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
mule deer; big game hunts; Oregon; Mule Deer Plan; Eastern Oregon deer hunting
From WMUs to Deer Hunt Areas in 2026
Hunters should be aware of potential changes coming for deer hunts in Eastern Oregon in 2026. Hunts will be structured...
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...
Conservation
What you need to know and how to get involved
how to hunt
This online module serves as the required training for Bighorn Ewe and Rocky Mountain Goat tag holders. It is recommended...
How to fish
There are a variety of flatfish species that can be found off the Oregon coast.
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...
How to hunt big game
See the latest and historic data on big game population surveys from 2012 to present.
Where to hunt game birds
Legal shooting hours for game bird and Northwest Permit Goose during the 2024-25 hunting seasons.
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
Get Certified in Hunter and Bowhunter Safety
The Volunteer and Event Management system makes it easy to complete the certification process.
We are excited to introduce the Volunteer Event Management (VEM) system, your new one-stop platform for discovering and registering...
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.
How to fish
This newsletter provides a summary of Oregon’s 2023 sport halibut fishery.