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2002 Oregon Elk Forecast
ODFW
8/29/02
Northwest Elk
Hunters should expect an above average year.
Good bull escapement from last fall’s harvest in the Saddle Mountain Unit will likely mean better than average bull hunting this fall. Areas with high elk numbers and open habitat include upper Youngs River, Big Creek and Rock Creek.
The Wilson Unit had excellent bull escapement from the fall of 2001 and good calf recruitment this spring. Bull hunting should be very good with elk distributed throughout the unit. Two popular hunting areas are the upper North Fork Nehalem River and Camp Olson.
Very good post-season bull ratios in the Trask Unit, coupled with good calf recruitment should provide better-than-average bull hunting prospects this fall. Elk are distributed throughout the unit. Some popular areas with open habitats include upper Tillamook River, upper Nestucca River and lower Trask River. Please check the 2002 Big Game Regulations for dates of bull rifle season. Elk hunting should be good in the eastern portion of the Trask Unit with a good carry-over of bulls from last season. Much of the area is private timberland; access policies vary from year to year and from company to company. Hunters should contact the landowner if they have questions concerning access to specific areas.
Total elk numbers and hunting should be good in the Scappoose Unit, but most of the bulls will be spikes. The bull ratio has improved with the return to four and seven-day seasons, however, at this time there are few mature bulls available.
Roosevelt elk numbers are stable or increasing slowly in the Santiam Unit. Elk are scattered throughout the unit, including wilderness areas with limited access and relatively light hunting pressure. The density of elk is generally lower in the northern part of the unit than in the southern part. The bull ratio is good throughout the unit and there are mature bulls in the population. Overall, hunting should be fair. There are good numbers of elk on private lands outside the National Forest and hunting should be good for those with access.
Stott Mountain Unit - In certain areas, like the middle third of the unit, elk numbers reach a high density. There are scattered herds throughout the unit outside this high-density area. The observed bull ratio was slightly over 10 bulls per 100 cows this past February. Most bulls are spikes and young, branched bulls. Archery season may be affected by dry hot weather if private lands are closed due to fire conditions. There are numerous controlled antlerless elk hunts for population control and damage. These hunts provide an excellent opportunity to harvest an elk if you drew a tag. Most of the Stott Mt. Unit is private timberland with many roads. Please contact landowners before hunting.
Alsea Unit - The highest density of elk occurs in the southwest quarter of the unit between Highway 34 and 126, from Waldport to Florence. Most of this land is U.S. Forest Service land with scattered private farmland in the valleys. The bull ratio has been improving and is above 10 bulls per 100 cows. A majority of bulls observed are branched. Hunters who are seeking large bulls should do considerable scouting ahead of the hunting season. The terrain is rugged and much of the land is unobservable from roads because of tall trees and thick under story. Hunting is difficult. There are numerous scattered herds of elk outside of the southwest quarter, especially in the north central area of the unit. These scattered herds provide excellent hunting opportunities for those familiar with the unit, although some small local areas have poor bull ratios. The antlerless elk controlled hunts in the Alsea unit provide a great opportunity to harvest a cow elk.
The Siuslaw Unit has a growing population of elk but it is still below management objectives. Bull ratios are also below management objectives, consequently, yearling bulls comprise a high proportion of the harvest. Prospects for hunting in the north Siuslaw are only fair because of the steep, rugged terrain and the scattered herds of elk. Knowing this area well before the hunting season would greatly improve your chances of a successful hunt.
The Indigo and McKenzie units have healthy elk herds with population numbers near their management objectives. Of these two units, the McKenzie unit has more wilderness and road closures that result in slightly higher bull ratios and more large bulls. Diverse hunting opportunities are offered. Hunters also have a choice from agricultural fringe area to high country wilderness. A trend in these two units has become evident in recent years as hunting opportunities have been expanded to include more cow hunts, youth hunts, muzzleloader hunts and archery hunts. Elk are now more dispersed and occur in smaller groups. They are becoming more wary and are not caught in open clearcuts as often. Calls that were effective a few years ago now do more to spook the elk rather than attract them. Many hunters are impressed with the amount of sign that they see yet find it a challenge to actually find the elk. Hunting prospects for this year are expected to be good although hunters can expect the elk to be wary.
Southwest Elk
Hunters can expect a slightly better than average year.
Douglas County (Dixon, S. Indigo, NW Evans Creek, Melrose, SW Siuslaw, E. Tioga and NE Powers Units) - Bull and calf ratios were up this spring with ratios above our management objectives. The outlook for hunters this elk season looks to be above average. This prediction is a result of ratio increases, good escapement from last hunting season and very mild winter increasing survival of elk herds. Elk numbers are greatest in the E.Tioga, S. Siuslaw, mid to high elevations of the Dixon and S. Indigo and the perimeter of the Melrose units. Some of the local private timberlands are restricting access because of the high fire danger so contact them for information on any restrictions before hunting.
