JOHN DAY — Elk hunters may have fewer tags available next year in the Murderers Creek Wildlife Management Unit.

Ryan Torland, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife district wildlife biologist for the Grant District, said the agency is considering issuing fewer tags for hunts in 2025 because of a shrinking elk population in the area.

“We’re seeing lower calf ratios in our surveys in the spring, which is an indication of a reduction in elk,” Torland said. “We’re also seeing lower bull ratios.”

Another indicator is lower harvest levels. Last year, hunters took 358 elk in the Murderers Creek unit, Torland said, down from 498 in 2017.

For rifle hunters, the proposed elk tag numbers for 2025 are as follows:

• Hunt 246A, West Murderers Creek: 425, down from 450.

• Hunt 246B, East Murderers Creek: 225, down from 250.

• Hunt 246X, first season bull, Murderers Creek: 375, down from 425.

• Hunt 246, cow elk, Murderers Creek: 350, down from 400.

ODFW is also proposing to reduce the number of bow-hunting tags for Hunt 246R, in the Murderers Creek unit, from 1,030 to 930 for 2025.

Public comment on the proposed cut in tag numbers will be accepted through July 19, Torland said. 

To comment, stop by the ODFW’s local field office at 305 N. Canyon Blvd., Canyon City, or call 541-575-1167. 

There will also be a webinar to provide information and accept comment about the proposal from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9.  

An online form is available at tinyurl.com/2r2xsxme for submitting questions in advance of or after the webinar.

Final big game hunting regulations for 2025 will be adopted at a Sept. 13 meeting of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. 

Remote or in-person testimony will be taken at the meeting. Comments can also be emailed to odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov.