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August 6, 2026

ODFW to host free upland game bird hunts for youth at locations across the state beginning in September

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Tim Akimoff, 503-947-6021, timothy.a.akimoff@odfw.oregon.gov 

SALEM, Ore.— ODFW will host a series of free upland game bird hunts for youth hunters starting in September. The hunts will take place around the state and youth hunters (age 17 and under) who have completed hunter education by the time of the event can sign up now for a hunt.

ODFW and partners release pen-raised pheasants for each special hunt, giving youth a unique hands-on hunt opportunity. Some hunt events include safety presentations, shotgun skills clinics, a hunter safety field day prior to the hunt, volunteer mentors, and trained dogs.

All youth hunt events are free, but registration is required for some. View a full calendar of events and details about registration.

Youth hunters ages 12-17 must have a valid hunting license ($10), an upland game bird validation ($4), and carry a valid hunter safety education card (orange temporary or permanent card). Children ages 11 and under do not need a license but are required to have a hunter education certificate. Purchase the necessary documents before the event, online or at a license sales agent. Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.

"Youth pheasant hunts are a great opportunity for young hunters to experience early success and put the lessons learned in hunter safety education to work in the field," said Jered Goodwin, ODFW hunter education coordinator.

Youth upland game bird hunt dates and locations:‌

  • Sept. 12-13 – Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Lane County. No advanced Registration required. East and West Coyote and Fisher Butte units open to hunting. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 935-2591.

  • Sept. 19-20 – Denman Wildlife Area, Jackson County. Registration required online. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. hunt each day Contact: (541) 826-8774.

  • Sept. 19-20 – John Day Area - Private Lands, Grant County. Registration required online. The hunt will take place on private land in the John Day Valley. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 575-1167.

  • Sept. 19-20 – Klamath Wildlife Area, Klamath County. No advanced registration required. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 883-5732.

  • Sept. 19-20 – Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, Union County. No advanced registration required. Hunters check-in at Ladd Marsh Headquarters, 59116 Pierce Rd. Only a designated portion of the area will be open. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 963-4954

  • Sept. 19-20 – Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Multnomah County. Registration required online. Hunting will occur only on Eastside hunt units. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (503) 621-3488, opt 2.

  • Sept. 19-20 – White River Wildlife Area, Wamac, Wasco County. Registration required online. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 296-4628‌.

  • Sept. 26 – Irrigon Wildlife Area, Morrow County. Registration required online. Shotgun skills clinic. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. Hunt 1: 7:30 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. hunt. Hunt 2: 12:30 p.m. check-in, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. hunt. Contact: (541) 276-2344.

  • Sept. 26-27 – EE Wilson Wildlife Area​​​​, Benton County​. To register, email: Shawn.K.WOODS@odfw.oregon.gov. Only a designated portion of the area will be open. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: (541) 745-5334.

  • Sept. 26-27 – Coquille Valley Wildlife Area, Coos County. Registration required online. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Contact: (541) 888-5515.

  • Oct. 24 – Miller Island Unit, Klamath County. No advanced registration required. Unit will be open to youth hunters only. First-come basis. Contact: (541) 883-5732.

  • Oct. 24-25 – Youth Chukar Hunt, Lower Klamath Hills regulated hunt area. Contact Klamath Chapter OHA at (541) 883-8326 to register, spots are limited. The bag limit is 2 chukar. Mentored youth hunter program will apply to this hunt; it is within season dates. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. More information is available on pages 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations.

Photo available: Dog handler Pat Wray assists youth hunter at a pheasant hunt. Photo credit: Scott Branch. 

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