ODFW Weekly Recreation Report, Nov. 7

Fall trout fishing continues – Yes, many rivers and streams closed to trout fishing after Oct. 31, but don’t put away the trout gear quite yet. Lots of water bodies are open for trout year-round, and this time of year the fish are feeding heavily in anticipation of winter. Check out the zone reports for your best bet, and visit the Trout 365 page for some fall fishing tips. Deer and elk hunting continue – Wet, cooler weather is helping hunters. Western rifle deer closes Nov. 7, except youth (age 17 and under) may hunt Nov. 8-9. Rocky Mtn elk 2nd season is Nov. 8-16. 2014 Big Game and Bird Hunting Forecasts – Field biologists weigh in on what hunters should expect for bird and big game seasons. Mentored YouthTake a kid hunting – Kids age 9-13 who haven’t passed hunter education yet can still go hunting under the Mentor Youth program. Youth hunts on an adult’s license and tag. Learn more. Turkey hunting open in western Oregon until Dec. 31 – There is still time to put a wild turkey on your Thanksgiving table. See our turkey hunting page for tips. Report big game and turkey tags – Don’t forget to report your hunt results no later than Jan. 31, 2015 for most hunts. Report online or by phone (1-866-947-6339). Hunters need to complete a report for each deer, elk, cougar, bear, turkey and pronghorn tag purchased (or picked up as part of a Sports Pac)—even if they didn’t hunt or weren’t successful. Deer and elk hunters who don’t report will have to pay a $25 fine to get a 2016 hunting license.