Podcasts about odfw

In Wallowa County, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has led collaborative research on golden eagles. The pilot project aims to study the survival, movement and reproductive success of the birds. ODFW worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy to capture data.  The golden eagle uses a variety of habitats and seeks rocky cliffs or large trees. It can dive at a speed of 120 miles per hour and preys on animals including squirrels and foxes. Humans are largely responsible for their decline. The birds collide with wind turbines, face habitat loss and are killed illegally.  Holly Tuers Lance is the acting district wildlife biologist for the ODFW field office based in Enterprise. She joins us with more about the raptors and the work being done locally. 

In this episode of Leupold's Hunt Talk Radio, Randy had the opportunity to record a podcast in front of a live audience with the new Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Debbie Colbert. The conversation covers a wide range of topics - wolves, deer, elk, fish, endangered species, and more. Debbie talks about some of ODFW's achievements as well as the reality of how their work is constrained by Federal regulations, lawsuits, and other factors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/693  Presented by: Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/togiak  Chris Childs shares his insights on fishing for king salmon at the Togiak River. Discover the thrill of targeting Chinook, steelhead, and Atlantic salmon. Chris offers tips on swinging flies and adapting techniques to changing tides. Learn about Alaska's top king salmon rivers and gain valuable advice for your fishing adventures. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this episode is packed with inspiration and insider knowledge from the Alaskan wilderness. Tune in now! Episode Chapters with Chris Childs on Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska 2:13 - Chris shares that he began using a two-handed rod about 15 years ago and has been guiding in Alaska for seven years. He initially got involved through a job opportunity in Southwest Alaska, attracted by the variety of fish species that could be targeted with a two-handed rod. Currently, Chris guides in Alaska from mid-June to the end of July and spends the rest of the year working on the Deschutes and John Day River back home. 5:38 - Unlike the crowded Deschutes River, the John Day has limited access, although more spots are becoming available for bank anglers. Chris describes the logistics involved in fishing the river, including four or five-day overnight trips, which limit pressure due to the commitment required. For more information on fishing the John Day, Chris suggests contacting the Deschutes Angler or local ODFW biologist for advice on timing and access points. 9:25 - We dive into fishing for Chinook salmon on the Togiak River, focusing on a program that uses two-handed spey rods. Chris provides details on the timing, structure, and operations of the fishing program. 11:52 - We discuss fishing strategies for the Togiak and Kanektok rivers, highlighting the importance of timing with tides to catch fish, particularly king salmon, in southwest Alaska. Chris explains that fishing success is closely tied to the tides, as they determine when fish move through the bay. Anglers aim to be in the right spot as fish enter, often targeting areas where fish can rest before continuing upstream. These spots, resembling steelhead fishing locations, include soft inside waters and back channels where slower water meets the main river. 14:18 - Chris talks about the logistics and fishing schedule for a fishing trip in Togiak. Travelers typically arrive in Anchorage the night before their trip begins to prepare and adjust for any jet lag, especially international clients. The first full day of fishing starts early, spanning four days. On changeover days, departing anglers leave as new ones arrive, with a seamless transition facilitated by powerboats and planes. Chris explains how tides influence fishing strategies, dictating where fishing starts based on water flow, with adjustments made throughout the day as tides change. 18:10 - We ask Chris about the gear setup. He explains that they provide a gear rundown for clients ahead of time, allowing them to prepare or purchase necessary equipment. The clientele includes both seasoned travelers familiar with various types of fishing and newcomers to two-handed rod techniques. For Chinook fishing, Chris recommends a 14' 9wt rod for better castability, especially in larger pools. The standard setup includes a floating Skagit head with a 10 or 12-foot sink tip, and anglers are encouraged to bring two setups if possible. Chris also mentions using Airflo lines, particularly the F.I.S.T (Floating. Intermediate. Sink Three) and Skagit Scout. 21:08 - We discuss the differences between fishing for steelhead and chinook using a two-handed rod. Chris notes that while there are similarities in technique, the primary differences lie in the type of water and casting angles. For chinook, he recommends casting at a broader angle to present the fly broadside and maintain tension, which is crucial for kings as they tend to strike early in the swing. 