns or possesses a firearm banned all urine-based hunting products in failure to report shall, at all times that the firearm is not car- Oregon. • prohibitions on large capacity magazines ried by or under the control of the person Leftover and Non-resident Tags (over 10 rounds) includes handguns or an authorized person, secure the firearm: A bill introduced by ODFW that elimi- • regulation of gun ranges • With an engaged trigger lock or cable nated the requirement that allows ODFW • tax credits for gun safes lock… to restrict leftover tags to hunters who • illegal discharge within 500 ft. of dwell- • In a locked container, equipped with a didn’t draw a tag for that species in the ing, exceptions tamper-resistant lock… controlled hunt drawing passed, as did a • voluntary “do not sell” lists The measure also requires reporting bill that increased the percentage of non- • reporting of unlawful firearms transfers lost and stolen guns and makes the owner resident tags issued for hunting of black • concealed carry permits and fees responsible for actions taken with a stolen bear, cougar, and antelope. Cougar Bills firearm, but includes no additional penal- Bills That Failed All the cougar bills failed to pass. One ties for those who actually steal them and Firestorm of Gun Bills bill received a late-night hearing but was use them in crimes. There were some 30 gun bills that OHA then assigned to the House Committee on OHA and NRA have challenged the tracked during the legislative session. OHA Rules where it died. ballot title wording in court. Central Cascades Wilderness Permits: OHA put all hands OHA wrote objections and met multiple OHA grants fund times with the Forest Service, opposing on public lands limited entry permits to access public land, major projects in three central Cascade Wildernesses. OHA works on key land-use issues Along with other like-minded conserva- OHA’s State Board of Directors in 2019 important to hunting in our state. We’re tion groups, we fought and were heard, approved three wildlife project grants from on the front lines with both staff and vol- thus exempting hunters from the permit OHA’s Wildlife Superfund, supported unteers, working with key agencies and requirements, during the High Cascade by a 5 percent contribution from chapter partners to improve wildlife habitat and rifle and general archery deer and elk banquet proceeds and donations from build long-term, collaborative partner- seasons, which fall in the limited entry individual members. The board voted to ships. Our efforts include working to keep period – Memorial Day through the last grant funding for: public lands public, protect and improve Friday in September. —Karl Findling • GPS transmitters for an Oregon State habitat, and redistribute big game animals University/ODFW study of sage grouse to public land from nearby private land OHA worked on habitat and population recovery follow- where they are doing damage. ing the recent devasting fires in the Trout SE Oregon Resource Management Plan: Creek Mountains. Studies will add to the OHA took part in the Draft SEORMP outreach in 2019 knowledge of habitat and species recovery. process. As proposed, the BLM is advocat- By Amy Patrick, OHA Outreach Coordinator • A winter forage grant for black-tailed deer ing for a no-action alternative management [email protected] and elk winter range habitat improvements plan (the BLM 2002 Resource Manage- In 2019, OHA expanded staff capacity by removing conifers and other competing ment Plan), covering over 4.5 million to focus on membership outreach. The op- vegetation species to promote early seral acres, mostly in Malheur County. OHA is portunity for an additional staff member, forage on Forest Service lands in the Butte advocating for an alternative to the 2002 initially funded through grant money, also Falls area northeast of Medford. RMP, seeking improvements to landscape created the ability to cover more important • Winter range forage improvements and scale wildlife habitat. issues for our membership. protection of year-round water sources HB 2834, Ungulate Migration, and Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation near Fort Rock. This project is directly OHA Pledges to Help Wildlife: Outreach to potential members, espe- linked to OHA’s efforts to improve wild- This year, with bipartisan support, cially in under-represented communities, life passage between winter and summer the Legislature unanimously passed HB is a priority for OHA, and inspired the range currently affected by deer/vehicle 2834, which directs ODOT and ODFW decision to create the part-time Outreach collisions on Highway 97 south of Bend. to share data on wildlife migration and Coordinator staff position. Production of Our 2018 grants are a work in progress reduce barriers to that migration. Working an outreach plan, promotional flyers, and with implementation this year. Those proj- with our partners at the Oregon Wildlife revisions to the organizational Strategic ects are: Foundation, a proposed new license plate Plan have laid a strong foundation for • Forage creation on Hancock Forest Man- was designed and will help with funding membership outreach. agements lands near Newport, to include wildlife movements. (See Page 17.) OHA Marten Trapping Ban seeding and fertilizing of powerline, har- has pledged over $110,000 to install and At the October ODFW Commission vest unit and created meadows. maintain 10 miles of funnel-fencing near meeting, OHA, along with representa- • Outreach to hunters and motorists through Gilchrist on Highway 97, starting in 2020. tion from trappers and landowners, gave written and social media outlets promoting All Hands, All Brands, for Public Lands: testimony in opposition to the proposed barrier-free wildlife migration and driver OHA’s rendezvous-style work party marten trapping ban brought forth by sev- safety on our highways. Outreach is associ- drew more than 100 volunteers from many eral environmental activist groups. Despite ated with our upcoming Gilchrist wildlife OHA chapters and 12 different conserva- our efforts, the commission approved the underpasses, allowing more deer and elk tion groups. Working closely with our petition on a 4-3 vote, signaling a broader to safely migrate between historic seasonal partners on the Ochoco National Forest, concern for all trapping in Oregon. habitat areas. ungannon D three separate aspen stands were fenced Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board • Winter big game forage improvements uane

off from domestic cattle. OHA members located on the north on BLM lands near Butte Falls; this is an /D Ochoco Trails Strategy Group: coast alerted staff to concerns regarding expansion of past and ongoing efforts of OHA has been a part of facilitated meet- the potential loss of hunting access on local partners and area chapters. p rong h orn s ings for a year with multiple stakeholders lands acquired with OWEB funds. OHA All OHA grant projects have participa- in the Ochoco National Forest. We are provided a letter and public comment out- tion of partners for work and funds, plus ounty working to ensure that the placement for lining our concerns of a net-loss in hunting opportunities and needs for local or state- C a potential network of hiker, biker and access across public lands and remains wide chapter participation to create success on the ground. —Ken McCall a lh eur equestrian trails avoids impacts to wildlife. engaged on the issue. M OHA Invites You to Our 2020 Banquets for Oregon’s Wildlife & Sportsmen! • Auctions • Raffles Great Guns,

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kylined Mar. 14 Bend 541-480-9848 “S Mar. 14 Rogue Valley 503-250-3000 Mar. 14 Union/Wallowa 541-786-5841 Mar. 21 Clatsop County 503-791-0549 Mar. 21 Yamhill 503-804-2843 Mar. 21 Josephine Co. 541-821-1511 OHA Platinum Sponsors: Mar. 28 Capitol 503-585-4547 Apr. 4 Tualatin Valley 503-502-0611 Apr. 4 Baker 541-403-0402 Apr. 4 Blue Mountain 541-231-4384 Apr. 4 Lake County 541-219-0614 Money we raise Apr. 4 Tioga 541-297-6178 here stays here. Apr. 4 Mid-Willamette* 541-971-3351 Apr. 25 Klamath * 541-882-9593 May 2 Tillamook 503-801-3779 May 30 OHA State Convention,** Seven Feathers Casino, 541-772-7313 ** A&H Statewide Deer Tag auction Nosler Liberty featured * A&H Statewide Elk Tag auction at each OHA banquet courtesy of Coastal Farm & Ranch! PleasePLEASE support SUPPORT OHA’sOHA’S Special SPECIAL funds!FUNDS Your tax-deductible* contributions support OHA’s wildlife, habitat, sportsmen & hunting rights. YOUR GIFTS HELPED hunters’ victory fund US KEEP THE OCHOCOS Your tax-deductible* donation to the Oregon Hunters Association GREAT ELK COUNTRY! Hunters’ Victory Fund will be dedicated for ﬁ ghting legal and legislative battles to protect hunting rights in Oregon. Your support helped us ﬁ le suit to protect key elk habitat in eastern Oregon, and helped us keep 2 gun initiatives off the ballot! We need every Oregon hunter’s support to be successful!

