Oregon reduces tags for four controlled deer hunts

Declining mule deer numbers, changes in property ownership, wildfires and drought have resulted in reduced tags for four controlled deer hunts in Oregon for the 2022 season. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the four hunts impacted are:

• Heppner Unit #1 (hunt #148): There will be 2,610 tags will be available (down from 2,860). 
• Starkey Experimental Forest(#152B): There will be zero tags available in 2022 (down from five).
• Interstate Unit (#175): There will be 850 tags available (down from 1,308).
• Interstate Unit Bow (#175R): There will be 270 tags available (down from 413).

Land ownership reduced the Heppner Regulated Hunt Area from 63 square miles to 22 square miles. Mule deer numbers continue to drop in the Starkey Experimental Forest because of habitat conditions “exacerbated by drought,” causing “poor nutrition and low fawn survival.” The interstate hunts are also due to drought, wildfire activity and poor fawn recruitment. 

If you want to change your application, you have until June 1. You can make those changes either online or at a license sale agent. May 15 is the deadline to apply for 2022 fall controlled hunts.

Good luck!