Hunter Recruitment Program

Our Mission

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Hunter Recruitment Program is dedicated to strengthening and growing Oregon's hunting and shooting sports community. We provide hands-on skills training, promote a culture of safety, ethics, and conservation, and foster a positive public perception of hunting and shooting sports. Our goal is to build confidence, knowledge, and skills for both new and seasoned hunters, supporting a lasting connection to Oregon's rich outdoor traditions.

Workshops are offered statewide throughout the year.

View and register for an upcoming event: Classes and W or kshops.

Program Overview

The Hunter Recruitment Program primarily focuses on adults seeking to become sportsmen, offering education for those learning to hunt for the first time, transitioning between hunting types (e.g., big game to waterfowl), pursuing new species in unfamiliar areas, or exploring competitive shooting. No matter where you are on your journey, ODFW's program is designed to develop your knowledge and skills to enhance your experience.

Program Goals

Increase Participation: Encourage more individuals to engage in hunting and shooting sports.
Promote Safety and Ethics: Provide education rooted in safe and ethical hunting and shooting practices.
Develop Skills and Knowledge: Enhance expertise in hunting and shooting sports through targeted training.
Foster Positive Perception: Build a positive public view of hunting and shooting sports as responsible and conservation-focused activities.

Classes and Workshops

Our classes are offered year-round throughout Oregon, with a focus on major population areas including:

Willamette Valley (Portland to Eugene)
Central Oregon (Bend, Redmond, La Pine)
Southern Oregon (Medford, Central Point)

Hunting Skills Classes

These classes focus on building foundational and advanced skills for hunters and shooters:

Shotgun Skills: Techniques for effective and safe shotgun use.
Bowhunters Skills: Training for archery hunting, including accuracy and equipment handling.
Rifle Skills: Firearm safety, marksmanship, and precision for rifle hunters.

How to Hunt Workshops

These workshops provide species-specific and general hunting techniques:

Turkey: Strategies and techniques for successful turkey hunting.
Waterfowl: Guidance on hunting ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
Upland: Tips for pursuing upland game birds like pheasant and quail.
Glassing and Observation: Techniques for spotting game using optics and observation strategies.
Introduction to Hunting in Oregon: A beginner's guide to hunting in the state, covering regulations, gear, and more.
Hunter Skill Development: Specialized topics including calling, scouting, applying for controlled tags, backpacking, trail camera use, and tree stand safety.

Schedule

Classes run year-round, with hunting-specific workshops timed just before or during the relevant hunting seasons to maximize relevance and preparedness.

Get Involved

Whether you're a novice looking to start your hunting journey or an experienced hunter seeking to refine your skills, the ODFW Hunter Recruitment Program offers resources and training to help you succeed. Join us to connect with Oregon's outdoor traditions, enhance your skills, and contribute to a culture of safe, ethical, and conservation-minded hunting and shooting sports.