Hunting and fire danger in Oregon

Closures and access

ODFW does not close hunting seasons due to fire danger. But hunters may face access restrictions as areas close due to active fires, firefighting activity or fire danger. Know before you go – use these links to check for closures beforehand.

•  National Forests in Oregon (U.S. Forest Service)
•  Bureau of Land Management
•  Inciweb—Current fires and fire-related closures in Oregon
•  Oregon Department of Forestry fire restrictions
• Private forestland closure information.

Current A&H closures and updates:

A&H closures are usually announced by ODFW news release. For the latest information on A&H closures contact the local district office or the local A&H contact.

• Update Sept. 30: Manulife (formerly Hancock) properties in NE Oregon reopen to camping

Fire restrictions

Hunters, anglers and others are responsible for knowing and following fire restrictions when outdoors. Here are the most common ones:

• Campfires prohibited on many public lands. That includes within designated campgrounds.
• Only liquid-fueled camp stoves may be used. No charcoal briquettes or other flammable solid materials are allowed.
• No smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle.
• Off-road driving is also prohibited in most areas, which includes motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Driving on vegetation could spark a fire.
• Vehicles must have either a gallon of water or a fully charged and operational 2½-pound fire extinguisher and shovel (except when travelling on state highways or county roads).
• ATVs must have a charged and operational 2½ pound fire extinguisher.
• Additional restrictions as set by landowner.

Tag refund, preference point reinstatement policies

Again, ODFW will not close hunting seasons as a result of elevated fire danger, access or use restrictions (e.g. road/vehicle, open fires, camping closures, etc.), or for ongoing fire control actions. However, the department will evaluate the impacts of such actions to hunting seasons on an individual species/season/hunt area basis including the timing, extent and duration of fire-related restrictions.

Only seasons where reasonable public access to the hunt area is substantially restricted for the entire hunt period will be considered a complete loss of a hunter’s opportunity, except as determined by the director. When this complete loss of a hunter’s opportunity occurs, ODFW will reinstate points +1 and refund tags. 

Because fire related access restrictions can change during the course of a hunt, this evaluation and determination typically does not occur until after the particular hunt has closed.

Please note that voluntarily deciding to not go hunting is not a reason for preference point reinstatement unless ODFW has offered that as an option for your hunt. Nor are restrictions against campfires, camping or vehicle/road restrictions. Inability to scout before a season is also not necessarily considered a loss of hunting opportunity.

Hunters who exchange controlled tags for general seasons tags before their controlled hunt begins may be ineligible for any preference point reinstatement if no decision has been made yet on options.

2022 Fall Hunting Season

Active fires and fire-fighting activities have closed major portions of the hunt area for the following hunts and these hunt areas are not expected to reopen before the end of archery season. Archery hunters with these tags are being notified of their options and should contact Licensing at odfw.websales@odfw.oregon.gov or (503) 947-6101.

Deer hunts

159 - Snake River Buck Deer (Any Legal Weapon)
159R – Snake Rvr Unit Bow
160R – Minam Unit Bow
161R – Imnaha Unit Bow

Elk hunts

253R1 – Eagle Cap Zone Bow
253R2 – Eagle Cap Zone Traditional Bow
259R – Snake Rvr Unit Bow
259X – Snake River Unit No. 1
259Y – Snake River Unit No. 2