OHA Wildlife Super Fund Youth Heritage Fund OHA Wildlife Tax-deductible* donations Super Fund to OHA’s Youth Heritage Fund help train tomorrow’s hunters & conservationists who will carry on our proud HELP US SUPPORT SAFE hunting heritage. WILDLIFE CROSSINGS Oregon Hunters Association Tax-deductible* donations to the OHA’s Special Funds Donations Wildlife Super Fund are dedicated for P.O. Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501 major projects and programs aimed at (541) 772-7313 www.oregonhunters.org/donate + Or donate online! advocating for wildlife and enhancing Name ______habitat right here in Oregon where you Address ______live and hunt. We recently funded three City ______State ____ Zip ______major projects thanks to your support! Phone: Home______Work ______Email (optional): ______Please accept my contribution to OHA’s Special Funds: Gift to Oregon Hunters’ Victory Fund: ___ $20 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other: $ ______Gift to OHA Wildlife Super Fund: ___ $20 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other: $ ______Gift to OHA Youth Heritage Fund: Supporting Member Sustaining Member ___ $20 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other: $ ______Gift of unrestricted funds: Members who contribute $20 or ___ $20 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other: $ ______more to OHA’s Special Funds Total contribution: $______receive a Silver Edition OHA Supporting Member decal. Donors __ Check __ Bill my: Visa/MC/Discover/AmEx Exp. date ______of $100 or more receive a Gold Card # ______Edition Sustaining Member decal. CVV2# on back______Signature ______* OHA is a 501(c)(3) non-proﬁ t organization. The OHA Hunters’ Victory Fund is not a PAC. Consult your tax preparer.

OHA 3 special funds form mid2018.indd 1 10/8/18 2:21 PM Special funds pitch 2019.indd 1 11/14/19 11:52 PM 32 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 A Six-Pack of Tips for Mid-Day Mountain Lions

By Max Zeller

fter nearly 45 years of calling Range cougar movements more precisely, my only option was to shoo – not shoot – predators, it wasn’t until the enhance my ability to more accurately the 150+ pound cat before the next three 1994 initiative eliminating pinpoint calling locations, and increase steps put him in my lap. I stood up tall and hound hunting that I really sank my harvest rates. told the big fella to scoot, which he did my teeth into calling cougars. After all, I now had actual cat sightings abruptly, and without a whisper of sound, ALike most serious cat callers, I wanted to with specific dates and times, direction of I might add. learn everything I could about outsmarting travel, size, gender, and approximate age. Since then, mid-day calling sessions these cautious-but-curious felines. I felt de- I left trail cams in known cougar territory have increased my success – mainly in cades of trapping and calling bobcats gave (deer and elk strongholds) for weeks and confirmed sightings, but also in kills. Last me an advantage when transitioning to got a better idea how long it took for a lion year was no exception, with a mature Coast mountain lion calling, because they share to make his rounds. Range cat taken in January at 40 yards similar instinctual traits and behavioral But the biggest eye-opener was the using both a mouth call (fawn bleats) and characteristics. time of day longtails were on the move an e-caller (doe distress) at about 1 p.m. In the Oregon Coast Range where I live, throughout the year. Obviously, there were This is what I’ve learned through ex- I always kept a sharp eye out for any lion numerous nocturnal and crepuscular pho- perience: sign, including scratch posts, exposed toi- tos, but the number of mid-day photos was Always be on the lookout for fresh lets, prints in mud a surprise – almost equaling the number of sign: tracks in snow or mud, fresh Patterning or snow, covered early morning and evening photos. With cougar kill, scratching’s, scat piles kill sites old and this new and exciting information, I soon 1(uncovered) and territorial scent piles cats was like new, and territorial put it to a test. (covered). Call soon thereafter because, scent piles. I docu- I was headed to southern California on unless on a kill, a cougar can travel long herding them mented everything a predator hunt for coyote, gray fox and distances in a short time. about the freshness bobcat. I was just north of Los Angeles Use a variety of calls. A lion’s main – random at of the sites: date hunting a 2-mile stretch of mountainous breeding activity occurs in February, best. and time, location, high chaparral terrain, with sandy washes so cougar vocalizations are a good weather conditions, snaking up shallow side-draws. I was 2calling strategy, although they can be used temperatures, and moon phases. From this headed back out of the area at 11 a.m. when year-round as well. Electronic calls (legal data I produced charts and graphs that I noticed something that wasn’t there on in Oregon for predators) hold several qual- would have made a NASA engineer proud, the way in – fresh lion tracks in the sand ity cougar vocalizations from the manu- and I thought this rudimentary patterning that entered a side-draw into a box canyon facturers, or you can download from other information would increase my success. I with a small grove of ancient cottonwoods sources. In late spring, I use a variety of soon learned that patterning cats was like surrounded by a large expanse of sage. distressed fawn and elk calf sounds, again, herding them – random at best. I set up close to the copse of trees, from the extensive library of an e-caller. However, all this information was use- donned my ghillie suit and tucked in tight Don’t be afraid to use hand-held mouth ful and gave me more confidence in calling next to a large deadfall. I was hand calling calls. For the first several minutes of my specific areas instead of just cold-calling using gray fox distress sounds. It wasn’t a calling sessions I enhance my e-caller fawn habitat that looked good. Still, I limited my half hour when I saw the back of a large and calf distresses with doe or cow elk calling to early morning and late afternoon tom slinking toward me through the sage. hand-call distresses. Bird sounds are also sets. I had some success, but I was hungry At a mere 9 feet, the cat emerged, staring a big hit, as I’ve called in and killed a large to learn more. past me looking for that injured fox. Its tom using a variety of woodpecker/flicker aut h or Then, about 15 years ago, came the eyes were like huge piercing saucers (I’m distress calls, again doubling up using an t h e trail camera craze. Adding trail cams to sure mine were, too). e-caller in conjunction with mouth calls. by my arsenal opened my eyes to the possi- Because harvesting mountain lions is For me, it just adds realism and excitement h oto

P bility that I might be able to pattern Coast strictly verboten in the state of California, to the calling sequence.

