Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Posted inNews

Think Wild, Cascadia Wild Partner to Monitor and Conserve “Rare Carnivores”  

Among the list of “rare carnivores” monitored are martens, gray wolves, the Sierra Nevada red fox and wolverines
Avatar photoBy Jesse Coronado

Non-profits Think Wild and Cascadia Wild announced a partnership to gather data and work toward the conservation of rare carnivores in Central Oregon.   The data gathered from the program will allow for improving and understanding species distribution, habitat use, how wildlife habitats border and connect to one another and wildlife community dynamics. The program will help promote the conservation of rare carnivores that play a critical […]

Posted inOutside

It’s Sage-Grouse Hunting Season

State officials still allow hunters to grab Greater sage-grouse, despite their imperiled numbers
by Jim Anderson

Some people just never “retire;” they just jump from one job to another. (Editor’s note: Case in point: Jim Anderson, who penned this piece despite announcing his “retirement” from this column!) Take Stu Garret, of Bend, as an example. When I met him way back in the ’70s, he was a family doctor practicing in […]

Posted inOutside

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Decrease of trout on the Crooked River affects more than just the ecosystem
Alex Laakmann

The Crooked River is one of Central Oregon’s most iconic fishing destinations, winding through stunning basalt gorges and beautiful high desert terrain. It used to be a dependable trout fishery that would draw fishermen from across the region. But what goes up, must come down. In 2015, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife surveyed […]

Posted inOutside

Cougars on the Rise

Two cougar sightings in recent weeks prompt a reminder of what to do around them
Jim Anderson

“Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars, or mountain lions. While cougar sightings and encounters are rare, it is wise to educate yourself about the big cats.” So says the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and they’re spot on! Cougars can be found anywhere in the state, but the highest concentrations are in […]

Posted inOpinion

Letters to the Editor

The Source Staff

Bend City Council Has the Bend City Council lost its fricken mind? This is my own “Political Analysis,” in effect “the story behind the story” that most readers will not see in the local press. I believe Sally Russell is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” She ran as a member of the Democratic Party and […]

Posted inOutside

Sydney the Cygnet Lives On

Jim Anderson

Eloise, the surviving trumpeter swan from an original pair brought to Aspen Lakes, has lived quite a life. She survived the death of her early partner and has lived long enough to gain some friends among the residents. It was love at first sight for Robin Gold—one of the residents at Aspen Lakes in Sisters, […]

Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides

Keeping Geese at Bay

Elizabeth Warnimont

As recently as 10 years ago, Bend parks were being overrun by Canada geese. The birds pluck out lawns, erode riverbanks, soil the ground—and can scare off visitors. Former Bend Park and Recreation District Natural Resources Manager Paul Stell was troubled by the once-prevailing method of eradicating—translation: euthanizing—the offenders. He approached the Oregon Department of […]

Posted inOutside

In Search of Antlers

Shed hunting is a popular seasonal pastime; like a spring easter Egg hunt for adults
Brian Jennings

It’s becoming one of the more popular outdoor pursuits in regions where deer and elk herds thrive. In late fall, winter, and early spring, these animals seek lower elevation ranges that provide safety, shelter and food before migrating back to richer summer range. Deer seek lower ranges than elk, generally, where snow isn’t as deep […]

Posted inNews

No Fish

Federal legislation combined with a drought year results in trouble for trout on the Crooked River
Brian Jennings

The Crooked River below Bowman Dam and the Prineville Reservoir is regarded as a blue ribbon fishery for Oregon’s native Redband trout. It may be highly regarded by anglers—but at the moment, that image has been dealt a serious blow. At the heart of the issue is federal legislation passed in December 2014, which allocated […]

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