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Most of the wildlife in Oregon evolved with wildfire. And even though fires are intensifying, they are nothing new to Oregon’s wild animals. There are also no documented cases of fires that have wiped out entire populations or species.

Resources to help prepare for a successful hunt in sagebrush country.

Cougars currently occupy most of the available cougar habitat in the state and are expanding into lower quality habitats that include human habitation. At the same time, urban areas are expanding into cougar habitat due to population growth and development. Follow these tips to stay safe in cougar country.

Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area provides winter range for mule deer populations and year-round habitat for a variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Elk, deer, and bighorn sheep viewing is often good during winter and early spring. Bird watching is excellent all year. Native habitats include sagebrush shrubland, riparian, ponderosa pine forest, western juniper woodland and mixed conifer which support a diversity of fish and wildlife. The riparian areas along the mainstem John Day River, South Fork John Day River and Murderers Creek provide excellent habitat for many birds. Upland areas provide important habitat for passerines and…

Oregon’s population of about 6,000 cougars occupies a wide variety of habitat across the state, offering a year-round, readily-accessible hunting opportunity.

Oregon requires all hunters under the age of 18 to complete a hunter safety education course before hunting in the state. Upon completing the course (and a Field Day for youth), participants will receive a Hunter Safety certification number and card. Adults are also encouraged to take the online course, as it may be required for out of state hunts. Note: Youth under the age of 9 may struggle with the course material and may not have the physical strength needed to safely handle a firearm during a Field Day, particularly during muzzle control, loading, and unloading drills.

Following droughts in the 1930s that affected most of North America, major conservation efforts, both private and governmental, were enacted to reverse trends of degrading and disappearing wetlands. During this time period there was a major creation and expansion of Federal refuges and State wildlife areas. As the concept of waterfowl flyway management was endorsed and developed, wildlife areas were acquired and managed as part of a larger plan focused on migratory waterfowl needs. Klamath Wildlife Area was one of several wetland-focused wildlife areas established in Oregon. KWA was established in 1958, with primary objectives of protecting and improving waterfowl…

Spring bear is the first big game hunting season of the year – just one reason it’s popular with a dedicated group of hunters.

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new DeGarmo Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Northeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Northeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Northeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Jackknife Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Northeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Northeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Helix Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map

Find maps, boundary descriptions and hunts available in the new Southeast Hunt Area. Download printable PDF map