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 33 Once you feel you are in a good area, call for at least an hour, but I recom- mend 2 hours. I’ve called cougars in 3at less than 15 minutes and right up to the 2-hour mark. Cats are patient. Unlike coyotes and gray fox, which will often charge a call site, lions will stage up in cover and observe the call site for over a half hour. I call continuously throughout the session with hardly a break, except to switch calls from cat vocalizations to distress calls, for instance. Enter your calling area carefully and quietly, and limit your move- 4ments on stand. Keep hand and The author’s trail cam caught these cats and many others cruising for lunch around noon. body movements to a minimum. Slowly move your eyes, followed by your head, to scan the area. Cougars depend more on eyesight and sound than sense of smell Cougars and will pick out overt movements in depend more an instant, and – like most predators – can on eyesight instantly triangulate and sound the exact position of a sound from long than sense of distances. Electronic calls are the ticket smell. (especially for the solo hunter); they can be set up at quite a distance from your position and placed in a way that can help direct a cat’s approach. Partner up. I’m strictly a solo hunter If you’re not seeing cougars in the daytime, it could just be that they’re seeing you first. who only used hand calls in the past, both of which have cost me several 5missed opportunities on cats sneaking in and out of my sets, as I would only get a glimpse of tawny hide and that obvious tail. A hunting partner can provide added security and an important extra set of eyes, but that also increases possible detection by doubling up on movement. Don’t forget good camo can be important too (a ghillie suit has served me well over the years). Above all, like most hunting endeav- ors, persistence and patience are your keys to success – persistence in 6the number of times you get out there and call, and patience in the amount of time you spend on each stand. I can guarantee there is no bigger thrill than enticing a mature mountain lion enough to have it materialize in front of you. And don’t forget to skip your lunch-time cat-naps when you could be out calling in mid-day cruisin’ cougars.

34 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 WANTED: HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTORS

Remember the thrill of your first hunt? Do you have a passion for hunting that you would like to pass on to others? ODFW’s Hunter Education Program NEEDS you! The hunter education program involves passing on the hunting tradition to future generations in a safe, fun, and responsible manner. n Firearm and hunter safety n Wildlife management and conservation n Hunter ethics and responsibilities n Outdoor safety

Hunter education instructors are individuals 21 and older who have a passion for hunting. You do not need to be an expert hunter to teach this course; a strong interest in introducing young people and adults to the sport is what is required. How do I become a Certified Instructor? n Easy process: contact the number below for an application.

ODFW Hunter Education Program 503-947-6028 www.dfw.state.or.us Young GunS By Jason Haley

Meet Oregon’s youngest Hunter Ed instructor

he heart of a hunter is a curious thing. There’s no way of knowing who’s Tgot it and who doesn’t. But with an introduction and a little exposure, our pas- time just seems to stick with some people. That’s what happened to Cole. Cole Hollingsworth is the youngest Hunter Education instructor in Oregon. He recently turned a mere 23 years old, a story unto itself, Cole was but there’s more. Cole was certified certified to in 2015 at the age of 19. He studied teach Hunter business at South- Ed in 2015 at western Oregon Community Col- Cole Hollingsworth wears many hats, including brand ambassador for Vortex Optics. the age of 19. lege before transferring to Umpqua herd that was causing trouble on his prop- release, preferring to use fingers. “I use my Community College in 2016 and beginning erty. Cole spent mornings and evenings fingers because that’s how I’m comfortable work toward a degree in Criminal Justice, staking out on a stand. He tagged out with shooting it,” he said. Good for him. Having with an eye on becoming an OSP Wildlife one day left in the season. Needless to say, killed several bow bucks that way, I can Trooper. He completed his Associate De- he was hooked. The rest is history and we testify that there are certain advantages, gree in that field. He began pro-staffing are all better off for it. time and place considered. for some outdoor brands, including Vortex After that, his neighbor encouraged Cole is also very close to his sister, Optics that year and won a Hunter Educa- him to apply to be an instructor in the Amanda, a high-schooler who is not of tion Instructor Bronze Award in 2017. Hunter Education program, realizing the Korean descent. He attends many of her Cole is a hard working son-of-a-gun. short supply and unmet need. He pur- sporting events. Cole plans on staying He’s currently a truck loader at Vend West sued it, in part, because he knew that his close to home this year and hunting west- Services, Inc. in Coos Bay. He started there younger sister would need to get certified ern Oregon for deer, but would love to hog in 2014 during school. Before that, he cad- at some point. Being accepted and certi- hunt in Texas, someday, where his family died and worked maintenance at Bandon fied strengthened his resolve. Hunting has property. Cole is an advocate for hunt- Dunes Golf Resort. Don’t call him during would become his calling and career. He ing and believes the conservation message normal business hours because he won’t has taught more than 200 students in the should be brought into the public schools. answer. After hours, he’s polite, punctual three years since. Cole believes his youth Aldo Leopold said, “There are some and modest. gives him an advantage when it comes to who can live without wild things and some Cole’s story is somewhat unlikely. He teaching, as younger students seem to feel who cannot.” Cole definitely falls into the is a first-generation Korean American, ad- more comfortable and aren’t afraid to ask latter category which we can all relate to. opted from Seoul, South Korea. He started questions. I have no doubt that he’ll be an effective hunting at age 14 when his neighbor, the When he’s not working or teaching, teacher and ambassador for years to come. County Coordinator for ODFW’s Hunter Cole enjoys archery, target shooting and He’s bound to unlock the hunter in count- Education program, took him into the field outdoor adventures with his buds. He less individuals who are lucky enough to (literally) for the first time. shoots a Remington .30-06 rifle and a make his acquaintance. Cole took his first cow elk in 2015. A Bowtech Diamond compound. He’s an Follow Cole on Facebook and Insta- local rancher contacted him about an elk old-school trend setter when it comes to his gram @colehollings.

36 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Big Game 2020Raffle Hunts

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Residents and non-residents eligible

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Drawings will be held at the Oregon Hunters Association’s Annual State Convention at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Oregon, starting at 6:30pm on May 30, 2020 AVAILABLE HUNTS Governor’s Statewide Combo - 1 Deer Tag & 1 Elk Tag 1 Pronghorn Antelope Tag

1 Bighorn Sheep Tag 1 Statewide and 3 Regional Deer Tags

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* Except for specific area closures listed in ODFW’s 2020 Big Game Regulations ** Columbian white-tailed deer can be hunted only in areas with authorized seasons and tags (see 2020 Big Game Regulations)

For more information: call (503) 947-6301 or visit OregonRaffleHunts.com Entries sold online at ODFW.HuntFishOregon.com creating a policy outlining how they will address climate change within their management decisions. Not only is this new ground for Oregon’s agencies, there county

OHA News & Views have been no similar policies imple- a w o

mented by any other state in the country. ll a

Rec fund committee, The policy takes a high level view of w , , climate change and its potential effects s elk salvage rules set on habitat for the state’s fish and wild- coggin By Jim Akenson, OHA Sr. Conservation Director life. Citing elevated water temperature trends, increased ocean acidity, and more vic [email protected] Your donation is needed to help purchase prolific instances of wildfires, the policy The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Com- 1,800 acres of critical winter range in takes a broad view of how to approach, mission at its Oct. 11 meeting in Ontario Wallowa County. established rules on two topics of interest evaluate, and implement science-based to Oregon’s hunters: decisions relative to climate change. • Establishing Conservation/Recreation The Climate and Ocean Change Policy Donations needed Advisory Committee to advise spending has been presented to stakeholder groups of the new Oregon Recreation Fund; and interested parties on multiple occasions. for critical winter • Rules for the use of elk meat when kill The policy will have an informa- permits are authorized to help landowners tional presentation to the ODFW Com- range purchase with property and crop damage. mission at the January meeting, where public comment will also be accept- Recreation-Conservation Committee: The Wallowa Lake Moraines Partner- ed. The final presentation for commis- In the 2019 Legislature, HB 2829 was ship is purchasing 1,800 acres of critical sion approval is scheduled for March. passed to create an alternative funding mule deer winter range in a scenic area source for fish, wildlife and outdoor recre- that borders Wallowa ation. A task force created in 2015 proposed The Lake on the east side and the funding alternatives recommended to is a classic example of the Commission. This committee will have balance Ice Age moraines found nine members from across the state. OHA In Memoriam of the in North America. gave testimony encouraging representa- Over $6 million of tion from the hunting community. OHA Contributions made $6.5 the $6.5 million need- is pulling together partners from other recently to the million ed has been raised, but hunting organizations, through a sign-on $324,000 is still needed letter, to support our call for representation. OHA Memorial Fund purchase by mid-January, 2020. Elk Meat Disposition: price is Donations are needed to The Commission also voted to adjust raise the final funds to rules related to how elk meat is distrib- In memory of due in secure this scenic back- uted after kill permits have been used for BRYCE MITCHELL January. drop to Wallowa Lake. damage control. The new rule is intended & DON SCHALLER This area has been to lessen the burden on landowners in from Kathryn Krieger grazed by cattle since processing the elk carcasses, and it gives settlement times, and spring mule deer the landowner, or landowner agents, the counts of nearly 400 animals have been opportunity to retain an elk carcass. The recorded in ODFW surveys. first priority of meat use would be delivery The mule deer wintering on this range to food banks or other charitable organiza- generally summer on public land, and tions. OHA testified that public hunting many move to the Wallowa Mountains. should always be the preferred method of ar d

W The area will be managed by Wallowa damage abatement, but making sure that im

/J County as the East Moraine Community the meat is utilized is the top concern. Forest. Traditional uses will continue with over l oo k ODFW crafts policy to sustainable forestry and cattle grazing as Send contributions well as protection of wildlife habitat and memoria l address climate change in honor of loved ones hiking trails for public use. who loved wildlife to: ar sh For more information, contact the By Amy Patrick, OHA Outreach Coordinator M Wallowa Land Trust, P.O. Box 516, En- [email protected] OHA Memorial Wildlife Fund a dd P.O. Box 1706 terprise, OR 97828, 541-426-2042, or ODFW is taking the lead among visit www.wallowalandtrust.org Medford, OR 97501 O H A L Oregon’s natural resource agencies by —Vic Coggins, OHA Northeast Director

38 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Last gun winners for 2019 announced; OHA State-Level 2020 will start with a bang on Jan. 1! Sponsorships OHA congratulates our 2019 Gun Calendar Raffle winners: Please support the sponsors who support 2-Jan – Clayton Solberg, Warrenton, Nosler M48 Custom .270 WSM OHA’s mission of protecting Oregon’s 9-Jan – Kimo Arruda, Gales Creek, Ruger 10-22 wildlife, habitat and hunting heritage. 16-Jan – Lester O’Dell, Baker City, OHA-engraved Howa 1500 6.5 Creedmoor 23-Jan -David Dias, Hillsboro, Browning Buck Mark .22 fluted target pistol 30-Jan – Corey Ryder, Crooked River Ranch, Remington 870 shotgun PLATINUM 6-Feb – Braedon Bailey, McMinnville, Tikka T-3 SS synthetic .300 Win. Mag 13-Feb – Bill Jackson, Pendleton, Henry Golden Boy .22 Coastal Farm & Ranch coastalfarm.com 20-Feb – Chris Krumland, Eugene, Smith & Wesson SD 9mm VE pistol 27-Feb – Terry Fox, Dallas, Savage .17 HMR with a laminated thumbhole stock Les Schwab Tires 6-March – Darrell Brummett, Junction City, Howa 1500 KUIU camo .22-250 lesschwab.com 13-March – Bob Schoenky, Hillsboro, Ruger 10/22 20-March – Scott Nations, St. Helens, Smith & Wesson SD 9mm VE pistol 27-March – Travis Kirkland, North Bend, Remington 870 shotgun GOLD 3-April – Brandie Glasgow, Klamath Falls, Weatherby Vanguard Lazerguard 10-April – Mary J. Bennett, Redmond, Henry Golden Boy .22 Sig Electro Optics 17-April – Jeff Paradis, Hubbard, Browning Buck Mark .22 fluted target pistol sigsauer.com 24-April – Brady Hill, Baker City, CZ over/under 12 gauge 1-May – Tom Debrie, Crabtree, Smith & Wesson SD 9mm VE SILVER 8-May – Joy Kind, North Plains, Howa 1500 KUIU camo 6.5 Creedmoor 15-May – Travis Kingsford, Prineville, Ruger 10-22 Nosler, Inc. 22-May – Troy Ott, Prineville, Browning A-Bolt synthetic .30-06 nosler.com 29-May – Kari Schultz, Brookings, Remington 870 shotgun 5-Jun – Brian Calabro, Grants Pass, Remington Model 7 SS synthetic Benchmade 12-June – Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Henry Golden Boy .22 benchmade.com 19-June – Tyler Wilson, Hermiston, Smith & Wesson SD .40sw VE 26-June – Gordon Waibel, Hillsboro, Savage .17 HMR thumbhole TGB Outfitters 3-July – Lindsay Nokell, Bend, Henry Big Boy .45 LC tgboutfitters.com 10-July – Charlie Cookson, Bend, Remington 870 shotgun Legacy Sports International 17-July – Doug Meredith, Myrtle Creek, Ruger 10-22 24-July – Lori Haury, Bonanza, CZ .17 HMR lightweight wood stock legacysports.com 31-July – Lakota Lawson, Dallas, Browning Buck Mark .22 fluted target pistol 7-Aug – Paula Churchill, Roseburg, Remington 700 M40 long range 7mm Rem. BRONZE 14-Aug – Bryce Denfeld, Salem, Henry Golden Boy .22 21-Aug – Robert Russell, Portland, Smith & Wesson SD .40 SW VE Chinook Winds Casino 28-Aug – Mike Templeton, Prineville, Savage .17 HMR lite synthetic chinookwindscasino.com 4-Sep – Frederick Pick, Bemidji, MN, Winchester Model 70 Sporter 7mm mag 11-Sep – Troy Mace, Beaverton, Smith & Wesson SD .40 sw Green Mountain Grills 18-Sep – Trevor Cook, Gaston, Ruger 10-22 greenmountaingrills.com 25-Sep – Ryan Hackett, Trail, Remington 870 shotgun 2-Oct – Scott Jones, Scotts Mills, Stoeger auto 12 gauge, 3-1/2” camo shotgun Sportsman’s Warehouse sportsmanswarehouse.com 9-Oct – Bill Fields, Lebanon, Savage .17 HMR thumb hole laminated stock 16-Oct – Matt Reed, Oregon City, Browning Buck Mark .22 fluted target pistol Traeger Grills 23-Oct – Ben Newburn, Redding, Henry Golden Boy .22 traegergrills.com 30-Oct – Brandon Robbins, Clatskanie, CZ .17 HMR Lightweight wood stock 6-Nov – John Wright, Tigard, Sauer Model 100 Classic .270 Win. Pronto Print 13-Nov – David Van Rheen, Portland, Rock Island 1911 .45! gopronto.com 20-Nov – Mersedes Abell, Oakdale, CA, Ruger 10-22 27-Nov – Charles Koch, II, Eugene Remington 870 shotgun 4-Dec – Thomas Brown, Neotsu, Tikka Hunter blued/wood .270 Win. For information about OHA state-level 11-Dec – Jason Koenig, Albany, Henry Golden Boy .22 sponsorship opportunities, call the 18-Dec – Robert Hooper, Sweet Home, Rock Island 1911 .45 OHA State Office at (541) 772-7313. 25-Dec – Nancy MacHugh, Albany, Savage .17 HMR lite synthetic

OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 39 Win a Trophy Bull Elk Hunt on Zumwalt Prairie! PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OREGON HUNTERS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESPONSIBLE Winner of this raffle is entitled to a Guided Elk Hunt on the famous 33,000-acre SPORTSMEN! Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in NE Oregon during the fall 2020 season! Mature bulls with trophy potential are common. 1 hunter, 2 non-hunting guests & guide for 3 days. Lodging included in updated ranch house. Hunting is on foot and hunters should be in good physical condition. Tickets: $100 each or 11 for $1,000. This hunt is valued at $4,900 but for most hunters - it’s priceless! 600 tickets available. Must be 18 years old. Drawing March 28, 7 p.m., at Bella Union in Jacksonville, Ore. To purchase tickets by phone or check – call or text Becky at 541-951-6765 or email [email protected] Transportation to the preserve and food, beverages, gear and gratuity are not included. Hunter is responsible for license and tag fees. Proceeds will help Divide Camp purchase a headquarters building in Joseph. $ OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE! 10 Make your own sale with $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more! No Cash Value. Cannot be used for purchasing Gift Cards or Licenses. Cannot be combined Valid thru Feb.Dec. 29, 31, 2020 2019 with any other offers. Limit 1 coupon per Customer. Valid Dec.– Feb. 31, 29, 2019. 2020. FIND A STORE IN YOUR AREA AT www.COASTALFARM.com

CFR AD PERMANENTE.indd 1 12/11/19 2:42 PM PROUD TO SUPPORT THE OREGON HUNTERS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESPONSIBLE SPORTSMEN!

$ OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE! 10 Make your own sale with $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more! No Cash Value. Cannot be used for purchasing Gift Cards or Licenses. Cannot be combined Valid thru Feb.Dec. 29, 31, 2020 2019 with any other offers. Limit 1 coupon per Customer. Valid Dec.– Feb. 31, 29, 2019. 2020. FIND A STORE IN YOUR AREA AT www.COASTALFARM.com

CFR AD PERMANENTE.indd 1 12/11/19 2:42 PM HOODVIEW Catherine Hamell (503) 358-7821 oregonhunters.org/hoodview-chapter Chapter News Facebook: Hoodview OHA Chapter Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m., Elmer’s, 1933 NE 181st Ave., Portland. 2020 banquet: Feb. 22, Monarch Hotel, OHA chapters Clackamas; call 971-570-7010. com

. Update: Our holiday party was at the Port- land Gun Club on Dec. 7.

slate banquets; ut d oor s JOSEPHINE COUNTY O Cliff Peery e w i s you’re invited! L (541) 761-3200 ary

G Chapter Meetings: 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m., BAKER A young hunter connects on a pheasant at a dinner at 6 p.m., Elmer’s Restaurant, Charlie Brinton hunt hosted by the OHA Bend Chapter Nov. 23. Grants Pass. (541) 403-0402 2020 banquet: March 21, Josephine Chapter Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 CHETCO County Fairgrounds; call 541-821-1511. p.m., Best Western Sun Ridge Inn; optional Wes Ferraccioli We will draw the winners of the Zumwalt dinner 6 p.m. (541) 450-4100 Prairie elk and deer hunts (for tickets, visit 2020 banquet: April 4, Baker County Chapter Meetings: next meetings are Jan. oregonhunters.org/store). Event Center. 16 and Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Wild River Update: We collected non-perishable food BEND Pizza. at the November and December meetings Bob Dixon CLATSOP COUNTY for our holiday basket program. (503) 572-2805 Kevin Werst KLAMATH oregonhunters.org/bend-chapter 503-325-1036 Allen Wiard Chapter Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 7 p.m., Chapter Meetings: 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. (541) 884-5773 Bend Golf & Country Club. dinner, 7 p.m. speaker, West Lake Chinese ohaklamath.webs.com 2020 banquet: March 14, Riverhouse Restaurant, Seaside. Chapter Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m., Convention Center; call 541-480-9848. 2020 banquet: March 21, Clatsop County Shasta View Community Center. Update: The Wayne Elliott Memorial Fair & Expo. 2020 banquet: April 25, Klamath Fair- Youth Upland Bird Hunt was held in Pow- COLUMBIA COUNTY grounds. We will auction an Access & ell Butte on Nov. 23. Jordan Hicks Habitat Statewide Elk Tag. Call 541-882- BLUE MOUNTAIN (949) 533-7271 9593 Dean Groshong Chapter Meetings: 2nd Monday, 7 p.m., Update: Our youth day, PLAY Outdoors, (541) 377-1227 dinner 6:30 p.m., Kozy Korner restaurant, is Jan. 18 at the Klamath Fairgrounds; call Chapter Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of the 371 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens. 541-281-2224. We held a Youth Chukar month, The Saddle, 2200 Court St., 2020 banquet: Feb. 29, Fairgrounds. Hunt Oct. 19-20, for which the chapter Pendleton, 6 p.m. meeting, 5:30 p.m. din- Update: Chapter members helped out at purchased 300 birds for release. ner and drinks available. the September youth pheasant and duck LAKE COUNTY 2020 banquet: April 4, Pendleton Conven- hunt. Last fall when fines collected from a Tom Zarosinski tion Center; 541-231-4384. poaching case were donated to our chapter, 541-219-0614 Update: Our chapter name has been we used the funds to purchase equipment Chapter Meetings: 1st Tuesday at 6 p.m., changed from Columbia Basin to the Blue that we donated to OSP Fish & Wildlife. The Village Restaurant, Lakeview. Mountain Chapter. Guest speakers told us We are making plans to hold a swap meet 2020 banquet: April 4, Lake County about the Ellis project at Starkey at our of outdoor gear. Fairgrounds. November meeting. EMERALD VALLEY Update: Our last guzzler project this year CAPITOL Tony Hilsendager was held Sept. 14. We worked on duck and Eric Colville (541) 729-0877 goose boxes Oct. 19. (503) 851-8409 [email protected] LINCOLN COUNTY ohacapitol.webs.com Chapter Meetings: 2nd Wednesday, 7 p.m., Todd Williver Chapter Meetings: 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m., Sizzler Steak House, 1010 Postal Way, (541) 648-6815 Marion County Fire Station #1, 300 Cor- Springfield; Board meeting at 5:30 p.m., Chapter Meetings: 2nd Tuesday, 6 p.m. don Rd. NE, Salem. Social 6:30 p.m. meeting, OSU extension office, Newport. 2020 banquet: March 28, Columbia Hall, 2020 banquet: Feb. 22, The Graduate (for- MALHEUR COUNTY Fairgrounds, Salem, 503-585-4547. merly Eugene Hilton); call 541-729-5220. Bruce Hunter Update: Our chapter held a holiday potluck Update: Our annual chapter Christmas din- (208) 573-5556 Dec. 7. ner meeting was Dec. 11 at the Elks Lodge. Chapter Meetings: 3rd Thursday, 6:30 42 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Sharing OHA’s 2020 Vision OHA is focused on our vision for 2020 and beyond, from protecting gun rights to safeguarding wildlife migration. See the OHA 2020 Vision Video at oregonhunters.org

