Hunting season is open on the Willamette Forest

Visitors encouraged to stay safe, avoid wildfire areas and campfires

Grab your bow for big game as the archery season for deer and elk began on Saturday, August 31st, in the Willamette National Forest.

Some popular hunting areas are near wildfires with closure areas that will affect the hunting season. There are fire-related closures in place that primarily impact the Santiam Unit (16), the McKenzie Unit (19), and the Indigo Unit (21). Some roads and sites also remain closed from past wildfires due to serious safety risks and ongoing rehabilitation work.

Visitors are encouraged to stay alert of conditions and seek out hunting opportunities in areas that are not impacted by current fires to give firefighters and first responders the room they need to move heavy equipment and work.

Open hunting areas include the Coffin Mountain Lookout area, the Lava Lake area, and Browder Ridge.

If you plan on hunting in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington, or Three Sisters Wilderness areas, please visit the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit information page to familiarize yourself with special rules for some hunters.

For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at https://myodfw.com/big-game-hunting/seasons.

Hunting season start dates include California and Mountain Quail Sunday, September 1st,

Ruffled and Blue Grouse Sunday, September 1st.

Remember that open fires, such as grills and campfires, are currently not allowed in the Forest. Use only pressurized liquid or gas appliances that can be switched on and off.

Before you go hunting this season, be sure to check out our alerts webpage for current closure information. Keep in mind, closures can change quickly depending on fire activity: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/willamette/alerts-notices