01-04-2008, 11:10 PM
HUNTING: Good time for small game
With many big game seasons closed and snow making tracking easier, this is a good time of year to target small game like cottontail rabbits. Cottontails are found statewide and may be encountered when hunting upland game birds. Rabbit hunting in western Oregon is especially challenging because of the dense cover; try moving slowly along closed roads in the forest very early in the morning. In eastern Oregon, cottontails are often found in areas with low rocky rims or rock piles used for escape cover.
Hunting for cottontail rabbits is open at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area in Monmouth through Feb. 29, 2008. The area will host a rabbit hunting clinic Jan. 19 (registration open now; call 503 947-6025) and a youth rabbit hunt on Feb. 28 (registration opens Feb. 1).
VIEWING: January Wildlife Viewing<br />
Watch for whales, bald eagles and songbirds. Visit regional sections to find out what to see near home or on your next road trip.
FISHING: Break the ice!<br />
Many lakes are frozen now so it's time to go ice fishing. See Southeast and Northeast zone reports for some suggested locations.
Purchase your 2008 license now!<br />
Remember that you need a 2008 fishing, hunting or shellfish license beginning January 1, even if you are hunting in bird seasons that opened in 2007. Cougar hunters and salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut anglers need new tags too. Bird hunters do not need a new validation or stamp to hunt for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season.
With many big game seasons closed and snow making tracking easier, this is a good time of year to target small game like cottontail rabbits. Cottontails are found statewide and may be encountered when hunting upland game birds. Rabbit hunting in western Oregon is especially challenging because of the dense cover; try moving slowly along closed roads in the forest very early in the morning. In eastern Oregon, cottontails are often found in areas with low rocky rims or rock piles used for escape cover.
Hunting for cottontail rabbits is open at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area in Monmouth through Feb. 29, 2008. The area will host a rabbit hunting clinic Jan. 19 (registration open now; call 503 947-6025) and a youth rabbit hunt on Feb. 28 (registration opens Feb. 1).
VIEWING: January Wildlife Viewing<br />
Watch for whales, bald eagles and songbirds. Visit regional sections to find out what to see near home or on your next road trip.
FISHING: Break the ice!<br />
Many lakes are frozen now so it's time to go ice fishing. See Southeast and Northeast zone reports for some suggested locations.
Purchase your 2008 license now!<br />
Remember that you need a 2008 fishing, hunting or shellfish license beginning January 1, even if you are hunting in bird seasons that opened in 2007. Cougar hunters and salmon/steelhead/sturgeon/halibut anglers need new tags too. Bird hunters do not need a new validation or stamp to hunt for the remainder of the 2007-2008 season.