Good numbers of snipe can be found in the lower stretches of the Columbia River as well as shallow wetlands such as those on E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area. Good numbers also occur during the fall and winter on flooded agricultural lands and mudflats surrounding reservoirs such as Fern Ridge Reservoir. There is much publicity about all the Threatened and Endangered species that are in need of extra protection. Lost in all this publicity is the fact that most game species are doing very well and are even creating significant damage problems on private lands because of their abundance. Many hunting seasons have been expanded in recent years to address these growing damage problems.
Examples are the many new hunts for elk, bear, cougar, geese and turkeys.
Where in the past hunting occurred mostly in October and November, we now have seasons that start earlier and run later. The longer hunt calendar has resulted in more potential for hunters to wear out their welcome on private lands. Hunters need to be more careful than ever to be sure they have permission to hunt on private lands and to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner towards landowners. The future of hunting depends entirely on how hunters conduct themselves.