JOIN US! Join OHA! LIKE US! FOLLOW US! OREGONHUNTERS.ORG • Get 6 issues of CHECK OUT OUR Oregon Hunter, INSTAGRAM the magazine dedicated Oregon Hunters Association membership application exclusively to P.O. Box 1706, Medford, OR 97501 • (541) 772-7313 JOIN OR RENEW ONLINE AT: WWW.OREGONHUNTERS.ORG hunting in Oregon. Please sign me up as an OHA member, send my calendar and decal, and start my subscriptions to Oregon Hunter and my local newsletter.

• Receive the Oregon Name ______Hunter’s Calendar, Address ______with 12 photos of City ______State ____ Zip ______Oregon game animals Telephones: Home______Work ______and important season Email (optional): ______dates and deadlines. Individual: __ Annual $35 __ 2 years $65 __ 3 years $90 Family: __ Annual $45 __ 2 years $80 __ 3 years $115 • Make your voice __ Payment enclosed __ Bill my: Visa / MC / Disc / Amex heard on important Card # ______Exp. date ______hunting issues. CVV2# on back______Signature ______MGZ p.m., no host dinner 5:30, location TBA 2020 banquet: May 2, Tillamook County in the chapter newsletter. Fairgrounds; call 503-801-3779. Update: Our chapter hosted a Christmas TIOGA dinner at the Boulevard Grange Dec. 12. Marcey Fullerton MID-COLUMBIA (541) 267-2577 Stanley Walasavage Chapter Meetings: 4th Tuesday, 7 p.m., 6 (541) 296-1022 p.m. no host dinner, Puerto Vallarta restau- Quarterly Chapter Meetings: 6 p.m., rant, Coos Bay. ODFW Screen Shop, The Dalles. Next 2020 banquet: April 4, Coquille Commu- meeting is Feb. 20. nity Building; call 541-294-7912. MID-WILLAMETTE Update: Our chapter worked with ODFW Jacob Williams to put on the first youth pheasant hunt in (541) 740-5992 Coos County Sept. 7-8. Our Christmas Chapter Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m., Party was Dec. 14 at Myrtle Point Gun board meeting at 6 p.m., Old Armory, 4th Club. We will do duck box maintenance and Lyons, Albany. Feb. 1 and shed antler retrieval April 18, 2020 banquet: April 4, Boys & Girls Club, both at Dean Creek. Albany; call 541-971-3351. We’ll auction TUALATIN VALLEY an Access & Habitat Statewide Elk Tag. Tony Kind

Update: Our chapter contributed $2,000 to re w (503) 290-6143 the 4-H Youth Shooting Sports program, C oregonhunters.org/tualatin-valley-chapter hosting youth from Linn and Benton coun- Chapter Meetings:

ra f ton 3rd Tuesday, dinner at 6 ties. We awarded scholarships to two 2019 C p.m., meeting at 7, Prime Time Restaurant high school graduates, who plan to study & Sports Bar, Forest Grove. s y ourte

Forestry Management and Fishery Science. C 2020 banquet: April 4, NW Events & OCHOCO Fred and Debbie Baldwin and supervisor Jackson Environments, Hillsboro, 503-502-0611. John Dehler, III were among the Redmond Chapter members who Update: Our chapter Christmas Party was (541) 815-5817 braved the frozen tundra to do a planting project on Dec. 14 at Meriwether National Golf Chapter Meetings: 1st Tuesday, 7 p.m., on Dec. 14 at Bridge Creek Wildlife Area. Club. We again co-sponsor the Junior Room 1868, 152 NW 4th St., Prineville. Winter Trapshooting League at Hillsboro 2020 banquet: Feb. 22, Carey Foster Hall, Dec. 14. We collected canned and dried Trap & Skeet Club. Prineville; call 541-447-5730 foods and new toys at the November and UMPQUA PIONEER December meetings. Spring work on the Tadd Moore Bill Park Priest Hole Project begins again April 24- (541) 430-6353 (503) 730-7650 26; email [email protected] or call Chapter Meetings: 3rd Tuesday, 7 p.m., oregonhunters.org/pioneer-chapter 541-233-3740. Roseburg ODFW office. Board Meetings: Chapter Meetings: 1st Wednesday, 7 p.m., ROGUE VALLEY 2nd Tuesday, same place. Canby Rod & Gun Club. Bryan Coggins UNION/WALLOWA COUNTY 2020 banquet: March 7, Mt. Angel Com- (541) 601-9905 Morgan Olson munity Festhalle; call 503-710-1233. oregonhunters.org/rogue-valley-chapter (541) 786-1283 Update: Volunteers cleaned up our stretch Chapter Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 6 p.m. Chapter Meetings: La Grande Library, of highway Nov. 2. We worked on duck social & dinner, 7 p.m. presentation, Eagles next date TBA. boxes Oct. 26 and Nov. 9, and took our Club, 2000 Table Rock Rd. 2020 banquet: March 14, Blue Mountain last guzzler trip Oct. 12. Our spring youth 2020 banquet: March 14, Medford Ar- Conference Center; call 541-786-5841. day at Canby Rod and Gun Club will be mory; call 503-250-3000. YAMHILL COUNTY April 25; email [email protected] or Update: We provided pheasants and vol- Bill Dollar call 503-829-2912. unteer help for the Denman Wildlife Area (503) 804-2843 REDMOND youth pheasant hunt. The chapter again ohayamhill.com Tim Van Domelen donated funds, which were matched by Chapter Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m., (541) 771-8383 federal funds, for the annual forage seed 6:00 p.m. dinner, American Legion Hall, oregonhunters.org/redmond-chapter giveaway by ODFW. We will host a booth 126 NE Atlantic, McMinnville. Chapter Meetings: 3rd Tuesday, VFW at the Sportsmen’s and Outdoor Recreation 2020 banquet: March 21, Evergreen Space Hall. Dinner at 5:30, member meeting at Show Feb. 21-23 at the Jackson County Museum. 6:30, board meeting at 6. Expo. Update: Chapter volunteers staffed the 2020 banquet: Feb. 28, Deschutes County TILLAMOOK Stimson gate behind Hagg Lake for deer Expo Center; call 541-233-3740 or email John Putman and elk rifle seasons and the extended [email protected] (503) 842-7733 youth hunt weekend Nov. 2-3. We will Update: Chapter members did a winter Chapter Meetings: 3rd Monday, 7 p.m., host a booth at the Portland Expo Center planting on Bridge Creek near Mitchell Tillamook PUD. sportsman show Feb. 5-9. 44 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 Rogue Valley OHA 36TH ANNUAL Banquet • Auction • Raffle Saturday, March 14 Medford armory Great Guns, Games & Getaways!

