ODFW Articles
Need to figure out controlled hunts, find a place to clam, learn how to fish or get directions to a wildlife area? We've got information on all that and more, straight from ODFW biologists and other accomplished hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers.
Header image by Dave Budeau
You caught it, now it's time to cook it—and what better time than during a holiday meal with your family...
What you need to know
The white sturgeon is one of Oregon's most iconic and distinctive fish species with a lineage dating back to the...
How to hunt big game
What does that hunt number really mean?
Before you apply for a controlled hunt, you'll need to know how to read a hunt number to find hunts...
living with wildlife
Build a bat box and know who to call with bat questions
More than 50 percent of native bats in North America are at risk. In Oregon, eight of 15 species are...
wildlife viewing
It's an iconic part of life in the Pacific Northwest—salmon returning to their natal rivers after years at sea to...
How to hunt game birds
The outlook for 2024-25 looks strong for Oregon game bird hunters.
Special instructions and hunt maps
Where to hunt big game
A quick guide for early season hunters
ODFW wildlife biologists offer a look at the habitat conditions and hunting outlook for the upcoming season.
Where to fish
Fall salmon fishing seasons in rivers along Oregon’s coast from Necanicum River to the Winchuck River depend on the outlook...
Where to hunt game birds
Legal shooting hours for game bird and Northwest Permit Goose during the 2024-25 hunting seasons.
How to hunt big game
See the latest and historic data on big game population surveys from 2012 to present.
ODFW at work
A new way to connect with ODFW
The new Volunteer Event Management (VEM) System will make it easier for you to join ODFW in the great outdoors...
Find the perfect fit
Here are the current volunteer opportunities at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Find the one that's right for...
how to hunt
Through the new Volunteer and Event Management System
Beginning June 24, 2024, ODFW will launch a new, more streamlined process for getting Hunting and Bowhunting Education certifications –...
ODFW's Volunteer and Event Management (VEM) System makes it easier to find and register for volunteer and educational opportunities.
How to hunt game birds
Our biologist share their take on the upcoming season
ODFW biologists share the latest updates for wild turkey hunting in their local district, as well as tips and tactics...
How to hunt big game
An area-by-area look at the upcoming season
Spring bear is the first big game hunt of the season. Here's a look at what hunters can expect in...
How to hunt game birds
Historic harvest statistics can guide you to areas with good habitat that support healthy bird populations.
How to fish
This newsletter provides a summary of Oregon's 2023 sport bottomfish fishery.
And we need your help
We're looking for ways to make our Recreation Report even more useful. Take a six-minute survey to tell us what...
How to fish
This newsletter provides a summary of Oregon’s 2023 sport halibut fishery.
How to clam and crab
Oregon has over 360 miles of coastline -- that's a big sandbox in which to take the family clamming and...
Regulation changes you should know about
Check out the fishing, clamming, crabbing and hunting regulation updates for 2024. These new regulations are highlighted in yellow in...
How to hunt game birds
Download the Game Bird Release Permit
Rules for permits and releasing birds, pursuit seasons and competitive dog trials. Download Game Bird Release Permit.