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![photo of a to turkey in full display in front of three hens](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Tom%20turkey%20with%20hens_NWTF.jpg?itok=s9nTzEYm)
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Game bird seasons in Oregon run from July 1 to June 30, which means you'll need to purchase new upland and waterfowl validations before you hunt again in the fall. If you have questions, please call ODFW licensing staff at 503-947-6101.
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
The transition from forested foothills of Mt. Hood to the beginnings of the Columbia Basin offers big game hunters an array of opportunities. The challenge can be finding public land or getting permission to hunt on private land.
![A map of Oregon with the Columbia Area shaded in green](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/columbia_controlled_hunt_zone_wmu.png?itok=brn8UM2i)
This vast area covers the Columbia Basin through the Blue, Wallowa and Elkhorn mountains to Hells Canyon. Some of Oregon's most prized big game hunts are managed in this area.
![A map of Oregon with the Northeast Area shaded in green](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/northeast_controlled_hunt_zone_wmu.png?itok=eIT7nSRB)
This area extends from the eastern flanks of the Cascade Range through the Ochoco Mountains to the beginning of the Great Basin, making it a great place to explore.
![A map of Oregon with the Central Area colored in green](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/central-controlled-hunt-zone.png?itok=GkXoKzMb)
Southeast Oregon, with its ponderosa pine forests, sage steppe expanses and aspen pocked mountains, is a very popular area to hunt mule deer, elk and pronghorn antelope.
![Southeast Area](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/southeast_controlled_hunt_zone_wmu.png?itok=_RPMCwyP)
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: 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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Hunt, Fish, Explore Oregon
Wild turkeys can be eaten either fresh or aged. It all comes down to personal preference, and there are adherents on both sides. Why and how to age a turkey Aging is a process by which changes in muscle enzymes tenderize the meat, and concentrate the flavor. Many hunters prefer to age their meat – both big game and game birds. Others adhere to the motto “fresh birds are the best birds.” Aging is particularly helpful in tenderizing the meat of older toms. If you choose to age your bird, here are some tips: Wild turkey can be aged right
![image of a cook in the kitchen preparing turkey meat](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Caring%20for%20the%20meat_NWTF.jpg?itok=EoiaPWrc)
The FRWA was created by a licensing agreement signed in 1957 and modified in 1982 and 2008, between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Game Commission. This agreement authorized the state to develop, conserve, and manage all wildlife resources on 5,261 acres of land and water within the Fern Ridge Project. ODFW also acquired the 309 acre Coyote Creek South and 224 acre Coyote Creek Northeast units in 2013 and 2015, respectively. The wildlife area now totals 5,794 acres.
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