Oregon Elk Black Bear Deer (Buck)

Unit 31 (Keno)

Oregon Hunting Guide — Elk, Black Bear, Deer (Buck)

ODFW Wildlife Management Unit 231 (North Coast) spans northern Lincoln County and the southern reaches of Tillamook County along the Oregon Coast Range. This is classic Roosevelt elk habitat — dense spruce-hemlock forests, alder bottomlands, and the coastal fog belt that keeps vegetation lush through the hunting seasons. ODFW manages elk here through a combination of general season and limited-entry controlled hunts.

View Draw Odds Oregon Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 31

Where to Find Elk in WMU 231 (North Coast)

Roosevelt elk in WMU 231 move through a patchwork of coastal forest types — old-growth spruce and hemlock, second-growth Douglas-fir, and early-successional alder/brush following timber harvest. The Nestucca and Wilson river drainages and their tributaries anchor elk movement in this unit. Elk feed heavily in regenerating clear-cuts and meadow edges but bed in the deep timber during daylight hours.

We recommend targeting the transition zones between clear-cut edge and mature standing timber, particularly where creek drainages bisect slope aspects. These corridors funnel elk movement predictably from their nocturnal feeding areas back to daytime cover.

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How to Hunt WMU 231 Elk

North Coast elk hunting in WMU 231 rewards hunters who invest in pre-season road scouting to identify fresh sign before the season opens. The extensive logging road network provides access but also distributes hunting pressure. Getting one or two ridges away from roads consistently produces better results.

Rut Calling

September archery hunters should focus on the vocal period of the rut, using cow calls and moderate bugles in the dense timber. Keep calling sessions short and be prepared for rapid close encounters. Roosevelt bulls can approach silently through thick brush.

General Season Rifle

Where general season rifle tags apply, still-hunting along clear-cut edges and ridge-top openings at dawn and dusk is the primary approach. The wet, quiet ground after rainfall makes silent stalking much easier than during dry conditions.

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Elk Success Rates

North Coast Roosevelt elk units produce consistent harvest numbers due to healthy herd densities and abundant forage. Success is closely tied to hunter access and willingness to push away from road corridors. Consult ODFW Big Game Statistics for current WMU 231 harvest data and success rates.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	25	86	27.9%	6
Rifle— Controlled	880	384	100.0%	10

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

WMU 231 provides a mix of general season tags and limited-entry controlled hunts depending on weapon and season type. Controlled tags follow Oregon's 75/25 preference-point/random draw. Check ODFW's Controlled Hunt Navigator for hunt-specific draw odds within WMU 231.

Black Bear Hunting in Unit 31

ODFW Wildlife Management Unit 731 (Sixes) lies in Curry County along the southern Oregon coast, covering the Sixes and Elk River drainages. This is lush coastal forest country with high black bear densities supported by diverse forage — from spring grasses and berries to the rich salmon and steelhead runs in coastal rivers. Oregon black bear hunting is a general season tag in most units, including WMU 731, making this accessible without a draw.

Where to Find Black Bear in WMU 731 (Sixes)

Black bears in WMU 731 follow seasonal food sources through the coastal forest and river corridors. In spring and early summer, look for bears on south-facing slopes and open areas where new grass and forbs are emerging. Berry patches — particularly huckleberry and blackberry — draw heavy bear use from July through September. Bears also congregate near salmon spawning reaches of the Sixes and Elk Rivers in fall.

We recommend glassing logged hillsides and clear-cut edges at first and last light. Bears are highly visible when feeding in open areas but become more nocturnal as hunting pressure increases. Sows with cubs are protected — positively identify your target before shooting.

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How to Hunt WMU 731 Black Bear

WMU 731 black bear hunting is primarily a spot-and-stalk game using the coastal terrain. Glass clear-cut edges and berry patches at dawn and dusk, then plan a wind-correct stalk on feeding bears. Bears have poor eyesight but an exceptional sense of smell — scent control and wind direction are critical.

Bait Hunting

Oregon allows bear baiting in many units — check current ODFW regulations for WMU 731 bait restrictions and licensing requirements. Baiting can be highly effective in the dense coastal forest where spot-and-stalk opportunities are limited.

Hound Hunting

Oregon allows hunting black bear with hounds in most areas — verify WMU 731 hound-hunting regulations with ODFW. Hound hunting is one of the most effective methods in thick coastal cover where bears are otherwise difficult to locate.

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Black Bear Success Rates

Oregon's coastal WMUs support robust black bear populations and general season tags make this one of the more accessible big game opportunities in the state. WMU 731 harvest data is published in the ODFW Big Game Statistics annual report — review for current success rates and population trend information.

Black Bear Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Archery— Controlled	550	510	100.0%	4

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Black bear hunting in most Oregon WMUs, including WMU 731, is a general season tag purchase — no draw required. Tags are available over the counter from ODFW licensing outlets. Verify tag availability and any special restrictions for WMU 731 in the current ODFW Big Game Regulations.

Deer (Buck) Hunting in Unit 31

The Keno WMU (WMU 31) supports a mule deer population across central Oregon's ponderosa pine, sage, and rimrock terrain. Controlled draw tags limit pressure and maintain buck quality in this productive high desert and transition zone landscape.

Where to Find Deer in the Keno Unit

Mule deer in the Keno unit use ponderosa pine, sage, and rimrock across central Oregon's varied terrain.

Ponderosa-Sage Edge

The transition between ponderosa pine forest and open sage is the most productive zone. Bucks feed in sage openings and bed in pine timber. Glass these edges from elevated points in early morning before deer move into cover.

Rimrock Benches

Central Oregon volcanic rimrock provides thermal cover and wide sightlines. Glass below rimrock edges in morning sunlight — bucks bed on ledges with clear views of the terrain below them.

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How to Hunt Deer in the Keno Unit

Central Oregon mule deer hunting in the Keno unit rewards systematic glassing and patient stalking.

Systematic Glassing

Spend significant time behind quality optics from elevated vantage points before attempting stalks. Identify bucks thoroughly before committing to an approach. In Oregon's controlled hunt areas, buck quality improves with hunter selectivity.

Spot-and-Stalk

Use terrain features to close distance. Approach from above when possible, keep the wind in your face, and move when the animal has its head down or is screened by terrain. Patience on the stalk pays better dividends than rushing.

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Deer (Buck) Success Rates

Controlled deer tags in the Keno unit see rifle success rates typically in the 18-28% range. Oregon's draw system limits hunter pressure and supports above-average buck quality compared to general season areas in similar habitat types.

Deer (Buck) Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	825	910	88.8%	10
Rifle— Controlled	275	99	100.0%	2
Rifle— Controlled	110	261	40.2%	8
Rifle— Controlled	22	43	48.8%	5

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Oregon's 75/25 preference-point/random draw split means 75% of Keno unit deer tags go to highest-point applicants and 25% are allocated randomly each year. Hunt code 131 is accessible to newer applicants through the random pool. Check ODFW controlled hunt draw statistics at myodfw.com for current applicant counts and historical odds.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

Active and historic logging road network; seasonal closures possible. High-clearance recommended.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — rolling to steep Coast Range, very dense vegetation in draws

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate to high near roads; drops significantly with distance from road network

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Weather

One of the rainiest zones in Oregon — rain gear is mandatory. Fog common through November.

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Cell Service

Very limited; plan for no connectivity in most hunting areas

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Nearest Town

Tillamook (north) or Lincoln City (south), each within 30–50 miles

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Permit Notes

Check ODFW regulations for general season vs. controlled hunt tag availability by weapon type

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there general season elk tags for WMU 231?

Oregon's west-side Coast Range units often offer general season archery elk tags and sometimes general firearm tags depending on population objectives. Check the current ODFW Big Game Regulations for WMU 231 to confirm which seasons use general tags versus controlled hunt drawings.

Do I need to apply for a draw to hunt black bear in WMU 731?

Black bear hunting in most Oregon WMUs uses a general season tag available over the counter — no preference points or draw required. Verify the current season structure and tag type for WMU 731 in the ODFW Big Game Regulations, as rules can change annually.

Is bait hunting legal for black bear in WMU 731?

Oregon allows bear baiting in many units subject to specific regulations including bait placement rules and licensing requirements. Check the current ODFW Big Game Regulations for any WMU 731-specific bait restrictions before setting up a bait station.

How do I apply for the Keno unit deer tag?

Apply through ODFW's controlled hunt system at myodfw.com using hunt code 131. Oregon uses a 75/25 preference-point/random draw split. Purchase preference points annually to improve preference-pool odds, or rely on the 25% random allocation each year.

What is the best season for Keno unit deer hunting?

Season timing depends on your specific hunt code and weapon type. October rifle seasons typically coincide with the rut in Oregon deer units, which improves buck movement and encounter rates. Check current ODFW regulations for exact season dates.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

ODFW Big Game Hunting — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: WMU boundaries, Elk season structure, License requirements · accessed 2026-04-17
Oregon Big Game Regulations (eRegulations) — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: Season dates by weapon type, Hunt designation codes, Tag purchase process · accessed 2026-04-17
ODFW Big Game Statistics — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: Per-WMU elk harvest data, Success rate trends · accessed 2026-04-17
ODFW Controlled Hunt Navigation — Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife · supports: Preference-point draw system, Random draw allocation, Historical draw odds · accessed 2026-04-17
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Public land boundaries in WMU 731, Road access and trail systems · accessed 2026-04-17