ODFW Articles
Need to figure out controlled hunts or find a place to clam -- there are articles on that. Looking for a wildlife area parking permit or a place to take the family fishing -- we've got articles for that, too. Filter by topic or category, or use the search function to find the information you need to go fishing, crabbing/clamming, hunting or wildlife viewing.
Header image by Dave Budeau
Buying a license or permit
ODFW’s new electronic licensing system (ELS) will allow customers to store their licenses, tags and validations online on their smart...
How to fish
With ODFW’s electronic licensing system, you can now purchase your licenses and tags online 24/7, 365 days a year, and...
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...
Where to fish
Recurring drought conditions in central Oregon in recent years has had a significant impact on water levels in Wickiup Reservoir....
Where to hunt big game
ODFW wildlife biologists offer a look at the habitat conditions and hunting outlook for the upcoming season.
Where to hunt game birds
The 2018-19 Oregon game bird seasons look promising with pheasant numbers up in the east, forest grouse numbers up in...
How to hunt game birds
Historic harvest statistics can guide you to areas with good habitat that support healthy bird populations.
How to hunt big game
For veteran hunters who want to pass on their passion for the outdoors, this is the year to take a...
These rules (the “Official Rules”) govern your participation in the “Take a Friend Hunting” Contest, which awards prizes to “mentors”...
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...
How to fish
Summer is a great time to be on the Pacific chasing ocean salmon. Whether you captain your own ship
or...
Let us share your photos with other anglers, hunters and wildlife appreciators. When you submit your photos to ODFW, they...
Please read these terms and conditions before submitting photos to ODFW for its use in web, print and other materials.
How to fish
As temperatures heat up during spring and summer, be on the watch for harmful algae blooms when recreating in Oregon...
How to fish
Fishing Oregon’s high lakes is not just for dedicated anglers. It also appeals to hikers and backpackers who head to...
How to fish
Not all of Oregon’s high lakes support fish populations. To help create fisheries in some of these off-road areas, ODFW...
How to fish
Crappie are scrappy, hard-fighting fish, and with a two-rod validation you can double the excitement of reeling in these delicious...
Columbian white-tailed and black-tailed deer share the same habitat in some parts of western Oregon. This video illustrates 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
All successful bear hunters are required by hunting regulations to check in their bear’s skull at an ODFW office within 10 days of...
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 hunt
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological disease infecting deer and elk across North America.
Here’s what Oregon hunters...
Where to fish
When you visit Oregon's central coast, from the Cascade Head to Florence, bring your fishing rod with you.
The many opportunities...