Elk hunters advised they may see tribal deer hunters

Elk hunters are reminded that they may see tribal deer hunters in the field during elk seasons which begin this Saturday when Cascade elk season begins.

Throughout Oregon there are a variety of agreements and treaties with Native American tribes that allow tribal members to hunt on federal public lands (National Forests and BLM land) outside of normal state seasons.

“Although the number of tribal deer hunters is limited, we want to ensure that both hunters and recreationalists are aware that they may observe tribal deer hunters outside of the normal statewide deer season,” said Lt. David Anderson, Oregon State Police. (Most deer hunting is closed during elk seasons.)

Oregon’s first general elk season, the Cascade Elk Season, runs from Oct. 13-19. Rocky Mountain elk seasons run from Oct. 24-28 and Nov. 3-11. General coast elk seasons go from Nov. 10-13 and Nov. 17-23. Controlled (limited-entry) elk seasons occur fall 2012 through March 2013. Tribal members may also be hunting elk on their ceded lands during Oregon’s elk seasons.