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...
how to hunt
Oregon offers some great opportunities for the first-time hunter -- from deer and elk, to geese and ducks, to chukar...
How to hunt big game
Oregon’s Bowhunter Education Program teaches bowhunters the fundamentals of safe, responsible archery hunting
and an appreciation and respect for the environment...
Opportunity for kids
The time shared between a youngster and a mentor is invaluable. There simply is no better way to introduce a...
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...
How to hunt big game
Hunters know how easy it is to get focused on taking “the shot.” But a lot of planning and preparation...
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 fish
Find links to the current fishing and hunting regulations, as well as in-season regulation updates.
The following step-by-step guide will walk you through the new online registration system. With ODFW’s electronic licensing system, you can...
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 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...
How to hunt big game
Learning to hunt is an adventure that can last a lifetime, and ODFW Hunter Education is a great way to...
Buying a license or permit
Steps for getting a duplicate hunter education card.
How to hunt big game
Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips
Tips for avoiding problems
Cougars currently occupy most of the available cougar habitat in the state and are expanding into lower quality habitats that...
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 and where-to tips for beginners
How to hunt big game
Check out the latest point summary reports for all big game, and use the information to strategize
while deciding which...
Most of the wildlife in Oregon evolved with wildfire. And even though fires are intensifying, they are nothing new to...
From license discounts to additional controlled hunt tags, ODFW wants to make sure our uniformed service members are given the...