Henry Giomi-Brown escorted by OHA Life Coastal Farm & Ranch Raffle for a Nosler Custom Rifle! Member Jeff Heil GOLD SPONSORS Tom Terbeck Butler Ford Les Schwab Crater Lake Ford Dewclaw Archery Sportsman’s Warehouse Mel Sherbourne Oak Creek Ranch Bob Ferreira Noel Moore Lou Mayersky Rimrock Taxidermy Bryan Coggins PICK YOUR TICKET PACKAGE: Marquess & Associates Dr. Don Turcke Basic Package Global Pacific Environmental, Inc. $125 members ($160 non-members) Coastal Farm & Ranch Welburn’s Weapons Benefactor Package Black Bird Shopping Center $300 members ($335 non-members) GREAT guns! Spouse add $65; youth <18 $60. Christensen’s, Kimber, NO PASSPORT NEEDED Corporate Tables Available. Weatherby, Smithfield, Whitetails in Missouri, Platinum Tables Available – Howa & more! or buy your own table. Coastal Bear for Spring 2021, Call to reserve your tickets! LONG GUNS, HANDGUNS, local Bear on C-2 for adult, No tickets will be sold at the door. youth turkey on C-2, Mention this ad! and a treasure trove youth deer on C-2 503-250-3000 of art work! Game on the Grill By Tiffany Haugen

Sauce for the Goose

hether you’re digging through the freezer or bringing fresh geese home from Oregon’s late-season hunts, this simple Wrecipe is tasty and easy to prepare. As when cooking any wild game, the key to a good finished com . product begins once an animal is down, augen and this goose recipe is no different. H

We’ve enjoyed this recipe with any i ff cacklers from the Valley, Aleutian cacks T from California, Vancouver Canada Keep it simple with waterfowl. You can’t go wrong with this easy recipe. geese from Alaska, snow geese from Saskatchewan, and black brant from Izembek Lagoon. It also works on honkers. Before cooking, be sure your bird is cleaned of all bloodshot, feathers, and shot. Remove excess blood vessels and any bruised tissues, as cooked blood results in a gamey flavor. Cooking methods are key with waterfowl, as overcooking often results in stronger flavored meat. Hot and fast with the breast meat, low and slow with legs, wings and thigh meat is the way to go. Keeping it simple is key, and you can’t go wrong with this quick preparation.

1 large goose breast 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite seasoning salt or 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 tablespoon olive or coconut oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon red wine or rice vinegar 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Fresh parsley, cilantro, basil or mint for garnish

Clean goose breast and carefully remove blood vessels and sinuous surrounding tissues. Slice the breast in 1/4”-1/2” slices, across the grain. Spread out on a plate in a single layer, season both sides of the meat. Let sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes. In a large skillet, heat butter and oil on high heat. Fry goose steaks 30 seconds to a minute on each side; do not overcook. Add soy sauce and red wine or rice vinegar and let the liquid reduce, 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately over rice, garnishing with fresh herbs of choice. Ask PUT YOUR LOGO For 150+ more great bird recipes and signed copies of Tiffany about ON OUR ITEMS! Haugen’s popular cookbook, Cooking Game Birds, send a check items with for $20 (free shipping) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489 or order online at www.scotthaugen.com. OHA’s new Watch Tiffany, online, at Cook With Cabela’s, for more ways to branding! cook your game, and follow her on Facebook & Instagram.

46 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020

Ask ODFW By ODFW STAFF

Big changes in new big game regulations

multi-year effort has been underway to improve and simplify big game regu- Alations. ODFW’s goal in this process has been to make the regulations more consistent, simpler where possible, and in tune with current populations and issues. Many controlled hunts have been consolidated into larger areas and/ or have longer seasons. Boundaries of many controlled hunts were expanded more opportunity for public land hunters This has been in effect for a number of or made simpler. in the future and reducing damage. years but some hunters are unaware that Closely check the regulations before In Western Oregon, spike deer they can use any legal weapon. applying for a controlled hunt in 2020, are now included in the buck hunt bag Most eastern Oregon Any Legal as your hunt name or number may have limit and removed from the 600 Series Weapon elk hunts are now controlled. changed. Hunt maps will be available in “Antlerless Deer” bag limit. Rocky Mountain bull and spike elk 2020. While some controlled hunts were A bag limit of “any buck with visible seasons in the Hood-White River-Maupin- consolidated, the number of tags available antler” will increase hunters’ opportunity Biggs-Columbia Basin units are now con- has not been reduced through this process. to harvest a deer in western Oregon. The trolled hunts to improve hunt quality and Tag numbers may have changed in re- previous bag limit (which prohibited the accommodate the new General Antlerless sponse to changes in animal populations harvest of spike bucks during the primary Elk Damage Season. or damage caused by wildlife. seasons) was not necessary and limited The eastern Oregon units that were in Longer seasons will accommodate hunters’ opportunity to fill their tag. the Cascade general any legal weapon elk busy schedules and give people more time While the change will likely result season (Metolius, Upper Deschutes, Keno, to hunt, while simpler boundaries make it in an increase in buck harvest, there are parts of Fort Rock, Sprague, and Grizzly) easier for hunters to determine where they sufficient bucks in the population to have also been moved to new controlled can legally hunt. support increased harvest. All but one hunts to improve bull ratios. New General Antlerless Elk Dam- Western Oregon unit has met or exceeded The additional fall bear tag will age Season on private land to address the benchmark for observed post-hunting be available statewide. Spring and fall chronic elk damage and increasing pri- season buck ratio in at least two of the last season dates will be consistent statewide. vate land elk populations in some areas. three years. The change may also help the Oregon has sufficient bear populations This new, general season tag will re- buck deer population by allowing hunters to allow for this increased opportunity and place 19 controlled hunts and the need for to remove deer in poorer condition and extended seasons. landowner damage tags during the season’s the bucks genetically inclined to remain Commercial deer and elk urine timeframes. The tags will be valid only in spikes. Data shows that some yearling scents are banned. specific chronic elk damage areas mapped bucks have forked antlers while some Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, it will be il- annually by ODFW (detailed maps avail- 2-year-old or older bucks are spikes. legal to use or possess “commercial cervid able in 2020). Hunters need permission to Finally, the change will make deer bag attractants” (deer and elk scents containing hunt on private land to be able to use this limits consistent statewide and make the or made from urine), which will reduce the tag and it will be their only elk hunting identification of a legal deer easier. risk of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) opportunity. “Centerfire” seasons are now called coming to Oregon. The prions that cause This change should give more hunters “Any Legal Weapon” seasons. CWD can spread through an animal’s the opportunity to harvest an elk where This is simply a change to the language bodily fluids. they are causing damage and more fairly to what were once known as Centerfire or Please bring any remaining cervid distribute elk hunting opportunities. The Rifle Seasons, so hunters are aware that any urine products to an ODFW field office change may also reduce the shift of elk legal rifle, shotgun, bow, muzzleloader, or for proper disposal and do not pour them populations onto private land, creating handgun is allowed during these seasons. on the ground or down the drain. 48 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 2020-2021 PHOTO CONTEST

NOSLER PHOTO CONTEST General Category winners

FIRST PLACE Grants Pass OHA member Alyssa Mahaney wins a Nosler M48 Liberty Rifle with this photo of a bobcat treed by hounds in Klamath County.