24:08 - Chris explains that when king salmon grab the fly, the angler should feel a strong, unmistakable pull due to the tight line presentation. He emphasizes the importance of letting the fish dictate the next move after the grab, which typically involves holding on tight and allowing the fish to lead the initial part of the fight. Unlike steelhead, which may give a subtle bite, king salmon are more aggressive and will often grab the fly multiple times. 28:01 - Chris talks about the differences in fishing habitats between the Togiak and Kanektok rivers. He says that while the Togiak does have large sweeping gravel bars similar to the Kanektok, it also features cut banks and deeper troughs where anglers fish differently. Unlike the gradual drop-offs of the Kanektok, the Togiak offers varied water types, including pools ideal for casting from cut banks, reminiscent of Atlantic salmon fishing. 31:33 - Chris highlights that there are only a handful of notable rivers in Alaska for Chinook fishing. Other significant rivers in the area include the Naknek River, with a healthy salmon return, and the remote Sandy and Hoodoo rivers on the peninsulas, known for their exceptional fishing and beautiful landscapes. Chris also notes the Goodnews River as another excellent spot, although he hasn't personally fished there. 33:11 - Chris emphasizes the importance of not fishing too deep, as this could result in missing opportunities if fish are not visible. He explains that warmer water temperatures allow for lighter setups since fish tend to be suspended in the middle water column rather than at the bottom. 35:37 - We ask for his fly recommendations for Chinook fishing. Chris explains that the key to successfully catching Chinook is getting the fly in front of the fish at the right speed and depth. He typically uses flies around four inches long with bright colors like chartreuse, blue, white, and pink, which are effective. These flies often feature materials like marabou and angel hair for flash, and are equipped with medium or large dumbbell eyes. While larger flies and heavy sink tips were initially popular, Chris notes that smaller, moderately weighted flies can also be effective and more enjoyable to cast throughout the day. 37:10 - Chris provides advice for new anglers preparing to cast with large rods in extensive river systems like the Togiak. He emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed, as both physical and mental demands are high. Chris suggests thinking of fishing as targeting a "river within a river," focusing only on the water where casting and fly presentation are feasible. 40:06 - Chris emphasizes the significant difference in power and challenge between fish as they increase in size, particularly beyond the 20-pound mark. He highlights the importance of strategic boat positioning to be able to chase fish that make powerful runs out of the pool. 42:38 - Chris explains that king salmon are powerful fish and during their initial run after being hooked, there's little that can be done to stop them. He advises maintaining tension on the line with a relatively tight drag, but not too tight as to cause issues like a bird's nest if the fish changes direction suddenly. Chris prefers starting with a looser drag and adjusting as needed, emphasizing the importance of allowing the fish to run while keeping control. 45:23 - We talk about the drag settings for fishing steelhead compared to king salmon. Chris mentions that while some people use click and pawl reels for king salmon, he advises against it due to the risk of the reels failing. He recommends using disc drag reels. 47:04 - Chris advises against the assumption that heavy setups are necessary for these king salmon. Instead, he suggests using principles similar to those for trout and steelhead fishing. The region offers forgiving wading conditions with small substrates, making it comfortable for anglers. Essential gear includes reliable rain apparel due to the proximity to the Bering Sea, where weather systems frequently change. 48:57 - Chris talks about the Epic Waters program, which is primarily focused on Chinook fishing, led by Steve Morrow. Steve operates in Togiak, Alaska, and is passionate about fishing for Kings.  While Steve mainly pursues steelhead in British Columbia, his enthusiasm for Chinook leads him to explore opportunities across the Western hemisphere. 50:18 - We ask about his bucket list of fishing destinations. He aims to explore rivers in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. He also expresses interest in fishing in South America to experience their chinook and steelhead. 53:36 - We ask Chris for advice on improving spey casting skills, especially for fishing Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, or Chinook. Chris recommends visiting a local fly shop for a casting lesson. He emphasizes the value of having experienced individuals assess and guide one's casting technique. 54:42 - Chris shares his diverse music taste, mentioning his Spotify playlist which includes punk rock bands like Dead Kennedys and Misfits, as well as jazz artist John Coltrane and country singer Colter Wall. He also mentions listening to podcasts, including ours, and enjoys content from The MeatEater podcast due to his interest in hunting. 56:02 - Chris discusses his hunting experiences and practices. He hunts various game throughout the year in central Oregon, including upland birds like pheasants, turkeys, and big game depending on the opportunities available through Oregon's lottery system. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/693 

