GRANT COUNTYHunting

Elk opener report: Weather conditions were poor for hunting elk when the season opened a couple of weeks ago. Temperatures were warm and it was dry, which made it difficult to approach elk. In all, 240 hunters were checked and 28 bulls harvested, a 12 percent success rate.

Elk are at or above management objective in all units and bull to cow ratios are good. With the disturbance of people hunting, elk will move away from roads. So, looks for areas that have a few square miles without open roads to find a good bull.

Last week’s change in the weather – with periods of heavy rain showers – could affect hunt results.

Chukar, hun, waterfowl and quail seasons opened Oct. 11. The South Fork of the John Day River is a good area to hunt these. Look for blue and ruffed grousse at higher elevations in the draws. Most valley quail is found on John Day Valley private lands.

Mountain quail can be found in the south fork area in brushy draws near water sources.

Bear and cougar seasons are now open. Populations of both appear to be increasing, and the Desolation unit should be a good area to find both this fall. Remember check-in is mandatory for successful hunters for both bear and cougar; see the regulations for details.

Coyotes may be responding well to calls. Good areas to try are the South Fork of the John Day and on private lands between Dayville and John Day. Make sure to ask permission before hunting private lands.

Area Fishing

Unity reservoir: trout, bass, crappie.

Trout fishing has picked up. Crappie fishing is very slow. Reservoir is 20 percent full. Campground will close the end of October.

Mandatory hunter harvest reporting

Whether or not you filled your tag, don’t forget to report the results of your hunt online or by calling 1-866-947-ODFW (6339). Reporting is now mandatory for every big game and fall turkey tag purchased except bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat. Thank you for your cooperation.

Wolves may be present in northeast Oregon

On July 18, 2008 a wolf pack with pups was confirmed in northern Union County. Wolves are listed under Oregon’s Endangered Species Act and also protected by federal law. It is unlawful to shoot them. Coyote hunters in northeastern Oregon need to take extra care to identify their target as wolves can look like coyotes, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall.

ODFW needs hunters’ assistance to establish wolves’ presence in Oregon; please report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to La Grande office (541) 963-2138 or online.

Your hunting and fishing dollars at work

Introduced species may be affecting Wallowa Lake kokanee.

Since the early 1990s the catch and harvest rates of kokanee have declined on Wallowa Lake. But while the number of fish has declined the maximum size of the fish has increased dramatically – from an average of eight to 11-inches to a current state record of 26.5 inches and 6.75 pounds. ODFW biologists believe the changes in the Wallowa Lake kokanee fishery are the result of the introduction of the non-native lake trout and Mysid shrimp. Biologists have begun investigating the conditions affecting the kokanee fishery with the help of angling license dollars.