Deer hunters

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

Marion Lake
Where to fish

Each year ODFW stocks millions of trout in dozens of reservoirs, lakes and ponds across the state.
Finding these locations...

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...

a display of fly-fishing flies
How to fish

If you’re just getting started fishing, or you want to try a new kind of fishing, you’ll need a rod...

Cackling geese
Buying a license or permit

Get your permit to hunt goose in the northwest corner of Oregon- part of the Pacific Flyway for migrating waterfowl.

photo of a successful turkey hunter
How to hunt game birds

Spring turkey hunting is all about attracting a tom to your position by mimicking a hen -- making for a...

A mom helps her daughter hold a fishing pole at Canby Pond.
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...

Anna Reservoir
Where to fish

Oregon's Klamath and Lake counties offer outstanding warmwater fishing in the region's lakes and reservoirs, and even in the lower...

Two anglers ice fishing on Diamond Lake
How to fish

Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Oregon as anglers look for new ways to enjoy fishing year-round. Here are some...

Black bear rummaging in home trash can
wildlife viewing
Tips for avoiding human/bear encounters

Black bears are part of the natural ecosystem but conflict can occur when they enter our space, or we enter...

Steelhead
How to fish

Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence...

Mule deer buck
Buying a license or permit

ODFW’s Premium Hunts give any hunter a chance to draw an additional deer, elk or pronghorn tag with a months-long...

A pika with huckleberry branches in its mouth stands amongst large gray rocks
wildlife viewing
Share your wildlife sightings through the Oregon Wildlife Conservation project

Join the community scientists who have shared their wildlife observations in Oregon throughout the iNaturalist app. Record your sightings of mammals, birds...

Brownlee Reservoir
Where to fish

Most warmwater anglers traveling to the northeast area are probably heading to Brownlee Reservoir, a huge 15,000 acre waterbody located...

image of Hawk Lake in Wallowa Mountains
How to fish

Not all of Oregon’s high elevation lakes support fish populations. To help create fisheries in some of these off-road areas...

Vernonia Pond
Where to fish

A dozen great rivers pour out of the Coast Range Mountains into tidal bays that welcome runs of salmon and...

Learning to fish
How to fish

There are several ways to begin your fishing journey – you can join a friend or family member on their...

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...

young hunter taking a shot
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...

Quagga Mussels
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...

Dunlins

Let us share your photos with other anglers, hunters and wildlife appreciators. When you submit your photos to ODFW, they...

How to hunt big game

This map also includes the locations of ODFW offices, meat processor and taxidermists that are able to check your animal...

south_twin_2_sall_odfw.jpg
Where to fish

Known for its high desert climate, sage-covered canyons, glacial peaks and mountain lakes, this zone is defined by the reach...

flock of several hen turkeys
How to hunt game birds
See where most turkey harvest, effort happens

Harvest and effort data can help you identify promising places to hunt. This page includes maps showing harvest, hunter days...