Robbie is with Steve West, from Steve's Outdoor Adventures this week in Oregon. After a chilly morning with Steve in Oregon, he and Robbie catch up on this week's roundup on why elk archery hunters only see a 3-8% success rate, Robbie's elk hunting in Oregon, his in-person testimony to defending black bear hunting before the ODFW in Oregon, in addition to the Namibia drought, Florida's Yes On Amendment 2, and more. Do you have a questions we can answer? Send it via DM on IG or through email at info@bloodorigins.com Support our Conservation Club Members! Builders Select Stone Company: https://www.buildersselectstonecompany.com/  SCI Michigan: https://www.scimichigan.org/  Cantrell Outdoors: https://www.cantrelloutdoors.com/  See more from Blood Origins: https://bit.ly/BloodOrigins_Subscribe Music: Migration by Ian Post (Winter Solstice), licensed through artlist.io Podcast is brought to you by: Bushnell: https://www.bushnell.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Ep. 84 of the WAO Podcast pres. by Harrod Outdoors and Mack's Lure, our guests is Mikal Cline from the Oregon Department of Wildlife. We talk about history of turkeys in Oregon and opportunities this spring throughout the state. It's another game of Stump the Bobby and he gets a listener question, so listen to see how he does! - WAO on Facebook - WAO on Instagram Powered by HarrodOutdoors.com and MacksLure.com. If you have questions or would like us to discuss a certain topic, please send us a message on one of our social media platforms or send an email to info@harrodoutdoors.com.

For the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, protecting everything related to healthy elk populations involves so much more than focusing on just the regal bull elk. In this episode of Fin And Fire With Jeff Mishler, I chat with Mark Holyoak, Communication Director for the RMEF at their headquarters in Missoula, Montana about the successes of the organization and why it is so effective at maintaining a huge membership.  I also ask questions related to a previous podcast with ODFW about controlled hunts and where the RMEF finds common ground with government agencies. 

With 35 years of Guiding Experience for Salmon and Steelhead, Scott Amerman has seen the ups and downs of salmonoid runs in Oregon State. He has begun a lawsuit against ODFW to maintain what they have promised in the past in regards to restrictions. Yet the Commercial fisheries of Alaska and Canada have over-harvested the Oregon Salmon Runs...yet the Salmon return in big numbers! You can contribute to his lawsuit to keep fishing opportunity available and donate through Paypal: siletzanglersassociation@yahoo.com Request a tax donation form by emailing the same address. Or mail a check to: SAA 82581 Rodgers rd Creswell, Or. 97426 You can contact and order eggs from Scott as well. Scott@amermaneggs.com

Every year in late summer and early fall, ODFW receives hundreds of messages about miniature Great white sharks washing up on Oregon beaches. Turns out these are juvenile Salmon sharks, a relative of white sharks but not the same thing. To find out more about Salmon sharks and why they might be washing up on our shores, we talked to ODFW's Lynn Mattes and the Big Fish Lab's Dr. Alexandra McInturf about this issue for this episode of the Beaver State Podcast. 

Big Game hunting seasons often change but when they go from an over the counter tag to a controlled hunt, the hunting public is often left with many questions. In this episode of Fin and Fire With Jeff Mishler I sit down with Justin Dion from ODFW, Game Department and ask some tough questions about why my favorite units to hunt elk have moved to a controlled hunt and whether or not those management changes make a difference. In the process, I learn that if I took more advantage of the application process, my overall hunting experience would most likely improve. 

A conflict over fishing access has some of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes at odds with both each other and the state’s Fish & Wildlife Commission. The commission voted last month to allow the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde to issue hunting and fishing licenses to its own members. It’s approved similar agreements with four other tribes, but the wording of Grand Ronde’s agreement has members of the Yakama, Warm Springs, Nez Perce and Umatilla tribes worried that they could lose access to fishing at Willamette Falls.  Joining us to explain what’s at stake and what comes next are Karina Brown, managing editor of Underscore News, and Nika Bartoo-Smith, a joint reporter for Underscore and ICT. 