Coos County (Tioga, Sixes, and Powers Units) — Elk hunting in these units are all limited entry. The Tioga is one of the top-producing units in the state for total bull harvest, with other units providing diverse hunting opportunities for fewer people. Bull numbers and calf production in the Tioga dropped slightly in this 3-point or better unit. The bull carryover through the 2001 season was down slightly from the record year of 2000. Hunter interest for limited tags in the Sixes unit is high and those with tags should have a high success rate despite much of the land being held in private ownership. Calf production is down slightly and bull survival through the seasons is high despite good hunter success. The elk population in the Powers unit is showing marked improvement in numbers of older bulls and increased calf production after seven years of a spike-only first season. Inventory in February showed the highest post-season calf ratio on record for the Powers unit. As the age structure of bulls has increased, so has the interest by hunters for the limited one-bull tags for the second season. Spike survival through the hunting seasons is good and continues to contribute to the older bull population. Increased calf production will translate into increased number of bulls available to hunters. Hunters are reminded that ODFW is conducting a research project in Western Oregon to obtain baseline information and evaluate the effects of different hunting seasons and bag limits on bull elk escapement. Researchers need the two incisor teeth from the lower jaw of any bull harvested in Western Oregon. Instructions and collection envelopes will be available at all ODFW offices and many sporting goods locations.
Curry County (S. Sixes and Chetco Units) - These units are both limited-entry hunts with a bag limit of any bull. Populations are stable in both units and success should be similar to last year. The Biscuit Fire has burned more than 700 square miles in the Chetco Unit, and access may be restricted during the entire hunting season in some areas. Hunters should check with the U.S. Forest Service and private timber companies for information on access and permit requirements.
Jackson County (Rogue, Evans Creek, S. Dixon and E. Applegate Units) — Elk populations in the Rogue Unit seem to be stable. Both bull and calf ratios were up from 2001 counts, indicating improved chance of success. The Upper Rogue Green Dot Travel Management program will again be in effect on the Prospect and Butte Falls Ranger Districts. Elk in the Evans Creek Unit are primarily found near private properties. Bull ratios and calf production are both quite high, but private properties often limit access.
Josephine County (W. Applegate and E. Chetco Units) — The Applegate Unit is hunted during the coastal elk season, but there are very few elk in the unit. Limited entry tags are needed to hunt the Chetco Unit, but most of the elk are located in the western part of the unit. Access may be limited in areas where the massive Biscuit Fire occurred.
High Desert Elk
Hunters can expect a better than average year
Elk numbers in the White River and Hood units are above the desired management objective. Bull numbers are good, but heavy cover makes harvesting one a challenge. Both bull seasons are general season, but most hunters choose to hunt the second season. Bull elk hunting in the Maupin and West Biggs is also general season, but the animals are almost exclusively found on private lands. Unless a hunter knows a landowner in that area, it will be very difficult to find a place to hunt.
Ochoco, Maury and Grizzly units: Elk populations appear stable to increasing, and both antlerless and bull hunters should find animals in good condition. Bull numbers appear near or above last year’s levels, with a good crop of spikes and branched bull expected. The lack of water will effect elk distribution, and hunters should scout prospective hunting areas to determine water availability and elk use. Fires on the Paulina Ranger District burned over large areas of the Black Canyon wilderness and adjoining lands. Hunters considering these areas are advised to check with the Paulina Ranger District (541-477-6900) for access restrictions, and scout the area to determine fire impacts. The Rager Cooperate Travel Access Program will be in effect, and continue through the late November antlerless season.
Upper Deschutes, Paulina, Metolius, North Wagontire, and Fort Rock units - Elk numbers continue to grow slowly in all units. The Upper Deschutes, Metolius and West Fort Rock units are managed under the general season "Cascade" hunt. Weather will play an important role in improving hunter success and hunt quality if early winter weather arrives. Most elk in the ‘High Desert’ Wagontire unit are found in the north half of the unit.
The Keno, West Sprague, and West Fort Rock units are within the General Cascade Elk Season and hunting should be good dependent on weather conditions. Bull ratios are good with older age bulls available. Access is good on Winema National Forest, BLM, and private timberlands.
