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 fish
Known for its high desert climate, sage-covered canyons, glacial peaks and mountain lakes, this zone is defined by the reach...
Where to fish
On Free Fishing Weekends, you don't need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That's no license...
How to hunt big game
Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips
How to fish
Warm water temps take a toll on fish
During summer drought and high temperatures, fish start feeling the heat. Give them a break by following these warm weather...
Buying a license or permit
Step-by-step directions for applying for a controlled hunt online and how to change your hunt choices. The deadline to apply...
How to fish
Summer is a great time to be on the Pacific chasing ocean salmon. Whether you captain your own ship
or...
The following step-by-step guide will walk you through the new online registration system. With ODFW’s electronic licensing system, you can...
Opportunity for kids
Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows youth 9 through 15 years of age to hunt without first passing an approved hunter education...
How to hunt game birds
Look for collection barrels where you hunt. Data gathered from wings and tails helps ODFW biologists look at population productivity...
How to hunt game birds
7 reasons they’re great for new hunters
The Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts offer new hunters a chance to hone their skills in a hunt that’s close...
How to hunt big game
An emergency hunt is an unanticipated hunt held on short notice to address acute agricultural damage. Many damage situations are...
How to fish
Water conditions, gear and flexibility all matter
Some anglers think coho are more aggressive and easier to catch while they’re still in the open waters of the...
How to hunt game birds
Oregon offers some of the best upland game bird hunting in the West. The state’s diverse habitats support nine species...
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...
wildlife viewing
In late September, deer and elk begin their annual migration to wintering grounds, and often have to cross roads and...
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 tag fish...
How to fish
We asked some of the fisher folk at ODFW for their favorite gift-giving ideas. Here's what they said.
How to fish
Rockfish must be released when retention is prohibited or when an angler has reached the daily bag limit, but continues...
A growing number of people take to the woods in winter, looking for antlers that have been shed by Oregon’s deer...
Where to clam and crab
Coos Bay is Oregon’s largest bay. The lower bay (areas from the ocean entrance to the airport) is “marine dominated”...
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...
Where to fish
These updated rules were adopted after the current regulation booklet was printed, and supersede those printed regulations. Always check for...
How to fish
And for more than just bait
To most anglers, herring and anchovies are best known as bait. But they also can be fun to catch and...