I first fished the North Umpqua a dozen years ago, and I was way late to the game. It's been a river iconic in the steelhead community for at least a century, from before Zane Grey, to Frank and Jeannie Moore, to the present moment. And the situation in the present moment is unbelievable. After reading about it in emails and social media, I lined up a visit with Jim McCarthy of Water Watch of Oregon and Kirk Blaine of The Steamboaters and Native Fish Society. If you were upset by the social media posts, listen to the conversation, and get really mad. Then act. Sign the Native Fish Society petition, and then go ahead and write your state representatives and the governor, and ODFW. And call. And let them know that in the face of innumerable challenges to the survival of wild steelhead, a public and valuable resource that brings incalculable financial benefit to Douglas County, we are watching a small, select group bypass all meaningful regulation and oversight for their own benefit. Senators, ODFW, and the Governors contact is listed below. Jim and Kirk both volunteered their contact information for any additional information or any possible help someone can offer.Petition- https://nativefishsociety.org/action-alerts/ask-you-state-and-federal-representatives-to-stand-up-for-the-north-umpqua-riverhttps://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/directory/contact_us.asp (https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/directory/contact_us.asp)https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/senate/Pages/SenatorsAll.aspx (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/senate/Pages/SenatorsAll.aspx)https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/share-your-opinion.aspxjim@waterwatch.orgkirk@nativefishsociety.org (mailto:kirk@nativefishsociety.org)

In this second installment of the Beaver State Podcast Book Club, we convened at the ODFW office in Clackamas to meet with Northwest District Watershed Manager Steve Niemela, District Biologist Dave Keiter and District Public Information Officer Beth Quillian too discuss author Mary Roach's book "Fuzz." This book takes an often humorous look at human/wildlife conflict around the world and compares those experiences with those many Americans experience. We looked at the shared experiences of biologists around the world and the ways in which technology is increasing our awareness of wildlife and the role of educating people about how to live with wildlife.  Show Notes - Want to learn more about living with in Oregon? Check out these resources - https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/  

In Oregon, private landowners may “lethally remove beaver without a permit,” according to guidance from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. A bill moving its way through the state legislature would change that. Advocates say that the current classification of beavers as a “predatory animal” on private lands limits data and ODFW control of the rodent. The bill aims to classify beavers as a “furbearer” on private lands which means the animal would be treated similarly to a raccoon or fox. Beavers already have this designation on public lands. Opponents say the current classification allows landowners, like producers, to keep their property safe from damage. In a statement, the Oregon Farm Bureau, which is opposed to the bill, wrote that the bill “allows for no consideration of a farmer or ranchers' operation, time, expense, or economic loss, including any losses related to the delay in management while they try to determine the complicated management structure HB 3464 A has created.” We learn more about the bill, from Sristi Kamal, the deputy director of the Western Environmental Law Center and a proponent of the bill.

A wolverine hasn't been spotted in Oregon outside of the Wallowa Mountains in more than three decades. But this year, there have been several sightings in Western and Central Oregon. Officials with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife haven't been able to confirm whether the scattered sightings are of the same wolverine.Kaly Adkins is the East Region conservation wildlife biologist with ODFW. She confirmed many of the sightings and joins us to talk about the unusual amount of wolverine activity this spring.

This week we have a Fisheries and Wildlife Master's student and ODFW employee, Gabriella Brill, joining us to discuss her research investigating the impact of dams on the movement and reproduction habits of the White Sturgeon here in Oregon. Despite being able to lay millions of eggs at a time, the White Sturgeon will only do so if the conditions are right. This fish Goldilocks' its way through the river systems, looking for a river bed that's just right. If it doesn't like what it sees, the fish can just choose not to lay the eggs and will wait for another year. Tune in to learn more about these finicky fish! Hosted by Bryan Lynn and Jenna Fryer