SECOND PLACE Mike Mordell, OHA member from Georgia, scores a case of Nosler Trophy Grade Ammo for this photo of himself with an Idaho mule deer he took with a .300 Weatherby and 180-grain Nosler Accubond bullets.

50 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 General Category winners NOSLER PHOTOCONTEST OREGON HUNTER, January/February2020 claims aLeupoldscopeforthisphotoof OHA memberMikeMenascoofMartinez, OHA memberMichelleCraftonofSpray McKenzie Mountainswitha.338RUM. with amoosehetaggedintheYukon’s hunting knifeforthisphotoofhimself wintering chukarsafteralatesnow. Calif., claimsaBenchmadeAltitude THIRD PLACE FIFTH PLACE with amuledeerhetaggedintheWhitehorseUnit. Danner AlseahuntingbootsforthisphotoofKyleCham OHA memberJohnChamofWilsonvilleclaimsapair FOURTH PLACE

Last light on the pack out, Baker County/Duane Dungannon NOSLER PHOTO CONTEST Youth Category winners

FIRST PLACE Sherwood OHA member Lily Langer wins a Nosler M48 Liberty Rifle for this photo of herself with a nice mule deer she bagged in Wheeler County. ungannon D SECOND PLACE uane

D Scappoose OHA member Marty / s Liesegang claims a case of Nosler cloud Trophy Grade Ammo for this the photo of Griffen Mortenson with a Sauvie Island Canada goose. through s peek en s hiel T . . t M of eak P

52 THIRD PLACE OHA member William Smith of Oregon City claims a Leupold scope for this photo of Hailey Smith with a mule deer she took in the Interstate youth hunt. She bagged her first buck with a 7mm-08 Thompson/ Center rifle and Nosler Accubond bullets.

FOURTH PLACE OHA member Kirstin Ornelas of Baker City scores a pair of Danner Alsea hunting boots for this photo of Anna Ornelas with an elk she took in Baker County last New Year’s Eve – the last day of a 5-month season.

FIFTH PLACE Hermiston OHA member Karl Adams scores a Benchmade Altitude hunting knife for this photo of his son Cody, 14, with a spring turkey he tagged in the Sumpter Unit.

53 Bear tastes like bear. Berry- and apple- PARTING SHOTS eating bears taste different than fish-eating bears, which taste different than grass- eaters which taste different than bears that By Uncle Geddy have been feasting on dead grass-eaters like cattle or pigs or deer fawns. Sometimes bears taste a little like beef. Where’s the Beef? A few years ago, I met a fellow named Dan Turpin who was hunting mule deer Have You Herd? up in eastern Oregon. It was opening day and he left camp and walked up a trail into t the last gathering of the Bear Moun- the forest. tain Gang, Pistol Pete told us a story Tall timber kept the trail in shadow and Ahe heard. groundwater helped the ferns stay green, “So a bear walks into a Chinese food even in early October. Turpin found where restaurant and orders a beer. The propri- a buck had rubbed his antlers on some wil- etor knows the bear hasn’t been in many lows, so he began to look for the tracks. restaurants, so he charges him $10. The He heard something coming fast. A lot bear forks over the money. After a few of somethings. It sounded like a stampede. minutes, the proprietor comes back around Turpin got down behind a fallen tree. A and says, ‘You know, we don’t get many herd of cattle lumbered into view. A young bears in here.’ The bear looks up from his calf galloped at the rear and right on its beer and says, ‘Well, at 10 bucks a beer, heels – a half-jump behind the calf – was I’m not surprised.’” a bear. I mentioned the story I heard about a Turpin, who also had a bear tag and a black bear that broke into a dumpster at a Remington .30-06, had a split second to Chinese food restaurant in Colorado. make a decision. Should he take the shot Charlie had heard the story, too. “It and risk alarming the buck he was hunting? might seem funny to you, but I guarantee Or let the bear pull the calf down? He took you it wasn’t funny to the guy who owned the shot when the wide-eyed black Angus the restaurant.” meat cut names, reduces unappealing terms and the bruin were less than 25 yards away. Charlie set out a platter of fried fish and and provides a name structure for meat If Turpin hadn’t been there, that herd a pitcher of root beer. cuts. So now you no longer have to be con- would have been de-calfenated. “What do you think the bear liked best, fused about the term pork chop. We don’t Later that evening Turpin had another the chow mein or the moo shu pork?” T. call them pork chops anymore, we call encownter. The bear was up on the meat Roy asked. “What do you suppose his them pork porterhouse chops, which will pole all dressed up in the game bag Turpin fortune cookie said? You will be hungry presumably reduce consumer confusion.” had planned to dress his mule deer in. again in one hour?” After a little research on my part, it turns Six cows and a calf walked down out This is why we gather once a month out that O’Jambo was right. Fourteen cuts of the trees and gathered around the meat down at Charlie’s Fish & Chips. We talk of pork are getting new consumer-friendly pole. They stared up at the bear that had these things out and we become better bear names like pork rib chop, pork ribeye chop tormented them, they sniffed it, walked hunters. and the pork New York chop. And pork around the camp, rumbled a bit as if to say “Have you heard that pork is no longer shoulder will be called brisket. It looks like “thank you” to the hunters, then they turned a white meat?” O’Jambo asked through a Big Pig has pulled one over on Big Cow. around and headed back up into the forest. mouthful of fish. He dipped another chunk It turns out that the USDA treats pork as Cousin Leddy wasn’t able to make it to of fried salmon in a nice dill sauce and said, a red meat already. Pretty soon, the foodies the last meeting, so when I caught up with “Twenty-five years ago, they sold us on and the industry toadies are going to start a him, I asked what he thought about all this. pork - The Other White Meat.” Pork - the Other Red Meat campaign. This “Up where we live,” he said, “the Pork is not a big topic of conversation is going to be hard to swallow. cows’ legs are shorter on one side than the with the Bear Mountain Gang. Sometimes Remember, you herd it here first. other. It helps them get around up in the the subject of bacon comes up, but it is usu- Those of us that find ourselves with a mountains. When we ship them down to ally in the context of wrapping a bear roast. surplus of bear meat in our freezers might the flatlands, we sell them as lean beef.” “It turns out that the Cattleman’s Beef take note. Bear meat has often been com- He was thinking about buying one of Board and the National Pork Board voted pared with pork, but this is often done by Peebles’ heifers, he said. He asked me to fund a joint research project to “reduce people who have just tried bear for the what I thought about her, but I hadn’t seen and eliminate consumer confusion at the first time. If bear meat had an advocacy herbivore. butcher counter,” O’Jambo said. group, we might call our cuts ribeyes and “The result is a makeover that creates T-bones and porterhouses, instead of bear If you have a beef with this story, contact a common name standard that simplifies steaks and roasts. Try that on the in-laws. the author at www.garylewisoutdoors.com 54 OREGON HUNTER, January/February 2020 “Pac/West, an award-winning public and government affairs firm advocating for sportsmen and women is here to defend and protect your right to hunt, fish and access public lands. We believe in the need to manage wildlife and wildlands for current and future generations’ use and enjoyment.” — Paul Phillips

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