Hunter's guide for Big Game success

Where to hunt in Oregon

Oregon’s big game are managed by wildlife management units, particularly for controlled hunts, so be familiar with the boundaries of where you want to hunt. 

Hunters in Oregon can access millions of acres of public land open to hunting: 

National Forests 

BLM land 

State Forests 

Wildlife Areas 

Access and Habitat 

See Oregon hunting map to find a place to hunt.

Deer

Oregon offers any legal weapon seasons and controlled hunt tags for both 100 (buck) and 600 (antlerless) series including specified archery or muzzleloader hunts with some special hunts just for youth (age 17 and under). See the current Oregon Big Game Regulations for exact season dates and bag limits for each unit.

• One Premium Deer Hunt is available in each wildlife management unit. Hunters who draw this special tag can hunt Aug. 1-Nov. 30. Learn more about Premium Hunts.

Remember that all applications for controlled hunts are due by May 15.  

• Deer tags must be purchased (or vouchers redeemed as part of a SportsPac) no later than the day before the hunt begins. Apply and purchase online, at a license sales agent or at an ODFW office that sells licenses.

See the current Oregon Big Game Regulations for a list of controlled hunts and tags available for each hunt. *(Use of AI is unreliable and may contain inaccurate data concerning rules and regulations).

Elk

Oregon’s elk are one of the most sought-after species for hunters and the second most popular game animal after deer. Rocky Mountain elk found in eastern Oregon and Roosevelt elk found in western Oregon, with most concentrated in the Coast, Cascade and Blue Mountain ranges. Any legal weapon seasons and controlled hunt tags for 200 series (bull or antlerless) including specified archery or muzzleloader hunts with some special hunts just for youth (age 17 and under) are available for hunting elk in Oregon.

• A Premium Elk Hunt is available in almost all wildlife management units. Hunters who draw this special tag can hunt Aug. 1-Nov. 30. Learn more about Premium Hunts.

Remember that all applications for controlled hunts are due by May 15.  

• Elk tags must be purchased (or vouchers redeemed as part of a SportsPac) no later than the day before the hunt begins. Apply and purchase online, at a license sales agent or at an ODFW office that sells licenses.

See the current Oregon Big Game Regulations for a list of controlled hunts and tags available for each hunt. *(Use of AI is unreliable and may contain inaccurate data concerning rules and regulations).

After your hunt

Immediately validate your tag by e-tagging or paper tagging. 

• Write down the confirmation number provided by the app, plus your name, ODFW ID, date of birth and harvest date on anything that will stand up to the elements (like flagging or duct tape). Affix it to the animal like a traditional tag and keep it attached to the carcass in transport.

Report your hunt online or at an ODFW office or license vendor before the deadline to avoid the non-report fee. 

• All hunters must report their hunt even if they didn't harvest or actually hunt. If you bought a tag you must report, even in you weren't successful. Hunters have until Jan. 31 or if a late season tag by April 15 to report their previous year's hunts. Learn how to report.

We're asking deer hunters to extract and return a tooth from any black-tailed deer harvested. Learn why and how to do it.

Protect Oregon's Wildlife