Youth Upland Bird Hunts

How to hunt game birds

Where to hunt game birds

Youth game bird hunt opportunities give young hunters a chance to hunt in a controlled setting with a focus on safety and success.

pheasants being released into grassy field — ODFW releases pheasants to increase a young hunter's chances for success.

Why consider a Youth Game Bird Hunt

Here are five reasons they're so popular:

No adult competition. Youth only hunts occur before the official pheasant season begins.
Emphasis on safety and ethical hunting practices.
ODFW releases pen-raised pheasants for each hunt because early learning can help build positive lifetime hunting fundamentals.
Available statewide. Variety of hunt locations with mixed habitats.
Hunts are Free!

A young pheasant hunter with a dpg — Some hunts offer the chance to work with a trained hunting dog.

How they work

Each Youth Pheasant Hunt is a bit different depending on location. Almost all hunts take place at ODFW and Federal wildlife management areas, though a few are on private land. At a minimum, all hunts offer a safe place to hunt and a chance to harvest planted pheasants.

Some hunts require advanced registration, and other hunts are set as first come, first served. The total number of participants and the hunt hours may also vary by location.
Great for kids to learn from an experienced adult hunter to mentor them during the hunt.
Other hunts include safety presentations, shotgun shooting practice, Hunter Safety Field Day prior to the hunt and/or efforts to connect young hunters with mentors and trained dogs.
These hunt opportunities are a great way for kids whose parents don't hunt, and who don't have a hunting mentor to learn skills for success.

A young hunter walks in a grassy field with an adult mentor nearby — Youth can hunt with their parents, or a hunting mentor.

Find the right hunt for you

Selecting a hunt will depend on what works best for you by choosing a location, date and time that fits with your schedule. Once you select a hunt, register if required, and contact the hunt coordinator with questions for more details if needed. In addition, please indicate if you have mobility challenges or a specific hunting request, such as:‌

Borrowing a shotgun and safety gear.
Connecting with a hunting mentor.
Sign up to hunt with a trained hunting dog.
Address mobility issues or other disability.
Our hunt coordinators will try to work with you to create a successful hunting opportunity.

Brown dog in grassing field running toward camera with pheasant in mouth — Some young hunters may have a chance to see a trained hunting dog in action.

Requirements to participate

To participate in Youth Pheasant Hunts, you MUST:

Be age 17 or younger and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult who is at least 21 years old. Youth can hunt with their parents, or a hunting mentor.
Have a valid Hunter Safety Education card in possession (orange temporary or permanent card).
Have a valid hunting license, if 12 or older, with an upland game bird validation, and a permit for the hunt area (if required at the location).
Wear a blaze orange hat, a hunting vest, and shooting glasses or other eye protection. Adults accompanying you must also wear these same items.
Use only federally approved non-toxic shot.

2026 Schedule - Youth Upland Game Bird Hunts - Coming Soon

Two young hunters with a dog walk in grassy field away from camers — Youth have an opportunity to hunt in a variety of habitats.

How to register

Reservations are required, except at Fern Ridge, Klamath, Ladd Marsh wildlife areas and Miller Island unit.

Hunters can sign up for just one hunt. However, kids without reservations or who want to hunt a second day may be able to hunt on a standby basis, confirm with the event coordinator prior to hunt day.
Register online.
Registration is free, and the last day to register is the Wednesday before the hunt.