Although the condition and overall abundance of big game populations vary in different regions of the state, the biggest factor affecting hunting opportunities come fall is the mild winter experienced this year throughout most of Oregon. The result is that, although some deer and elk numbers are down in some wildlife units, for the most part good over winter survival will mean good big game hunting opportunities for 2012. Here is what some Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife field biologists are saying about big game numbers around the state and the prospect for the 2012 hunting seasons. DEER Black-tailed …



