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
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
A Waterway Access Permit is required for non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Permit is...
Let us share your photos with other anglers, hunters and wildlife appreciators. When you submit your photos to ODFW, they...
How to hunt game birds
For the 2022-23 Oregon game bird seasons, hunters will find strong upland bird population across the state, with some exceptions...
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...
Share your observations with ODFW’s iNaturalist project
The purpose of this project is to help us understand the impacts roads have on Oregon's wildlife, and to identify...
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...
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...
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...
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...
A growing number of people take to the woods in winter, looking for antlers that have been shed by Oregon’s deer...
Most of the wildlife in Oregon evolved with wildfire. And even though fires are intensifying, they are nothing new to...
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...
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...
Where to clam and crab
You'll find crab areas and softshell clamming opportunities in the southern part of the bay.
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...