11-29-2007, 09:10 PM
Winter has arrived in Central Oregon along with freezing temperatures, ice and snow. Outdoor enthusiasts need to be equipped to face the hazardous driving and inclement weather present this time of year. A reminder to hikers who bring along canine companions: this is a time of year when trappers are active. Please be careful as trappers can use scents attractive to dogs, so keep dogs on a leash. Remember, it is not legal to tamper or remove legally set traps and snares.
Prineville Area
Mule Deer
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
NEW: Take a drive to view wintering big game
This is a good time to view wintering big game, including mule deer, pronghorn and elk on private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir, to the town of Paulina, and north and east around Puett Rd. to the Paulina Ranger Station. Drivers need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Post/Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. Proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station via Puett Road and use binoculars or a spotting scope for antelope and elk using the western slopes of Powell Mountain.
Animals are generally most visible in early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville and drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see coyotes, waterfowl, and and a wide variety of birds of prey including bald and golden eagles, prairie falcon, red tail and rough leg hawks.
Migrating birds
NEW: Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon.
Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed and rest. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase with recent sightings of red-tailed, rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; prairie falcon; and Kestrels common.
The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River. Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are<br />
also present in the river.
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
NEW: As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, White River Wildlife Area begins to see migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area.
Prineville Area
Mule Deer
-Oregon Fish and Wildlife-
NEW: Take a drive to view wintering big game
This is a good time to view wintering big game, including mule deer, pronghorn and elk on private lands along the Crooked River between the eastern end of Prineville Reservoir, to the town of Paulina, and north and east around Puett Rd. to the Paulina Ranger Station. Drivers need to turn south off of Hwy. 26 at the east side of Prineville, onto the Post/Paulina highway, with the best viewing between milepost 20 and milepost 60. Proceed north to Paulina Ranger Station via Puett Road and use binoculars or a spotting scope for antelope and elk using the western slopes of Powell Mountain.
Animals are generally most visible in early morning or late afternoon, and drivers need to be careful of animals crossing the highway. This is approximately 180 miles round trip from Prineville and drivers should be prepared for winter driving conditions. In addition to big game, viewers will have opportunities to see coyotes, waterfowl, and and a wide variety of birds of prey including bald and golden eagles, prairie falcon, red tail and rough leg hawks.
Migrating birds
NEW: Recent winter-like weather appears to be triggering increasing movements of winter migrating birds to and through Central Oregon.
Local reservoirs offer viewing of waterfowl and shorebirds as they feed and rest. Flocks of Canadian geese and ducks have been using the mudflats at the eastern end of Ochoco and Prineville Reservoir. Ochoco Reservoir is visible from Hwy. 26, eight miles east of Prineville. Migrating and wintering birds of prey are on the increase with recent sightings of red-tailed, rough-legged, and Swainsons Hawks; Northern Harriers; bald and golden Eagle; prairie falcon; and Kestrels common.
The Crooked River between Bowman Dam and Prineville offers spectacular cliff scenery interspersed with close views of the Crooked River. Bald and golden eagles frequent this stretch of river and use the cliffs and pine trees for perching and roosting. Otter, beaver, raccoons and a variety of waterfowl and wading birds are<br />
also present in the river.
The Dalles, Mid-Columbia Region and Northern Wasco County
NEW: As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, White River Wildlife Area begins to see migrating deer and elk. Visitors wishing to view wintering deer are best served in the Smock Prairie area, where deer will congregate in open meadows to feed, while those wishing to view elk are more likely to be successful in the Friend area.