The East Fort Rock, East Sprague, Silver Lake, Klamath, Interstate and Warner Units have a general first season with a limited-entry second season. None of these units are managed for elk. Numbers are low and they are scattered throughout the area, and hunters should not expect to find large concentrations of animals. Access is excellent throughout most of the area, with the Klamath Unit being the only one with extensive private lands. It also has the lowest elk numbers. Elk are most numerous in the East Fort Rock and Silver Lake units. Weather will play an important role in hunter success and hunt quality, with both improving if early winter weather arrives. While the Tool Box, Silver and Winter fires burned about one-sixth of the Silver Lake Unit, the majority of the burn intensity was low. If there are fall rains, these areas may provide new green forage, which is highly desirable to elk.
Elk populations in the Silvies and Malheur River units are at management objective and post-season bull ratios are good. Fewer yearling bulls will be available due to low calf survival last year. Hunter success should be good, but may be below recent years because of the reduced number of yearling bulls in the herd. Antlerless permits were reduced by 44 percent in these two units in response to low calf survival. Hunter success for antlerless elk should be similar to past years but will vary depending on weather conditions.
Elk numbers, bull ratios and hunter success is expected to be similar to last year in the High Desert Hunt Area. Due to the large remote nature of the area and low elk densities, we recommend pre-hunt scouting trips for those unfamiliar with the country. Elk populations are best in the north half of the Steens and Wagontire Units, and in the Stinkingwater Mountains south of Highway 20.
Southwest Fire Information Numbers
Oregon Department of Forestry Offices
Central Point — (541) 664-3328
Coos Bay — (541) 267-4136
Roseburg — (541) 440-3412
Bureau of Land Management Offices
Medford — (541) 618-2200
North Bend — (541) 756-0100
Roseburg — (541) 440-4930
National Forest Offices
Rogue River (Medford) — (541) 858-2200
Umpqua (Roseburg) — (541) 672-6601
Siskiyou — Grants Pass, call Rogue River National Forest
Weyerhaeuser
Recorded message for all lands
(541) 741-5403
Boise Cascade Corporation
Medford — (541) 776-6666
Roseburg Forest Products
Roseburg — (541) 679-3311
Forest Protective Associations
Douglas (Roseburg) — (541) 672-6507
Myrtle Point — (541) 572-2796
Brookings — (541) 469-2302
Coos Bay — (541) 267-3161
Bandon — (541) 347-3400
Gold Beach — (541) 247-6241
Reedsport — (541) 271-2224
ODFW
8/29/02
Northwest Elk
Hunters should expect an above average year.
Good bull escapement from last fall’s harvest in the Saddle Mountain Unit will likely mean better than average bull hunting this fall. Areas with high elk numbers and open habitat include upper Youngs River, Big Creek and Rock Creek.
The Wilson Unit had excellent bull escapement from the fall of 2001 and good calf recruitment this spring. Bull hunting should be very good with elk distributed throughout the unit. Two popular hunting areas are the upper North Fork Nehalem River and Camp Olson.
Very good post-season bull ratios in the Trask Unit, coupled with good calf recruitment should provide better-than-average bull hunting prospects this fall. Elk are distributed throughout the unit. Some popular areas with open habitats include upper Tillamook River, upper Nestucca River and lower Trask River. Please check the 2002 Big Game Regulations for dates of bull rifle season. Elk hunting should be good in the eastern portion of the Trask Unit with a good carry-over of bulls from last season. Much of the area is private timberland; access policies vary from year to year and from company to company. Hunters should contact the landowner if they have questions concerning access to specific areas.
Total elk numbers and hunting should be good in the Scappoose Unit, but most of the bulls will be spikes. The bull ratio has improved with the return to four and seven-day seasons, however, at this time there are few mature bulls available.
Roosevelt elk numbers are stable or increasing slowly in the Santiam Unit. Elk are scattered throughout the unit, including wilderness areas with limited access and relatively light hunting pressure. The density of elk is generally lower in the northern part of the unit than in the southern part. The bull ratio is good throughout the unit and there are mature bulls in the population. Overall, hunting should be fair. There are good numbers of elk on private lands outside the National Forest and hunting should be good for those with access.
Stott Mountain Unit - In certain areas, like the middle third of the unit, elk numbers reach a high density. There are scattered herds throughout the unit outside this high-density area. The observed bull ratio was slightly over 10 bulls per 100 cows this past February. Most bulls are spikes and young, branched bulls. Archery season may be affected by dry hot weather if private lands are closed due to fire conditions. There are numerous controlled antlerless elk hunts for population control and damage. These hunts provide an excellent opportunity to harvest an elk if you drew a tag. Most of the Stott Mt. Unit is private timberland with many roads. Please contact landowners before hunting.
