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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
Educational Moment

Selecting shotgun shells and chokes

The variety of available shotgun shells can be dizzying, and there are more being introduced all the time. But taking into account the size of your shotgun and your intended target will help you narrow the choices to a more manageable number. Where to find shell information When you buy shells, the box they’re in will be labeled with the gauge, shell length, amount of shot inside the shell (in ounces), the size of shot and how many feet per second the load travels. Some of this information may also be printed on each shell to help you identify loose…
May 19, 2020
Shotgun shells
Educational Moment

Selecting a shotgun for turkey hunting

If you're a current bird hunter – upland or waterfowl – chances are you already have a shotgun you can use for turkey hunting. If you’re a new hunter here are some tips for buying a shotgun.
May 19, 2020
image of a shotgun instructor helping student
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
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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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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Educational Moment

Bow vs. shotgun

There are fundamental differences between turkey hunting with a bow and a shotgun, including effective range, shot placement and set up. Effective shooting distance Your effective shooting distance (how far you can be from a turkey and likely kill it with a single shot) will vary with the level of your shooting skills and the type of equipment you’re using. A good rule of thumb for shotgun shooters is 40 yards. Anything further than that and there’s a good chance you might not hit the head and neck with enough pellets to kill the bird. Any closer than 20 yards…
May 19, 2020
Turkey hunting with a bow
Workshop and Events

Youth Turkey Hunting Clinic Schedule

These clinics introduce youth ages 8–17 to spring turkey hunting in a supportive, hands-on learning environment designed for both new and developing hunters. Participants will learn safe, ethical, and effective turkey hunting techniques, while gaining practical skills they can build on in future seasons. Please note: No hunting will take place during these clinics, hunting license and hunter education card is not required to attend.

Date

April 4, 2026

Location

Multiple locations

wild turkey
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

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 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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Article

How to hunt waterfowl

Oregon supports diverse waterfowl populations, from sea ducks in coastal saltwater to puddle ducks in the alkali basins of southeast Oregon. You might think you need lots of gear (decoys, boats, a trained dog) to hunt ducks and geese, but you don’t. All of these things are nice but not necessary. All you really need is a hunting license/tag, shotgun, shells and some basic identification skills.
A hunter dressed in camo and a black dog walk down a snowy road
Educational Moment

Navigating the regulations

Turkey hunters should be aware of all state hunting regulations, but pay special attention to these things – all of which are listed in the table of contents of the Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations: Licensing and tags Shooting hours Legal hunting methods Turkey hunting opportunities The Game Bird Regulations are available both online and in print, both are organized in the same way. Licensing and tags In Oregon, all hunters older than 12 years need a hunting license. Kids 12-17 years old can buy a special, value-priced youth license that also includes fishing and shellfishing. In addition to a…
May 19, 2020
Tagged antler
Educational Moment

Hunting from a ground blind

When it comes to turkey hunting from a ground blind, popup blinds are ideal. Popup blinds set up in minutes and are easy to move around. You also can construct a blind from natural materials, but it’s time consuming and you can’t take the blind with you to your next hunting location. The best blind for you One-person popup blinds are small and portable, but there’s not much room to move. Unless a bird approaches and stops directly in front of you, you may not get a shot. The best blind for most turkey hunters is a larger, two-person, 360º…
May 19, 2020
image of a hunter outside of a turkey ground blind
Educational Moment

Arrows and broadheads

There are many options when it comes to choosing arrows and broadheads for turkey hunting. If you already hunt big game, you can use the same arrow shafts for hunting turkey. If you’re new to bowhunting and buying arrows for the first time, select an arrow shaft made of a lightweight, fast-moving material like carbon fiber. An arrow that weighs about 6 to 8 grains per per pound of draw weight (on a compound bow) is a good guideline. This will maximize kinetic energy, accuracy and penetration. There are three styles of broadheads popular with turkey hunters: Expandable, or mechanical…
May 19, 2020
photo showing nock end of several photos
Article

Avoid "accidental" poaching: Know your target

"I was out hunting near a reserve, and I shot a white-tailed deer. I didn’t know it was a white-tailed deer. The rules don’t say what kind of deer to hunt, they just say a deer, and I shot a deer, but I guess it’s a white-tail. What do I do now?" "Do I have to turn myself in to OSP?" -- recent call to ODFW
December 8, 2020
photo of a white-tailed deer doe standing in a shrubby field
Article

Start hunting game birds

Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or harvesting food to fill the freezer, there are many reasons to become a hunter. Here’s how to take the first steps into the field.
August 18, 2025
pheasant hunter in grassy field
Article

Archery & Bowhunting

February 17, 2026
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Article

Hunting the Northwest Goose Permit Zone

Get your permit to hunt goose in the northwest corner of Oregon- part of the Pacific Flyway for migrating waterfowl.
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Article

Start hunting big game

Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or harvesting food for the freezer, there are lots reasons to become a hunter. Here’s how to get from thinking about it to doing it.
young hunter taking a shot