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

How to hunt big game

It's easy to check your results, and purchase your tag, on the ODFW electronic licensing system. NOTE: Once the draw...

Cheadle Lake platform
Where to fish

Many of the more popular fishing locations across the state are accessible to anglers with disabilities. ODFW tries to keep...

Deer hunter
How to hunt big game

If you bought a tag you must report, even if you weren't successful or didn't hunt. Hunters have until Jan. 31 and...

Duck hunting at Summer Lake
How to hunt game birds

Oregon supports diverse waterfowl populations, from sea ducks in coastal saltwater to puddle ducks in the alkali basins of southeast...

A pair of shotgun shooters getting instruction
Help teach a new generation of safe, ethical hunters

For kids younger than 18, hunter education is required. For the volunteers who teach hunter education, the mandate it more...

Quillback
How to fish

It's important to be able to distinguish between the most commonly encountered rockfish. Knowing what you've caught, and how many...

image of an archery hunter with a large male mule deer
Where to hunt big game

Here you’ll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply...

Bandon Marsh
Where to clam and crab

The areas around Bandon, on the Coquille River, have productive softshell beds. The areas near Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge...

Gray squirrel hunt
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...

Canary Rockfish
How to fish

Longleader gear is used to target midwater species like yellowtail rockfish, canary rockfish and widow rockfish, while avoiding bottom-dwelling species like...

crabber holding up two nice Dungeness crab
How to clam and crab
How-to and where-to catch crabs on Oregon’s coast

If you love Dungeness crab, you’ll love that you can harvest them yourself.

Tiger Rockfish
How to fish

With just a couple of tools and a few minutes, The Fish Grip™, originally designed as a safer way for...

Digging clams at Netarts
Where to clam and crab

Clamming is the main attraction in Netarts Bay. The bay is also one of five major crabbing
bays in Oregon...

angler in the ocean surf casting for surfperch
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.

Antelope Hunter
How to hunt big game

This example will show you how to read a point summary report.

Tillamook flats
Where to clam and crab

Crabbing can be good year-round but the best catches are in the winter. Tidal flats throughout the bay produce lots...

Springe spaniel pointing a chukar on snowy hill
How to hunt game birds

The 2023-24 Oregon upland game bird seasons promise an excellent year with pheasant, quail and chukar numbers above average in...

Image of big game hunter scouting terrain with binoculars
How to hunt big game

Desktop scouting, trail cameras and 5 other scouting tips

Where to hunt big game

Here you will find maps to help determine public vs. private land, wildlife management unit and controlled hunt boundaries, travel management...

Mallards
Where to hunt game birds

A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island- Hunting in the Westside Unit. Part 3 of a 5 part...

Digging for clams
How to clam and crab

Digging razor clams is a challenging and fun recreational pastime with delicious rewards. Continue reading to learn some fundamental skills needed...

Clam digging
How to clam and crab

The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for recreationally harvested softshell and gaper clams along the Oregon coast due...

Blue Grouse
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...