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Article

Shooting & archery ranges

Oregon has more than 75 ranges where you can improve your shooting and archery skills. Shooting range map. Some locations require a membership; contact or check range directly. Many of these ranges offer sight-in services before the fall hunting.
October 28, 2025
Educational Moment

Bow shooting safety

Before shooting a bow, you’ll want to make sure it's safe to fire. Bow/arrow safety check list Check that the string and cable are in good condition and aren ’t rubbing or fraying at any point. Use bowstring wax regularly to keep your string in good condition and safe to shoot. Check that the cams, limbs and riser are all in good shape. Look for cracks, dents, breaks, delaminations, peeling fiberglass, and any mechanical parts that may be defective. If any part of the bow is suspect, don’t shoot it. Fix it or take it to an archery shop to…
May 19, 2020
image of a bow cam, to be inspected before shooting
Educational Moment

Gripping and shooting a bow

To be an accurate shooter, it’s important to develop a consistent grip and draw. One of the most common mistakes bowhunters make is tensing up and gripping the bow too firmly. A firm grip will torque the bow, or send it out of alignment, resulting in a poor shot and perhaps a painful slap on your arm from the bow string. Develop a consistent grip The grip of the bow should rest on the pad of your thumb and should not cross the lifeline of your hand. With the bow in this position, your fingers will be off to the…
May 19, 2020
close up image a hand holding a bow
Educational Segment

Bow shooting tips

May 19, 2020
image of an archer practicing, showing good form
Educational Moment

Proper archery shooting stance

Shooting accurately starts with the proper form, and that begins with a good stance. From your feet up through your hips and torso, a solid foundation in your lower body will improve your shooting. Start with an open stance The “open” stance is a good one for beginners. It’s easy to master and to practice consistently. An open stance positions yours hips and shoulders in-line with the direction you ’re shooting. This perpendicular setup to the target is simple to do. First, place one foot on each side of the shooting line. Most ranges will have these lines. If not…
May 19, 2020
image of how to place feet when bow shooting
Educational Moment

Where to practice shooting a bow

Practice shooting your bow regularly and you’ll develop the form and muscle memory you need to shoot accurately and confidently. Places to shoot from the backyard to the backcountry You can practice your shooting anywhere it’s safe and outside of urban growth boundaries. It's also illegal to shoot in the direction of any person, building, structure or vehicle within the range of your bow. So be sure there's y a clear line of sight between you and the target, and a safe backstop. Possible locations include: A large backyard in a rural setting Archery specific indoor and outdoor target ranges…
May 19, 2020
image of arrows being properly pulled from a target
Article

2025-26 game bird shooting hours

Legal shooting hours for Game Birds and Northwest Permit Goose for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.
August 13, 2025
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Article

Hunting band-tailed pigeons in Oregon

Learning the flight patterns of the birds, and honing your long-range shooting skills are keys to this unique and challenging hunting experience.
August 4, 2022
three band-tailed pigeons feeding on the groud
Press Release

Bowhunters can warm up for the archery season at free La Pine 3D shoot

SALEM, Ore. – Bowhunters can warm up for the archery season at a free 3D shoot in La Pine on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Three Rivers Archers Park located at the intersection of Coach Rd. and Memorial Lane. This unique course offers hunting scenarios and learning opportunities to help you…

July 24, 2025
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Workshop and Events

Rifle Skills: Precision Hunter Course Schedule

This is a one-day training course designed for hunters who want to shoot farther when conditions and skill allow. This course emphasizes ethical shot execution and practical field positions with mid-to-long range targets.

Date

May & June

Location

Multiple locations

Rifle Skills Precision
Workshop and Events

Rifle Skills: Fundamentals Course Schedule

This hands-on course is designed for adults eager to enter (or advance in) big game hunting with a modern, scoped bolt-action rifle—the most popular and precise choice for ethical big game pursuits.

Date

May

Location

Multiple locations

Rifle Skills WS
Educational Moment

Archery range rules

There are basic rules of safety and etiquette that apply at archery ranges. Be sure you’re following them. Etiquette on the range Etiquette is an important part of a fun, positive and safe experience on the archery range. Proper range etiquette starts with safety, for you and others around you. Keep arrows pointed down range. Give fellow shooters plenty of space, and never cross into their shooting lane with your body or equipment. Pay attention to what ’s going on around you, especially when leaving or entering the shooting line. Straddle the shooting line -- one foot on each side…
May 19, 2020
image of archery instructor explaining range rules
Landing page

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.

October 06, 2025
Bow, hunt, recruitment, r3
Press Release

Veterans inspire improvements to shotgun range at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area

Veterans invited to grand reopening event set for Nov. 15 MONMOUTH, Ore.—ODFW Hunter Education Coordinator Jered Goodwin used to see a group of disabled Veterans regularly visiting the shotgun shooting range at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, a former military base turned wildlife area and popular outdoor destination in the Willamette…

November 7, 2025
EE Wilson shotgun range improvements 2025
Press Release

3D Archery event Aug. 2-3 at Denman Wildlife Area

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a family-friendly 3D archery event Aug. 2-3 at the Military Slough tract on Denman Wildlife Area. For just $10 (cash only, pay at entrance), archers can take shots at 40 3D animal targets on a two-mile course…

July 14, 2025
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Landing page

E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area: A visitors' guide

The E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area came into existence in 1950 when the U.S. Government gave quitclaim title to the property to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The wildlife area covers approximately 1,788 acres, is located on Highway 99W about 10 miles north of Corvallis and is situated on the Willamette Valley floor. SHOTGUN RANGE BACK OPEN AS OF LATE OCTOBER 2025: The renovation is complete and the shotgun range is back open. Improvements include: four times as many shooting lanes, fully paved ADA-compliant walkway with pullouts that will make it easier for disabled shooters, a new covered pole…

February 07, 2018
Species and Subspecies

Wood duck

Features: Wood ducks can not be mistaken. The drake's iridescent chestnut, greens and white patterning are distinctive. The hen has a unique profile and white pattern around the eye. Habitat: Wood ducks are found in wooded swamps, on rivers and ponds. They feed on mostly seeds, but wood ducks will supplement their diet with aquatic plants, insects and crustaceans too. Acorns, hazelnuts, waste grains, and fallen seeds from trees and shrubs make up a good deal of their diet. As the name implies, they nest in tree cavities near water. Techniques: Search out a wood duck's food source and wait…

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Article

Hunter's technique for Big Game success

Hunter's Bounty Hunter's Plan Hunter's Guide Hunter's Resources The goal in using key elements to spot the animal before it spots you include moving slowly and quietly, maintaining situational awareness, controlling your scent, being patient and approaching your target undetected.
September 10, 2025
Article

Hunting Sauvie Island’s West Side Unit

A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island- Hunting in the Westside Unit. Part 3 of a 5 part series.
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Article

Hunting Sauvie Island’s East Side Unit

A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - Hunting in the Eastside Unit. Part 2 of a 5 part series.
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