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...

Razor Clams
How to clam and crab

Razor clams and other bivalves are filter feeders that eat single celled plants called phytoplankton. Some species of phytoplankton manufacture biological...

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...

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.

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...

Siltcoos Lake
Where to fish

The south coast area extends along the Oregon coast from Yachats south to the Oregon-California border. The area offers some...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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

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...