Alsea Unit - The highest density of elk occurs in the southwest quarter of the unit between Highway 34 and 126, from Waldport to Florence. Most of this land is U.S. Forest Service land with scattered private farmland in the valleys. The bull ratio has been improving and is above 10 bulls per 100 cows. A majority of bulls observed are branched. Hunters who are seeking large bulls should do considerable scouting ahead of the hunting season. The terrain is rugged and much of the land is unobservable from roads because of tall trees and thick under story. Hunting is difficult. There are numerous scattered herds of elk outside of the southwest quarter, especially in the north central area of the unit. These scattered herds provide excellent hunting opportunities for those familiar with the unit, although some small local areas have poor bull ratios. The antlerless elk controlled hunts in the Alsea unit provide a great opportunity to harvest a cow elk.
The Siuslaw Unit has a growing population of elk but it is still below management objectives. Bull ratios are also below management objectives, consequently, yearling bulls comprise a high proportion of the harvest. Prospects for hunting in the north Siuslaw are only fair because of the steep, rugged terrain and the scattered herds of elk. Knowing this area well before the hunting season would greatly improve your chances of a successful hunt.
The Indigo and McKenzie units have healthy elk herds with population numbers near their management objectives. Of these two units, the McKenzie unit has more wilderness and road closures that result in slightly higher bull ratios and more large bulls. Diverse hunting opportunities are offered. Hunters also have a choice from agricultural fringe area to high country wilderness. A trend in these two units has become evident in recent years as hunting opportunities have been expanded to include more cow hunts, youth hunts, muzzleloader hunts and archery hunts. Elk are now more dispersed and occur in smaller groups. They are becoming more wary and are not caught in open clearcuts as often. Calls that were effective a few years ago now do more to spook the elk rather than attract them. Many hunters are impressed with the amount of sign that they see yet find it a challenge to actually find the elk. Hunting prospects for this year are expected to be good although hunters can expect the elk to be wary.
Southwest Elk
Hunters can expect a slightly better than average year.
Douglas County (Dixon, S. Indigo, NW Evans Creek, Melrose, SW Siuslaw, E. Tioga and NE Powers Units) - Bull and calf ratios were up this spring with ratios above our management objectives. The outlook for hunters this elk season looks to be above average. This prediction is a result of ratio increases, good escapement from last hunting season and very mild winter increasing survival of elk herds. Elk numbers are greatest in the E.Tioga, S. Siuslaw, mid to high elevations of the Dixon and S. Indigo and the perimeter of the Melrose units. Some of the local private timberlands are restricting access because of the high fire danger so contact them for information on any restrictions before hunting.
Coos County (Tioga, Sixes, and Powers Units) — Elk hunting in these units are all limited entry. The Tioga is one of the top-producing units in the state for total bull harvest, with other units providing diverse hunting opportunities for fewer people. Bull numbers and calf production in the Tioga dropped slightly in this 3-point or better unit. The bull carryover through the 2001 season was down slightly from the record year of 2000. Hunter interest for limited tags in the Sixes unit is high and those with tags should have a high success rate despite much of the land being held in private ownership. Calf production is down slightly and bull survival through the seasons is high despite good hunter success. The elk population in the Powers unit is showing marked improvement in numbers of older bulls and increased calf production after seven years of a spike-only first season. Inventory in February showed the highest post-season calf ratio on record for the Powers unit. As the age structure of bulls has increased, so has the interest by hunters for the limited one-bull tags for the second season. Spike survival through the hunting seasons is good and continues to contribute to the older bull population. Increased calf production will translate into increased number of bulls available to hunters. Hunters are reminded that ODFW is conducting a research project in Western Oregon to obtain baseline information and evaluate the effects of different hunting seasons and bag limits on bull elk escapement. Researchers need the two incisor teeth from the lower jaw of any bull harvested in Western Oregon. Instructions and collection envelopes will be available at all ODFW offices and many sporting goods locations.
Curry County (S. Sixes and Chetco Units) - These units are both limited-entry hunts with a bag limit of any bull. Populations are stable in both units and success should be similar to last year. The Biscuit Fire has burned more than 700 square miles in the Chetco Unit, and access may be restricted during the entire hunting season in some areas. Hunters should check with the U.S. Forest Service and private timber companies for information on access and permit requirements.
Jackson County (Rogue, Evans Creek, S. Dixon and E. Applegate Units) — Elk populations in the Rogue Unit seem to be stable. Both bull and calf ratios were up from 2001 counts, indicating improved chance of success. The Upper Rogue Green Dot Travel Management program will again be in effect on the Prospect and Butte Falls Ranger Districts. Elk in the Evans Creek Unit are primarily found near private properties. Bull ratios and calf production are both quite high, but private properties often limit access.