Trumpeter swans may be recognizable by their loud, old-car-horn honking calls, but Oregon's largest waterfowl species is still considered cryptic, because they tend to hang out around another large, white swan called Tundra swans. This makes counting Oregon's Trumpeter swans challenging. To add to the challenges, you have Trumpeter swans that use the Pacific Flyway part of Western Oregon and a unique Rocky Mountain population of Trumpeter swans that sometimes use areas like Summer Lake and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge as wintering areas and breeding areas. This week's podcast takes you on an adventure to count swans at Summer Lake Wildlife Area, where managers have been working to establish a breeding population. We spend the day with ODFW's Statewide Waterfowl Coordinator Brandon Reishus learning about efforts to count and preserve these amazing birds. Show Notes: Lear more about Oregon's Trumpeter swans here - https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/trumpeter-swan#:~:text=Historically%20hunted%20to%20the%20brink,wingspan%20define%20this%20magnificent%20bird. Questions or suggestions for topics, please email us at: Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov Subscribe to the Beaver State Podcast through Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play Music or Spotify.

Brandon manages the hunt by reservation program for ODFW.  If you are interested in accessing new areas previously restricted as private lands in Oregon, this episode of Fin and Fire with Jeff Mishler, Brandon and I discuss the implementation of a software program that simplifies the process of reserving hunting opportunities in our state, the growth of the program, and it's future.  We also talk turkey hunting. Go figure.  

In 2013, a sea star wasting disease decimated sea star populations along the west coast. The Sunflower Sea Star is one of the largest sea stars in the world and suffered a loss of over five billion individuals. Scientists have come together to create a ‘Recovery Roadmap' to initiate and accelerate the recovery of this species. Steve Rumrill is the shellfish program leader with ODFW and an author of the roadmap. He joins us to share what sea star populations are looking like now and what should be done to aid them.

Sauvie Island may be the undisputed heavyweight of Oregon waterfowl hunting locations, but it isn't the only sweet spot in the state. Summer Lake, Klamath, the high desert, the Columbia and Willamette rivers and coastal estuaries all offer excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities if you're up for an adventure. ODFW's migratory gamebird coordinator Brandon Reishus takes us on a tour of Oregon's best waterfowl destinations in this week's episode.  Want to leave us a note? email us at: Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov

In May, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received a tip that an unusual-looking crayfish was spotted in a creek around Lithia Park in Ashland. Biologists from the state agency laid out traps and confirmed the presence of Northern crayfish which are native to the Midwest. It marks the fourth invasive species of crayfish now found in Oregon waterways. Sampling conducted by ODFW scientists found that Northern crayfish had moved from the Ashland canal to Bear Creek near Medford, 15 miles away, and raised concerns that they could already be in the Rogue River. Rick Boatner is the invasive species coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He shares with us how the aggressive crustaceans are proliferating in Southern Oregon and the threat they pose, not only to native Signal crayfish but also to endangered steelhead and salmon.

Brandon Harper and Justin Stubbs are U.S. Marines. They're veterans who've decided to work in the world of hunting and fishing education at ODFW, which has put them in a unique position to help other Oregon veterans who don't have a lot of resources available to them due to the lack of military installations in Oregon. By working with groups like Project Healing Waters, Wounded Warrior Project, Warfighter Outfitters and The Fallen Outdoors, Harper and Stubbs have provided many opportunities for veterans to connect with other veterans while picking up new skills related to hunting and fishing.  Email us at: Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov  Benefits for uniformed service members | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (myodfw.com) Contacts: Brandon Harper - brandon.d.harper@odfw.oregon.gov Justin Stubbs - Justin.B.STUBBS@odfw.oregon.gov  

Mike Harrington is the newest Fish Chief, or Fish Division Administrator. He's the person who heads up ODFW's Fish side of the house, as opposed to the wildlife side of the house. His path to becoming Fish Chief has taken him all over the country and the state of Oregon, giving him a diverse background, but always keeping him grounded in his love of fish, fishing and passing that on to his kids. We talk to Harrington about how he ended up in a place he never imagined himself and what he'd like to accomplish for Oregon's many fish species.  Email us at: Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov 

Cougars are one of the most divisive animals in the state. Hunting cougar with dogs has been illegal in Oregon since 1994, which creates strong opinions on both sides of the issue. And with incredibly low success rates, cougar hunting in Oregon is one of the toughest hunts in the nation. In today's episode, I'm joined by cougar expert, Derek Broman, for a deep dive on Oregon cougars. Derek is the Carnivore Fur Bearer Coordinator for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he manages the bear, cougar, wolf, and fur bearer programs. We'll cover cougar biology and physiology, Oregon's cougar history, how the species has been managed, and how these powerful and elusive cats interact with other species on the landscape.

