Game Bird Hunting
Northwest Area
The lush northwest corner of Oregon offers world class bird hunting -- from waterfowl hunting on the lower Columbia River to ruffed grouse flushing in the foothills of the Cascades. Opportunities abound close to Oregon's major metropolitan areas.
Several species of birds can be hunted from the crest of the Cascades west to the coast and from the Columbia River to the southern reaches of the Willamette valley. The Coast and Cascade ranges are rugged, densely forested, steep hills; much of this timberland is actively harvested. Millions of acres of public and private land can be accessed through national and state forests, plus private timberland is open to hunters. The Willamette Valley is mostly private, agricultural land.
Species in Northwest Area
Though greater scaup prefer the saltier environments of estuaries and bays, during hunting season hunters may find them farther inland as well.
Like other scoters, black scoters are ducks of the open ocean, and inaccessible to most hunters.
These cavity nesters breed in high Cascade lakes, but don’t generally overwinter in the state.
The blue-winged teal is one of Oregon's least common ducks. It is a small, warm-weather duck usually found in Oregon only from late spring until...
The small to medium-size brant is found mainly along Oregon's Coast, which can make for a unique hunting experience.
From coastal bays to the high Cascades, in all corners of Oregon and far beyond, common mergansers ply the rivers and peer into still waters...
Blue grouse is a term that refers to both dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus) and sooty grouse (Dendragapus fuliginosus).
The valley quail is a native species originally confined to the counties bordering California and Nevada. They were transplanted to other areas of the state...
Known as "bluebills" to most hunters, this species is one of the most abundant and widespread of North American ducks.
With its large size (largest of all non-sea ducks in Oregon) and relative scarcity, the canvasback has earned “trophy” status among many Oregon duck hunters.
Although the least numerous scoter on the continent, it is the most common scoter along the Pacific coast south of Alaska and winters by the...
A common winter resident of the Snake, Columbia, Klamath, Rogue and Umpqua rivers, small groups common goldeneye are sometime found near large rafts of lesser...
Cinnamon teal are low, fast flyers (like all teal) and have been clocked at nearly 60 miles per hour. They are an early migrant in...
With both resident and migratory populations, there are ample numbers of Canada geese in Oregon. And as good table fair, they make for a great...
The smallest of the North American mergansers, the male hooded merganser is easily identified by its large white crest surrounded by black.
Named for their habitat, the mountain quail will give you a workout if you want to spot one.
This foreign visitor is regularly found in Oregon among wintering flocks of American wigeon.
Abundant along the coast from fall to spring, where they winter on open coastal waters.
The green-winged teal is the smallest North American dabbling duck. It also is one of the most harvested ducks in Oregon.
Snow goose hunting is popular in Oregon and thousands migrate through the state. If you're in the right place at the right time, the experience...
Ruffed grouse are named for the "ruff" of feathers around the neck the males display when they are defending territory or showing off to a...
Named after the white band across the base of their bill, this medium-size goose is prized by many goose hunters. Its distinctive black and brown...
Oregon is on the southern edge of this duck’s range, making them rare to uncommon visitors.
Mention ducks and many people think of the mallard. Its ability to tolerate human disturbance and adapt to urban as well as rural habitats make...
Graceful and fast-flying, the northern pintail in a common winter migrant in western Oregon. It is prized as table fair.
The Northern shoveler's specialized bill has earned it in the nickname "spoonbill" among waterfowl hunters.
Although not as imposing as the canvasback, the redhead is a large, handsome, fast-flying diver.
A lot of ducks are beautiful. But its unique and vibrant colors make the wood duck stand above the rest. A drake wood duck is...
This migratory bird offers Oregon wing shooters an early opportunity to hunt, and with their quick flight, will sharpen your shooting skills.
This migratory bird has a generous bag limit, making it an alternative to other waterfowl hunting.
The mourning dove kicks off the bird hunting season. These migratory birds are fast flyers, giving hunters a good warm up to the season.
In 1882 the Willamette Valley of Oregon was the site of the first successful introduction of ring-necked pheasants in the United States. Those birds were...
Current wild turkeys in Oregon are most likely a hybrid of the Merriam’s subspecies, first introduced in 1961, and Rio Grande subspecies, introduced in 1975.
Like waterfowl, this migratory bird frequents wetlands and other waterfowl habitats. But Wilson's snipe is a shorebird, which can add another dimension to any waterfowl...
Explore Related Articles
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...
Buying a license or permit
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife owns or manages nearly 200,000 acres of land set aside for wildlife use...
Where to hunt game birds
Legal shooting hours for game bird and northwest permit goose during the 2018-19 hunting seasons.
Where to hunt game birds
Where to hunt game birds
A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - an introduction. Part 1 of a 5 part series.
Where to hunt game birds
Learn about private lands granting public access to bird hunting in the Columbia Basin. Part 4 of a 4 part series...
Where to hunt game birds
A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - hunting in the North Unit. Part 4 of a 5...
Current conditions and opportunities to hunt, fish and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.