Josephine County (W. Applegate and E. Chetco Units) — The Applegate Unit is hunted during the coastal elk season, but there are very few elk in the unit. Limited entry tags are needed to hunt the Chetco Unit, but most of the elk are located in the western part of the unit. Access may be limited in areas where the massive Biscuit Fire occurred.
High Desert Elk
Hunters can expect a better than average year
Elk numbers in the White River and Hood units are above the desired management objective. Bull numbers are good, but heavy cover makes harvesting one a challenge. Both bull seasons are general season, but most hunters choose to hunt the second season. Bull elk hunting in the Maupin and West Biggs is also general season, but the animals are almost exclusively found on private lands. Unless a hunter knows a landowner in that area, it will be very difficult to find a place to hunt.
Ochoco, Maury and Grizzly units: Elk populations appear stable to increasing, and both antlerless and bull hunters should find animals in good condition. Bull numbers appear near or above last year’s levels, with a good crop of spikes and branched bull expected. The lack of water will effect elk distribution, and hunters should scout prospective hunting areas to determine water availability and elk use. Fires on the Paulina Ranger District burned over large areas of the Black Canyon wilderness and adjoining lands. Hunters considering these areas are advised to check with the Paulina Ranger District (541-477-6900) for access restrictions, and scout the area to determine fire impacts. The Rager Cooperate Travel Access Program will be in effect, and continue through the late November antlerless season.
Upper Deschutes, Paulina, Metolius, North Wagontire, and Fort Rock units - Elk numbers continue to grow slowly in all units. The Upper Deschutes, Metolius and West Fort Rock units are managed under the general season "Cascade" hunt. Weather will play an important role in improving hunter success and hunt quality if early winter weather arrives. Most elk in the ‘High Desert’ Wagontire unit are found in the north half of the unit.
The Keno, West Sprague, and West Fort Rock units are within the General Cascade Elk Season and hunting should be good dependent on weather conditions. Bull ratios are good with older age bulls available. Access is good on Winema National Forest, BLM, and private timberlands.
The East Fort Rock, East Sprague, Silver Lake, Klamath, Interstate and Warner Units have a general first season with a limited-entry second season. None of these units are managed for elk. Numbers are low and they are scattered throughout the area, and hunters should not expect to find large concentrations of animals. Access is excellent throughout most of the area, with the Klamath Unit being the only one with extensive private lands. It also has the lowest elk numbers. Elk are most numerous in the East Fort Rock and Silver Lake units. Weather will play an important role in hunter success and hunt quality, with both improving if early winter weather arrives. While the Tool Box, Silver and Winter fires burned about one-sixth of the Silver Lake Unit, the majority of the burn intensity was low. If there are fall rains, these areas may provide new green forage, which is highly desirable to elk.
Elk populations in the Silvies and Malheur River units are at management objective and post-season bull ratios are good. Fewer yearling bulls will be available due to low calf survival last year. Hunter success should be good, but may be below recent years because of the reduced number of yearling bulls in the herd. Antlerless permits were reduced by 44 percent in these two units in response to low calf survival. Hunter success for antlerless elk should be similar to past years but will vary depending on weather conditions.
Elk numbers, bull ratios and hunter success is expected to be similar to last year in the High Desert Hunt Area. Due to the large remote nature of the area and low elk densities, we recommend pre-hunt scouting trips for those unfamiliar with the country. Elk populations are best in the north half of the Steens and Wagontire Units, and in the Stinkingwater Mountains south of Highway 20.
Southwest Fire Information Numbers
Oregon Department of Forestry Offices
Central Point — (541) 664-3328
Coos Bay — (541) 267-4136
Roseburg — (541) 440-3412
Bureau of Land Management Offices
Medford — (541) 618-2200
North Bend — (541) 756-0100
Roseburg — (541) 440-4930
National Forest Offices
Rogue River (Medford) — (541) 858-2200
Umpqua (Roseburg) — (541) 672-6601
Siskiyou — Grants Pass, call Rogue River National Forest
Weyerhaeuser
Recorded message for all lands
(541) 741-5403
Boise Cascade Corporation
Medford — (541) 776-6666
Roseburg Forest Products
Roseburg — (541) 679-3311
Forest Protective Associations
Douglas (Roseburg) — (541) 672-6507
Myrtle Point — (541) 572-2796
Brookings — (541) 469-2302
Coos Bay — (541) 267-3161
Bandon — (541) 347-3400
Gold Beach — (541) 247-6241
Reedsport — (541) 271-2224