Conservation is our overarching goal at ODFW, but getting folks out to interact with the state's fish and wildlife is also an important part of what we do. That might be through hunting, fishing or wildlife viewing. Underlying all of those things is the notion that being out in nature is just really good for our brains and bodies. We wanted to know the backstory about the great outdoors and why our brains like being out in it so much. Dr. Rob Munjal, a psychiatrist from Montana, was good enough to travel to Oregon to talk to us about our brains, our brains on nature and why that connection is so strong.    Email us at: Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov

The Oregon Wildlife Foundation has been raising money for fish and wildlife conservation projects in Oregon for a long time. An integral partner of ODFW, the foundation has put money into land purchases like the Lower Deschutes River Wildlife Area, an important habitat for mule deer and bighorn sheep, as well as the Herman the Sturgeon habitat at Bonneville hatchery and many other projects over the years. OWF executive director Tim Greseth met us out at one of the foundations first major purchases, Heritage Landing, at the mouth of the Deschutes River, to give us some more background on this important partnership. 

Chronic Wasting Disease affects members of the Cervid family such as deer, elk and moose. It is an always fatal, infectious disease caused by a protein called a prion. It is spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals and through urine, feces, blood and saliva. CWD has never been detected in Oregon even through ODFW has tested more than 24,000 deer and elk for the disease over the last 20 years. But CWD has now been detected in Idaho near the Oregon border, and that's a game changer. ODFW's Chief Veterinarian, Colin Gillin walks us through the history of the disease and where stand in the fight against CWD. 

Dave Banks is the ODFW district fish biologist for the SE District, which covers like 21 percent of the state. It's mind-bogglingly large and can take hours and hours to drive across. But that's the way Dave likes it. He's a Great Basin kind of guy, so managing fisheries in the driest part of the state is kind of a natural fit for him. We talked about his district, the waterbodies that divide it and the challenges that come with working with fish in a fairly waterless region. Dave Banks email - David.T.BANKS@odfw.oregon.gov Beaver State Podcast email - Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov  

Generally called long-leader fishing but perhaps more appropriately called long-dropper fishing, ODFW staff and partners created this fishery several years ago to take pressure off the nearshore reefs and specifically yelloweye rockfish. By going a bit farther out and using gear that keeps bait off the bottom, anglers are able to target new and sometimes much-larger rockfish like canary rockfish and bocaccio, and have a 10-fish bag limit. While it's mostly been a charter fishery, more and more sport anglers are starting to notice. Featuring ODFW's Lynn Mattes, Captains Shannon Hunter, Mike Sorenson and David Peterson.  Please contact us via email – Beaver_State_Podcast@odfw.oregon.gov  

Elk hunting season started late last month and with it came new changes for bow hunters in Oregon. These changes were proposed last year by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, but did not go into effect until the start of the archery elk season this year. Before the change, bow hunters operated on a general system, meaning they could purchase tags anytime during the season and were guaranteed a chance to hunt. Now, archers wanting to hunt elk in the Northeast part of the state will be operating on a controlled hunt, where hunters apply for a number of hunting spots deemed sustainable depending on where they'd like to be. While some areas in Oregon were already under a controlled hunt system, these changes expanded some of those to neighboring regions. Jeremy Thompson is the Wildlife Biologist for the Mid-Columbia District at ODFW. Mike Slinkard is a Bow Hunter in John Day. They both join us to share what these changes mean for Oregon bow hunters.

Oregon's Rocky Mountain goats were extirpated from the state, like many other animals, in the 19th Century. Just a few years ago, Rocky mountain goats from re-established populations in the Elkhorn Mountains were released near Mt. Jefferson, completing a remarkable comeback for a very unique species. ODFW's ungulate species coordinator Don Whittaker fills us in on these spectacular, high country dwellers. 

Snorkeling in cold water isn't for the faint of heart, but it's also not that difficult with a few pieces of gear and some knowledge about how to stay safe. Snorkeling Oregon's rivers opens a window on a world very few people see. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists spend a lot of time snorkeling to count fish and document wildlife in rivers, creeks and lakes all over the state, but it can also be a fantastic recreational activity. ODFW's Beth Quillian and Tim Akimoff spent some time snorkeling with biologists and expert snorkelers and divers Pete Baki and Laura Tesler for this episode. 

