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
Buying a license or permit
Most hunting and fishing licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. You can buy next year's license on...
Opportunity for kids
Learning to hunt is a gateway to the outdoors and ODFW Hunter Safety Education is a great way to start.
Steelhead are tricky to forecast, but early indications point to another good year for anglers. Here’s a rundown from north to south.
Columbia River walleye check a lot of boxes. They are challenging to find, fun to catch and excellent to eat.
Find all the information you need to trap or hunt furbearers in Oregon, including licensing requirements and seasons.
ODFW completed the revision of the SWAP in Sept. 2025 and submitted it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...
How to hunt game birds
Rules for permits and releasing birds, pursuit seasons and competitive dog trials.
How to fish
If you’re just getting started fishing, or you want to try a new kind of fishing, you’ll need a rod...
how to buy a license or permit
Some of ODFW's smaller field offices are not staffed to sell licenses to the public. However, staff at our larger...
Buying a license or permit
Buy licenses & tags online and print them immediately from any printer—or choose electronic tagging to display your documents and...
Hunters and anglers can visit their local ODFW licensed agent to purchase licenses, tags and other documents. Once documents are...
How to fish
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW licensed vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing...
| Commission materials have moved to MyODFW.com: Commission materials have a new look. ODFW is working to transition its older odfw.com... |
| Commission materials have moved to MyODFW.com: Commission materials have a new look. ODFW is working to transition its older odfw.com... |
If you bought a tag you must report, even if you weren't successful or didn't hunt. Report your hunt online or...
Information gleaned from the teeth of harvested black-tail deer will help ODFW biologists learn more about the deer population.
Learning where hunters have been successful in the past may help increase your chances of being successful in the future.
Regulating harvest, health, and enhancement of wildlife populations
It is legal to salvage meat from deer and elk struck by vehicles in Oregon. You must complete a free...
Where to hunt big game
All funds raised by deer and elk auction and raffle tags go directly to the Access and Habitat Program...
From WMUs to Deer Hunt Areas in 2026
Starting in 2026, deer hunts in Eastern Oregon will be organized by Deer Hunt Areas instead of traditional Wildlife Management...
What hunters should know
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal disease infecting deer, elk, and moose across North America. While CWD has not...
Buying a license or permit
Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and with agents. After
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Buying a license or permit
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife owns or manages nearly 200,000 acres of land set aside for wildlife use...