Youth hunters can register now for free pheasant hunting events

Events in Coquille, Central Point, Monmouth, Eugene, Irrigon, John Day, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Portland, Tygh Valley

SALEM, Ore.—Youth hunters (age 17 and under) who will have completed hunter education by the time of the event can sign up now for ODFW's free pheasant hunts happening around the state starting in September, https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/youth-upland-bird-hunts-statewide.

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

Youth should register advance for most events, see the 2025 youth upland bird hunts page for more details. Register by logging in to the youth's account at MyODFW's Licensing page. Then go to Purchase from the Catalog and look under the Category: Classes & Workshops / Outdoor Skills. Remember to update account with valid email address, details for the event will be sent out prior to the hunt start date.

The hunt events are free. Youth hunters age 12-17 must have a valid hunting license ($10), an upland game bird validation ($4), (free for age 11 and under to hunt) and carry a valid hunter safety education card (orange temporary or permanent card). Purchase 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.

See pages 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information; or see https://myodfw.com/articles/youth-upland-bird-hunts-1 for the local event contact and more details about each hunt.

Youth pheasant hunt dates and locations:‌

• Coquille, Coquille Valley Wildlife Area - Sept. 27 and Sept. 2‌8 - Registration required online. For more information call (541) 888-5515.
• Central Point, Denman Wildlife Area - Sept. 20 and Sept. ‌21 - Registration required online. For more information call (541) 826-8774.
• Monmouth, E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area - Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 - To register, email: Shawn.K.WOODS@odfw.oregon.gov For more information call (541) 745-5334.
• Eugene, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area - Sept. 6 and Sept. ‌7 - No advance registration required for this hunt. (541) 935-2591
• Pendleton/Umatilla area, Irrigon Wildlife Area - Sept. 2‌0 - Shotgun skills clinic available. Registration required online. For more information call (541) 276-2344.
• John Day Valley (Prairie City) - Private Lands - Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 - Registration required online. For more information call (541) 575-1167.
• Klamath Falls, Klamath Wildlife Area - Sept. 20 and Sept. ‌21 - No advance registration required for this hunt. (541) 883-5732
• Klamath Falls, Miller Island Unit - Oct. 25 - No advance registration required for this hunt. (541) 883-5732
• La Grande, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area - Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 - No advance registration required for this hunt. (541) 963-4954
• Madras, Rimrock Springs Wildlife Area, Central Oregon - Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 - Registration required online. For more information call (541) 447-5111.
• Portland, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area - Sept. 20 and Sept. ‌21 - Registration required online. For more information call (503) 621-3488 opt 2.
• Tygh Valley/The Dalles, White River Wildlife Area - Sept. 13 and Sept. 1‌4 - Registration required online. For more information call (541) 296-4628.
• NEW - Youth chukar hunt - Lower Klamath Hills regulated hunt area - Oct. 25-26 - See pages 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for details and contact information. No advance registration required for this hunt. (541) 883-8326

Photo: Keegan at last year's youth pheasant hunt at EE Wilson Wildlife Area in 2023. Photo by Doug Krause

Contact: Shaanette Frederiksen, 503-947-6002 Shaanette.r.frederiksen@odfw.oregon.gov