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
Where to hunt big game
Due to increasing numbers of elk on private land and chronic elk damage, ODFW is piloting a new general season...
How to hunt big game
To maximize their hunting opportunities
Some youth big game hunts rival adult tags in terms of the number of preference points needed to draw. Knowing...
How to hunt big game
This permit allows hunters with certain disabilities to use a draw locking device attached to the riser of a modern...
How to fish
Let’s go fishing! Not enough time? Think again.
If you live on Oregon’s South Coast, there are a number of...
How to hunt big game
Reasons you didn’t draw a tag
Check if you drew your tag for the upcoming season. You can also learn why you did not draw your...
What to expect as eastside archery deer hunting goes limited-entry this year
New for 2021, all eastern Oregon archery deer hunting is controlled. We talked with several experts for their thoughts on...
How to hunt big game
"I was out hunting near a reserve, and I shot a white-tailed deer. I didn’t know it was a white-tailed...
One hunter’s story
An experienced hunter witnessed a mule deer being poached. He was so rattled he forgot who to call and how...
how to hunt
Our tips for new or novice hunters
Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or harvesting food for the freezer, there are lots reasons to become a hunter...
How to fish
Our tips for new or novice anglers
Fishing isn’t hard, but it can be confusing to know how to begin. Here’s a step-by-step approach to get from...
In the spring of 2019, several clients chartered an ocean fishing trip out of Coos Bay. They were promised trophy-size lingcod...
How to hunt big game
ODFW has been reviewing big game hunting to simplify regulations, provide fair and consistent opportunity and ensure biological objectives are...
Where to fish
Exceeding the bag limit, snagging fish are common violations
Each year, thousands of fish are harvested illegally in Oregon. Anglers who wait all year for their favorite salmon or...
Popular setups for bass, walleye and more
Ask 10 anglers how to fish and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. However, there are a few types...
Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and at agents. After...
Where to hunt game birds
A nine-mile system of habitat trails offers upland bird hunters opportunities for mountain quail and blue and ruffed grouse.
All first time Oregon trappers of any age must complete trapper education.
How to hunt game birds
Legal hunting weapons and weapon restrictions for hunting big game and game birds in Oregon.
Each year over 9 million Oregonians and visitors head to hills – and the desert, and the beach – to...
How to fish
Dedicated fly-anglers don’t stop fishing in the winter, instead they adjust their tactics to the colder conditions.
Where to fish
See the Oregon records for both coldwater and warmwater game fish. And, find the forms to submit if you think you've...
How to hunt big game
Oregon’s population of about 6,000 cougars occupies a wide variety of habitat across the state, offering a year-round, readily-accessible hunting...
Where to fish
Includes lakes in the Umpqua National Forest and the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness.
Take the Western Native Trout Challenge and you’ll learn about native trout and where to find them, earn bragging rights...