Recreation Report
Dec. 6, 2023
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Follow the #25DaysOfFishmas: Shellfish Edition
ODFW uses this hashtag each December to highlight unique species of Oregon fish. This year we're hitting the beach with a special Shellfish Edition. Starting Dec. 1, look for it on twitter.com/myodfw and www.instagram.com/myodfw.
Gift the outdoors this year
If you have a hunter, angler or outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list, what better gift than access to the outdoors in 2024. The list includes parking passes for ODFW wildlife areas, waterway access permits for longer pontoons, kayaks and paddle boards, fishing/hunting/shellfish licenses, and conservation stamps. There's a whole list of ideas.
2024 fish, big game regulations now available
Next year's fishing and hunting regulations are out. Find them online or in printed booklets available at ODFW offices and license agents.
Ideas for winter wildlife watching
Most resident birds and mammals don't hibernate for the winter, and neither should you. Winter can be an excellent time to watch for some of Oregon's native species. Here are a few ideas:
- Over 25,000 gray whales pass by Oregon shores during their winter migration. You can see many from shore. Check out the prime times and viewing locations.
- Migrating waterfowl and other birds are gathering in large flocks in coastal estuaries and lakes up and down the Oregon coast.
- Snow at higher elevations can push elk herds to valley levels making them easier to see. Several wildlife areas, including Jewell Meadows and Dean Creek, offer excellent viewing opportunities.
- The 124th Audubon's Christmas Bird Count is coming up Dec. 14 – Jan. 5. What a great reason to bird watch in the winter. Find out how to participate.
Report your hunt
If you purchased a tag for a 2023 hunt, you must report by Jan. 31 – even if you didn't hunt or were unsuccessful. Information from hunters who did not hunt or did not harvest an animal is as important as from those who did take an animal. Find ways to report.
Wildlife area bird harvest statistics
Want to know how bird hunting has been or what blinds have been hot on ODFW wildlife areas? Check out the harvest statistics reports when planning your next hunt.