Recreation Report for May 3, 2018

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Mule Deer, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Flickr.

Mule Deer, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Flickr.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Color.png

Highlights from the week's Recreation Report

Plan your 2018 big game hunt

The deadline to apply for your 2018 big game tags and premium hunts is May 15. You’ll find links to all the information you’ll need to pick your hunt – population and harvest statistics, hunting access map, and point summary reports -- on the MyODFW.com Big Game landing page.

Recent wildlife sightings

Spring can be a great time to view some of Oregon’s rich and diverse wildlife. So grab your binoculars and check out this week’s Wildlife Viewing section of the Recreation Report. Here are just a few highlights:

  • Spring songbirds are increasing in number and diversity on the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County.
  • Western pond turtles are out and about on the Klamath Wildlife Area. Look for them basking on logs during warm, sunny days.
  • Sandhill cranes are nesting on the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area. Can chicks be far behind?
  • Flocks of whimbrels have been flocking around sandy beaches on the coast. Look for fair size birds with long down-curved bills and longer legs.
  • Migrating shorebirds are on the move along the north coast. Good viewing spots include Sand Lake, Netarts and Bayocean spits.

Take the family fishing this weekend

We’re hosting free Family Fishing Events this weekend in Rowena, Sheridan, Vernonia, Eugene and Grants Pass. Get the details here. Can’t make one of these events and just need a place to take the kids? Easy Angling Oregon makes it easy to find family-friendly fishing close to home.

Steelhead Fishing 101 – May 19, Troutdale

Learn the essential elements of successful steelhead fishing, including equipment and tackle, methods/techniques and knot tying. Lunch, use of equipment and a one-year membership in the Assoc. of NW Steelheaders is included. Find more details at Steelhead Fishing 101.

Ladd Marsh Bird Festival – May 18-20, La Grande

The Ladd Marsh Bird Festival is a friendly, relaxed birding opportunity for the whole family. Held at the ODFW Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area near La Grande, it coincides with the height of spring bird and nesting in the Grande Ronde Valley. See more details and register here.

Women’s Fishing and Outdoors Cliinic – May 26, Troutdale

This is your chance to network with other women who enjoy fishing, hunting, foraging and other outdoor pursuits. Find more details at Women’s Fishing and Outdoors Clinic.

Get your gobble on

Spring turkey hunting is open throughout the state and the early birds are harvesting birds. So unearth the camo-wear, practice your calling and check out the 2018 Spring Turkey Hunting Forecast to get the latest updates on local conditions.

Information provided by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This weeks Recreation Report is brought to you by Shasta Family Dental. Caring for our Community.