Single Publication

ELK HUNTING INFO and the RAIL RIDGE FIRE

“Oregon’s elk are one of the most sought-after species for hunters and the second most popular game animal after deer. Rocky Mountain elk are found in eastern Oregon and Roosevelt elk are found in western Oregon, with most concentrated in the Coast, Cascade and Blue Mountain ranges.” - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Sometimes it takes a few years or more to draw certain controlled hunt elk tags and winning your controlled hunt in the spring brings about a great deal of excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately wildfires are unpredictable and often times create an unsafe camping, hunting and recreating environment. The Rail Ridge Fire burned through some renowned hunting grounds on the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests and as a result, forest closure orders are in place for firefighter and public safety. We apologize for the inconvenience and will help point you in the right direction for areas to hunt and points reimbursement. As a reminder, stay informed for closure areas are subject to change.

Hunting and Fire Danger in Oregon

Here are some of the controlled hunts impacted by the Rail Ridge and Crazy Creek fires.

Any Legal Weapon Controlled 200 Series Hunts: 1st Elk Season and 2nd Elk Season

Wildlife Management Unit 37 OCHOCO has significant closure areas from the Rail Ridge and Crazy Creek Fires. If you drew a controlled hunt tag for the following units, your hunt may be impacted by a closure:

237X Bull Elk - Dates:10/30 to 11/03

237Y Bull Elk - Dates: 11/09 to 11/17

Ochoco - Unit 37 Map

Wildlife Management Unit 46 MURDERERS CREEK also has significant closure area from the Rail Ridge Fire.

If you drew a controlled hunt page for the following units, your hunt may be impacted by a closure:

246X Bull Elk - Dates: 10/30 to 11/03

246 Anterless Elk - Dates: 11/23 to 12/01

246A West Murderers Creek - Dates: 11/09 to 11/17

Murderers Creek - Unit 46 Map

Safety hazards while hunting near the Rail Ridge Fire area: