The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the removal of up to 18 mountain lions in an isolated part of southeast Oregon. Commissioners designated a remote “cougar target area” in the Trout Creek Mountains of Harney County where wildlife officials plan to add to a resident bighorn sheep population already suffering with a low level of genetic diversity, despite relatively good habitat conditions and lack of disease. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will carry out the short-term action designed specifically to reduce predation on the newly translocated, native sheep that are unfamiliar with the landscape and especially vulnerable in their first months after release. The target area measure is temporary and narrowly focused, reflecting evidence that mountain lion predation was the primary cause of mortality during the previous translocation effort for this herd. 

According to ODFW, there are more than 6,000 mountain lions across the state. Oregon does offer a general mountain lion hunting season but does not allow the use of hounds.

Also at its September meeting, the commission approved 2027 hunting regulations for deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, black bear, mountain lion, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats. Printed regulations will be available in late November.

There will also variouschanges for 2027 coastal elk hunts. Click here for details.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.