Pronghorn are incredibly unique, and not just because they're the last-surviving member of the family Antilocapridae. They're the fastest land animal in North America. They have one of the longest land migrations of any animal in North America. Their eyesight is Swarovski-esque. They're not actually antelopes, but explorers familiar with African animals just had no idea what to compare them to when they first saw them. We talk all things pronghorn with ODFW's ungulate species coordinator Don Whittaker in this episode. 

Oregon voters passed Measure 18 in 1994, effectively ending the practice of using hounds to pursue cougars and bears for sport. In this episode, we talk to ODFW's Wildlife Division Deputy Administrator Kevin Blakely and Carnivore Coordinator Derek Broman about the evolution of wildlife regulations since the passage of that ballot measure and we answer one of the most common questions we get, which is: ODFW cannot re-instate hound hunting for cougars and bears, it would take another ballot measure voted on by the citizens of Oregon to change the current law.

This week I'm joined with some members of the North Umpqua Coalition; Jennifer Fairbrother and Kirk Blaine of Native Fish Society and Dave Moskowitz of The Conservation Angler. We talk about the Formation of North Umpqua Coalition, the difference between hatcheries and hatchery programs, wild fish and their ability to adapt, the ODFW being willing to stop releasing the Rock Creek Hatchery fish and the judge-ordered pause on that decision, how to convince others that the fish need help, oceanic changes and their effects, how to enjoy our rivers in the summer without disrupting the fish, and the July 16th Bass Bash.

The Controlled Hunt Draw has many moving parts. While a lot of it is accomplished through Boolean logic that applies to the business rules around things like preference points and non-resident tags, much of it is data entry and other human-oriented tasks that take many hours of application and error checking. And all of this begins after the change deadline on June 1. From June 1 to June 20th, it's a race against the clock to get a clean, error-free draw to publish by the deadline. ODFW's Angela Ward walks us through the process in this week's Beaver State Podcast.  Learn more here. 

A podcast in which we explore the origins of the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." We also talk to ODFW's Angler Education Program Coordinator Amanda Boyles about the process of teaching someone to fish and the philosophies behind the angler who buys all the latest gear, and the traditional hook and worm angler. 

Oregon's Hunter Education Program has been around for a long time. The early focus was on firearm safety, but today the program's many priorities have broadened out to encompass safety but also rules and regulations, game tracking, ethics, survival and many other aspects of being in the outdoors. ODFW's Hunter Education Coordinator, Jered Goodwin, sat down for a wide-ranging look at Oregon's Hunter Education Program and where it's headed in the future. 

The North Bank Habitat Management Area rises out of the North Umpqua River on dramatic cliffs before rolling out into oak savannahs, hardwood and conifer forests, rocky outcrops, grasslands and ash wetlands over its 6,581-acres that are set aside by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for the once-endangered Columbian White-tailed deer. In this week's episode, we talk to ODFW's DeWaine Jackson about how he's used the special habitat management area to research ungulates over the course of his career with the agency. Learn more about North Bank at these websites. https://www.blm.gov/or/districts/roseburg/north_bank.php and https://www.dfw.state.or.us/images/video_gallery/north_bank_HMA_1.asp  

Outgoing Coast Range Radio host and producer, Andrew, introduces Michael Gaskill. Michael will be the new host and producer of Coast Range Radio and is the new communications staff for the Coast Range Association.Michael and Andrew interview Cristen Don who oversees the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife's Marine Reserve Program.  Over the past 17 years Cristen's work has spanned a variety of ocean related topics including marine protected areas, ocean renewable energy, and fisheries. Cristen has worked on the planning and implementation of Oregon's marine reserves since 2007. She has a Bachelor's degree in marine biology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master's degree in marine and environmental affairs from the University of Washington.They discuss the five beautiful marine reserves in Oregon, the research ODFW does at the reserves, the community groups who support the reserves, and how to get involved. To learn more visit - oregonmarinereserves.com. Support the show

The Oregon Department of Transportation is the largest owner of stream crossings in the state of Oregon, and much of their culvert infrastructure is in need of repair. So, ODOT and ODFW developed the Culvert Repair Programmatic Agreement to address fish passage during temporary repairs to failing culverts. So far, the project has made more than 840 miles of newly accessible habitat available to fish, but there are thousands of culverts still in need of repair. We talk to ODOT's Fish Passage Coordinator Allen Gillette and ODFW's Fish Passage Liaison Pete Baki about the project in this week's podcast. 

It's April Fools! The perfect time to debunk some of the misnomers and myths around fish and wildlife management. This episode looks back at some of the persistant misinformation and incorrect assumptions about ODFW and some of the more complicated natural resource issues by revisiting some of the segments from our myth-busting episodes. 

Raising kids on the outdoors takes all kinds. Roscoe Chang's approach to parenting kids in the outdoors is to make it as fun as possible. When Roscoe signed his young son, Kenji, up for an ODFW shotgun skills clinic a few years ago, he had no idea it would lead his son into competitive trap shooting, but he's happy it did, because it gave him and his son one more way to connect around their passions for the outdoors, hunting, fishing and shooting sports. And it's one more way for Roscoe to pass down his hunting and fishing heritage, which he inherited from his parents who immigrated to the United States from Laos. 

Is data a big part of your hunting experience? If not, you may want to think about adding it to your list of digital tools before putting in for controlled hunts. In this episode, we talk to ODFW's Justin Dion, the person responsible for compiling all the hunt reports and providing all of that information back to hunters in the form of Big Game Hunting Harvest Statistics. Be sure to check out the Point Summary Reports and don't forget about the Full Draw Report, available by going to Download Controlled Hunt Draw Reports in your Electronic Licensing System account. 

Welcome to the first episode of 2022. I'm joined by Ian Tattam of the ODFW. We get right into it with his first salmon and steelhead, schooling, the relationship between steelhead and beavers, tagging fish, river closings, ocean survival rates, smallmouth bass, and so much more.

We continue our discussion on the impact we as cyclist have on wildlife and our surroundings. Joining us is Lauri Turner and Brock McCormick who are both Wildlife Biologists with the Deschutes National Forest. Podcast art provided by: Andrew Walch, ODFW. ------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling route guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel / The Connection Our Route Guides / Dirty Freehub Our Ask / Donate

Learn more about Forest Service road decommissioning, how this impacts us as cyclist, and what we can do to help. Joining us is Brock McCormick who is Biologist with the Deschutes National Forest. Some additional information about COD Alt Route: The COD alt route overlaps with the Tumalo Winter Range Cooperative Closure Area and is designated as a Deer Habitat Management Area in our Forest Management Plan (with the primary objective to provide for optimal mule deer habitat). The area has a very high density of open roads and trails that contribute to high disturbance levels for wildlife. Podcast art provided by: Andrew Walch, ODFW. ------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling route guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel / The Connection Our Route Guides / Dirty Freehub Our Ask / Donate

ODFW along with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Manulife Investment Management's timberland business (formerly Hancock Natural Resource Group) completed phase one of the Minam River Wildlife Area project adding more than 4,600 acres of public land to the state's wildlife area system. We talk to ODFW's East Region Manager Nick Myatt and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Senior Conservation Program Manager Bill Richardson about how this project came together and what it will mean for wildlife. 

Mark Penninger has been measuring animals for the record books for many years. But a set of elk antlers found by a crew of cone collectors for tree propagation and turned into ODFW, was a true jaw dropper for Penninger, who talks about how he measured the antlers for Northwest Big Game Records Inc. and how they rank as the second-largest typical Rocky Mountain elk antlers ever recorded in the state. Want to learn about how exactly antlers are measured for the record books? This episode is for you. 

Researchers from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are spending nearly 10 weeks at sea surveying black, blue and deacon rockfish. The fish is important to coastal communities like Charleston, which rely on tourism from people who plan fishing trips. Businesses like charter boats, hotels and restaurants depend on that tourism for their local economies. In 2017, ODFW abruptly closed rockfish season early, devastating local businesses. Leif Rasmuson is the lead researcher on the rockfish project. He joins us with details on the survey and what the team hopes to learn.