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...
Buying a license or permit
Buy licenses & tags online and print them immediately from any printer—or choose electronic tagging to carry your documents and...
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
Check for access and understand point reinstatement/refund policy
As early season hunters know, dry conditions and the associated wildfire danger can have a large impact on your hunting...
How to hunt big game
See the latest and historic data about big game hunting statistics for different hunts.
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
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...
Buying a license or permit
The free disabled veteran combination license, and permit for disabled hunters and anglers make it easier for everyone to participate.
How to fish
Impacts on fishing, hunting and viewing
As much of Oregon continues to experience years of on-going drought, hunters, anglers and wildlife viewers can expect the continued...
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...
A growing number of people take to the woods in winter, looking for antlers that have been shed by Oregon’s deer...
Tips for avoiding problems
Cougars currently occupy most of the available cougar habitat in the state and are expanding into lower quality habitats that...
How to hunt big game
Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips