To solve the problems of processing Inconel 617 alloy at high temperatures, the hot deformation behavior of forged Inconel 617 at high temperature was studied. A Gleeble-3500 instrument was used to analyze the thermoplastic behavior in the temperature range of 900~1200 °C and strain rate range of 0.001~10 s^-1. The constitutive equation in this temperature and strain rate range was deduced, and the thermal processing map was obtained. The dynamic recrystallization after compression was studied by electron backscatter diffraction. The location of the instability zone was determined. Results show that under the conditions of thermal deformation, dynamic recrystallization occurs, and fine grains are obtained. The optimal temperature range for Inconel 617 thermal processing is identified as 1075~1175 °C, and this temperature range is in the stable zone for the material.