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Beginning June 24, 2024, ODFW will launch a new, more streamlined process for getting Hunting and Bowhunting Education certifications – including immediate access to certificates.
![Shooter lines up a shot while instructor looks on from behind](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2024-06/047_lining_up_a_shot_odfw.jpg?itok=_GpEWhhK)
While there is a general, statewide season for cougars, there are quotas set by zone. Once a quota in a certain zone is met, that zone will close for cougar hunting. Below are the most recent numbers on cougar harvest by zone.
Establishment of the Bridge Creek Wildlife Area initially started in 1961 when a parcel of land was purchased from the Frank Hilbert estate. After the initial purchase, several private holdings were acquired to consolidate the land under department ownership. The last parcel was purchased from the Colvin Cattle Company in 1975. The primary purpose of the wildlife area is to maintain and protect a key historic winter range for Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). Bridge Creek Wildlife Area closed to all public access until further notice due to the Snake Fire. July 19, 2024 news release
EE Wilson Wildlife Area - 29555 Camp Adair Rd. Monmouth, 97261
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EE Wilson Wildlife Area - 29555 Camp Adair Rd. Monmouth, 97261
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See the latest and historic data on big game population surveys from 2012 to present.
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While recreationally harvesting green crab has been allowed for decades, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission recently increased the daily bag limit to 35 crab. This gives recreational shellfishers an opportunity to help native shellfish by taking more of these invaders home. European green crab are an invasive species in Oregon. While recreational harvest is allowed (35 per day), harvesters must correctly identify these crabs (see below) as they often are mistaken for native species. Commercially harvesting green crab is prohibited. Green crab: Compete with native crabs for food. Larger green crab may eat smaller native shellfish. May disturb eelgrass
![Showing the underside of a green crab](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-03/GreenCrab.jpg?itok=k1zLrSHs)
![crabber holding up two nice Dungeness crab](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2021-03/successful%20crabber.jpg?itok=U_ssGwK-)
Upper and Lower Bennett Dams are located southeast of the town of Stayton on the North Santiam River. Upper Bennett Dam is on the south side of Stayton Island and Lower Bennett Dam is on the north side.
With dove and quail seasons beginning Sept. 1, some waterfowl seasons extending through January, and spring turkey available through the end of May, game bird hunting in Oregon is almost (but not quite) a year-round activity. Visit e-regulations
Legal shooting hours for game bird and Northwest Permit Goose during the 2024-25 hunting seasons.
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Features: Oregon is home to an estimated 25,000-30,000 black bears, which is North America’s most common bear species. They are the only type of bear found in Oregon. Despite their name, black bears are often brown in color. Habitat: Black bears are found statewide, with concentrations in the Coast and Cascade ranges and the Blue Mountains. Techniques: Oregon offers a controlled spring season (apply by Feb. 10) and a general fall season. Glassing open areas where bears are feeding on grass and shrubs works early spring season. Later in the season, some hunters turn to predator calls. Most fall bears
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Features: Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars, or mountain lions. Cougars are the largest members of the cat family found in the state and tend to be solitary, except for females raising young. Males in particular are very territorial. Habitat: Cougars are throughout Oregon, with concentrations in the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains. Lately, more cougars are being seen in northwest Oregon including the suburbs of Portland. Techniques: Hunting is open statewide under a general season all year, or until zone quotas are met. Most cougars in Oregon are taken while hunters are out pursuing other species like
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Features: Overall, medium-gray with a white underside. Gray, bushy tail has a white "halo." Habitat: It is commonly associated with mixed forest communities in central Wasco, Jefferson, Deschutes, and Klamath counties west, except for unforested portions of the Willamette Valley, to central Washington, Benton, Lane, Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties. It is active at all seasons and exhibits diurnal activity almost exclusively. Techniques: Most hunters use a small caliber rifle, and aim for the head to avoid ruining the meat.
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Features: The mountain goat is stockily built with black scimitar-shaped horns, large black hooves and prominent dewclaws, and an entirely white, woolly coat. Habitat: Rocky Mountain goats are found in steep and rugged habitat in eastern Oregon, including the Wallowa, Elkhorn and Strawberry mountains, and the central Cascades near Mt Jefferson. Techniques: Rocky Mountain goat tags are “once-in-a-lifetime” and less than 25 are available each year. Be prepared to hunt their steep, rugged habitat if you are lucky enough to draw a tag.
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Features: The pronghorn is deer-sized (up to 150 lbs) with relatively long and thin legs and feet, only two digits on each foot (no "dew claws"), a relatively small tail, and unique horns. Bright white sides, underside and rear end help hunters spot them in the field. Habitat: Pronghorn are found in the High Desert sagebrush of eastern Oregon and the Columbia Plateau. Techniques: Most pronghorn hunts happen in August, before other big game seasons, so be ready for the High Desert’s warm summer temperatures. All pronghorn hunting is limited entry (apply by May 15) and it can take several
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Statewide
![Yth pheasant](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2024-07/50514389236_2be4085120_o.jpg?itok=KeF8h9a_)