Access to National Forest lands in the Heppner and Fossil units are still limited. Access will improve as the warmer temperatures melt the limited amount of snow. Most mountain roads are extremely wet and careless vehicular traffic will cause considerable road damage and erosion. Turkey numbers are fair, with turkey populations scattered throughout the various drainages flowing into the North Fork and mainstem John Day River. Hunters will find few areas that have large concentrations of birds.
Numbers are still high.
Cougars must be checked by ODFW during business hours within 72 hours of harvest. Coyote numbers are high and calling should be good. Be sure to ask permission before hunting on private land. Season runs April 15 through May 31 with a limit of one male turkey a day and two for the season. Season opened April 15 and runs through May 31, bears should become active as spring arrives.