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
Oregon has miles and miles of small rivers and creeks where anglers can enjoy simple techniques, a sense of solitude...
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 fish
Bass are an increasingly popular game fish even in a state noted for its native salmon, steelhead and trout. Bass...
Buying a license or permit
Steps for getting a duplicate hunter education card.
How to fish
Opportunities from beach, pier and jetty
With some simple, inexpensive gear and a little knowledge, anglers of all ages can enjoy a day of marine fishing.
Where to fish
The central area follows the Deschutes River Basin along the eastern slope of the Cascades, and includes the middle reaches...
How to hunt game birds
Since many game birds in Oregon reside on private land, finding a place to hunt can be challenging. The Hunt by...
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.
Where to fish
Salmon, steelhead and smallmouth bass offer world-class fishing here year-round. Rainbow trout are stocked in the upper Rogue and in...
Buying a license or permit
How to qualify
The Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit is not a license or tag. Hunters must still obtain a hunting and/or...
Where to fish
The southeast area covers the high desert country of Harney and Malheur counties and is the most arid region of...
How to fish
Fishing Oregon’s high elevation lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head...
How to fish
Can lead to fast fishing for hot fish
Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers...
Where to fish
Wide open spaces, wild windy places, and extreme temperatures characterize Oregon’s largest, most remote fishing zone. Scarcity makes water especially...
How to hunt game birds
Better known for their elaborate courtship displays, greater sage-grouse also offers the wingshooter a unique hunting experience. This is a...
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 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife owns or manages nearly 200,000 acres of land set aside for wildlife use...
Buying a license or permit
Or redeem your Sports Pac voucher
Find directions purchasing a tag online or from a license vendor, for redeeming your Sports Pac voucher, and purchasing a...
how to buy a license or permit
Some of ODFW's smaller field offices are not staffed to sell licenses to the public. However, staff at our larger...
How to fish
Use your favorite gear, target sea-runs in late summer, and more
Wide distribution, an aggressive nature and willingness to take bait, flies or lures, makes cutthroat trout a popular target in western...
How to hunt game birds
Dove hunting seasons open earlier than many others and offer one of the first opportunities to go afield each year...
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...
Where to fish
Many of the more popular fishing locations across the state are accessible to anglers with disabilities. ODFW tries to keep...
How to fish
Find links to the current fishing and hunting regulations, as well as in-season regulation updates.