Rob DeHarpport’s outdoor report: Autumn brings return of cherished traditions and Oregon beauty

By ROB DeHARPPORT/For The Herald — Happy fall, y’all!

Another summer is in the books. Fall officially arrived on Wednesday, Sept. 22.

Autumn usually brings cool crisp mornings and evenings to the Highway 58 corridor. So far, this year is no exception as daytime temperatures have cooled from our summer of record high temperatures.

Night-time temps have been dipping to below freezing here at Crescent Lake and in other Cascade locations for several weeks. Diamond Peak and other mountain tops above 6,000 feet elevation received the first dusting of snow last weekend.

For many of us, fall is the “bee’s knees” of seasons. The leaves begin to change, football season is in full swing, gardens are harvested and we enjoy the days as we know winter will soon arrive.

It’s a busy season with lots to do before winter hits. So we do our best to enjoy the daylight hours as they become shorter with each passing day.

General bow hunting season ends on Sunday the 26th. General rifle season opens on Oct. 4. Many families await and prepare to head to their traditional favorite places.

It’s not always the harvest of a deer that’s of importance. For many it’s the tradition, camp life and camaraderie of deer camp.

Passing on the traditions to the younger generations is equally valued. Cherishing the days spent with family and friends in the woods or in the crisp clear high desert air of Eastern Oregon.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) says the western Oregon big game species saw normal survival rates since last season with no reports of major mortality events.

ODFW reports that winter conditions were normal though January and February were wetter than normal. Dry summer drought conditions may have negatively affected summer and fall forage conditions. Eastern Oregon big game species saw normal survival rates with no reports of major mortality events that sometimes occur with harsh winters.

Know before you go! Fire restrictions are still in place throughout the state with good reason. Just a couple of days ago, the Fawn Fire near Lake Shasta — another life-threatening fire — was started by arson.

More than 100 structures and homes have been destroyed and evacuations are continuing. The fire has spread to over 6,500 acres since it was discovered at approximately 5 p.m. on Sept. 22. Despite the much-welcomed recent rains, conditions are still very dry.

Please don’t be complacent. We’ve already seen enough destruction and smoke this year. Go to MyODFW.com for links to the latest fire restriction on public and private lands. Carry water, fire extinguisher and a shovel. Don’t park on dry grass, and never leave a campfire unattended, even briefly. Smoldering fires can spread quickly with a bit of wind.

Extra fire precautions should be emphasized.

For those who do not hunt, fall is also a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Take that hike you’ve always wanted to do. Be prepared. Study weather forecasts as fall weather conditions can change in a blink of an eye.

A unprepared couple of hikers had to be rescued last weekend as snow and rains caught them in the Three Sisters Wilderness lacking for proper clothing and shelter.

Hikers need to be safe and aware that it’s hunting season. Bright clothing is advised as we annually read of the careless hunter mistaking a person for a game animal — tragic and inexcusable, yet it happens far too often.

Fall is also a great season for a road trip to view the changing colors of the leaves. Although I’m not sure how much fires in recent years has affected the deciduous trees along the McKenzie and Umpqua rivers, there are many places to enjoy a drive, both near and far.

It’s also a great time to explore those “bucket list” places. In fact, fall is a great time to explore areas such as Steens Mountain and the Wallowa Mountains if time allows.

Fishing is still good at Odell Lake and elsewhere. Kokanee can be seen spawning in some places, Paulina Creek being one. As of a few days ago, there were no kokanee seen just yet in Trapper Creek at Odell. They should arrive in the creek before too long.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, stay safe and enjoy this great season we call fall!

Rob DeHarpport, former mayor of Westfir, moved to the Crescent Lake community in 2015 shortly after retiring from a 31-year career in the trucking industry.