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
Hunting and fishing licenses are generally valid for the calendar year. The exceptions are game bird hunting permits and validations...
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...
Give a years worth of outdoor adventure
What to get for family and friends who love the outdoors—the birder, hiker, aspiring angler, avid hunter or neighbor who...
How to hunt big game
This step-by-step guide will show you how to purchase leftover tags from the controlled hunt drawing. Leftover tags are available online beginning...
ODFW’s Premium Hunts give any hunter a chance to draw an additional deer, elk or pronghorn tag with a months-long...
How to hunt big game
Oregon offers spring and fall bear hunting seasons. Fall bear is an entirely general season hunt, while spring season is...
Where to hunt big game
Didn't draw a big game tag this year? Here are some other ways to have a great hunting season.
From license discounts to additional controlled hunt tags, ODFW wants to make sure our uniformed service members are given the...
How to hunt big game
Resources to help prepare for a successful hunt in sagebrush country.
How to fish
Find links to the current fishing and hunting regulations, as well as in-season regulation updates. Anglers must check in-season updates...
how to hunt
Looking for the perfect gift for the hunter on your holiday list? We’ve asked some ODFW staff, all avid hunters...
Tips for avoiding problems
Cougars currently occupy most of the available cougar habitat in the state and are expanding into lower quality habitats that...
A growing number of people take to the woods in winter, looking for antlers that have been shed by Oregon’s deer...
How to hunt big game
Rabbit hunting is the third most popular type of hunting activity in the U.S., behind wild turkey and deer hunting...
How to hunt big game
Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips
This example will show you how to read a point summary report.
wildlife viewing
In late September, deer and elk begin their annual migration to wintering grounds, and often have to cross roads and...
Where to hunt big game
Public access to lands suitable to hunt can be a challenge. That's why we have the Oregon Hunting
Access Map to help...
How to hunt big game
Cougar season and hunting information, including information about cougar conflict target areas.
Resuming in 2022, successful cougar hunters must appear...
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.
Special instructions and hunt maps
How to fish
Drought stresses fish and wildlife out