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
Safety Checklist
Wildfire season in Oregon and access to the place you like to hunt, fish or recreate may be impacted. So be sure...
Regulating harvest, health, and enhancement of wildlife populations
Most of the wildlife in Oregon evolved with wildfire. And even though fires are intensifying, they are nothing new to...
how to hunt
This is your one-stop platform for learning how to hunt and fish in Oregon. Register to participate in one...
This online module serves as the required training for Bighorn Ewe and Rocky Mountain Goat tag holders. It is recommended...
How to hunt big game
See the latest and historic data on big game population surveys from 2012 to present.
Regulation changes you should know about
Check out the fishing, clamming, crabbing and hunting regulation updates for 2024. These new regulations are highlighted in yellow in...
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
This permit allows hunters with certain disabilities to use a draw locking device attached to the riser of a modern...
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...
How to hunt game birds
Legal hunting weapons and weapon restrictions for hunting big game and game birds in Oregon.
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...
how to hunt
Bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat the rarest game mammals in Oregon today, with less than 100 bighorn sheep tags...
Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. This video and related graphic illustrate several key...
Where to hunt big game
Regulated Hunt Areas (RHAs) are cooperative programs between Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and private landowners that offer regulated...
How to hunt big game
Spring bear is the first big game hunting season of the year – just one reason it’s popular with a...
How to hunt big game
Where-to and how-to go big game hunting in Oregon
Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or harvesting food for the freezer, there are lots reasons to become a hunter...
How to hunt big game
Resuming in 2022, successful bear hunters must appear in-person at an ODFW office to check in their bear's skull.
How to hunt big game
Portable blinds are your best bet
The number of big game hunters using blinds has increased over the last 20 years. Be sure to follow regulations...
Impacts on fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing
As much of Oregon continues to experience years of on-going drought, hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers can expect the continued...
How to hunt big game
Popularly hunted species include gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, ground squirrels and coyotes.
Small game species provide a variety of hunting experiences throughout the state and are an excellent way to introduce new...
How-to and where-to tips for beginners
How to hunt big game
Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips
wildlife viewing
In late September, deer and elk begin their annual migration to wintering grounds, and often have to cross roads and...