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Article

How to report poaching

An experienced hunter witnessed a mule deer being poached. He was so rattled he forgot who to call and how to report the crime. Here are tips for what to do when you see poaching, then read on for this hunter’s story that bagged him a reward.

November 24, 2020

Article

Rockfish recompression

Rockfish must be released when retention is prohibited or when an angler has reached the daily bag limit, but continues to fish for other species. However, releasing rockfish isn’t as simple as just dropping them back into the water. Some rockfish need help to get back down to deeper water to recover from a condition called barotrauma.

Landing page

Landowner Preference Program

The Landowner Preference Program (LOP) was established to acknowledge the contribution of private lands to support wildlife and provide a form of compensation to landowners for resources used by wildlife. Tags are available to landowners, family members, and others designated by the landowner based on the acreage owned. Pronghorn hunts are only available to landowners and family members. Recipients of LOP tags may only hunt on the property for which they are registered. step-by-step instructions Create Landowner Account

November 18, 2025

Article

How to hunt rabbit

Rabbit hunting is the third most popular type of hunting activity in the U.S., behind wild turkey and deer hunting. Few people take advantage of it in Oregon, but they should—rabbits and hares are abundant and there is no closed season or bag limit. Plus, they taste good!

Article

Benefits for uniformed services and disabled veterans

ODFW wants to make sure our uniformed service members are given the opportunity to participate in the outdoor recreation Oregon has to offer.

January 7, 2026

Recreation Report

Big Game Hunting Report - Southwest Area

SW BIG GAME HUNTING January158, 2026 Currently open Cougar ( check current harvest numbers), Coyote, Deer and Elk ( Check regulations for specific dates and units) Announcements, resources 2025 Big Game Hunting Forecast Big game harvest statistics - You'll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply for next season. Please report elk with hoof disease - If you see elk showing signs of elk hoof disease, including lame or limping elk or elk with damaged, injured, missing or deformed hooves, please report it using this online form. Coyote and…

September 05, 2017

Article

Help keep bears wild

Black bears are part of the natural ecosystem but conflict can occur when they enter our space, or we enter theirs. Follow these tips to help keep bears wild, and people safe.

Article

Apply for an emergency hunt

An emergency hunt is an unanticipated hunt held on short notice to address acute agricultural damage. Many damage situations are addressed by controlled hunts during annual big game seasons. ODFW expects to implement very few emergency hunts during any year. On average, about 200 tags are issued annually statewide. Emergency hunt tags are in addition to tags for general seasons, controlled hunts or leftover hunts. Emergency hunt participants are selected from a list established on a county-by-county basis. You may apply for only one county.

Article

Hunter's plan for success

Oregon offers some great opportunities for the first-time hunter -- from deer and elk, to geese and ducks, to chukar and pheasants. Here are a few pointers to help you get started. Hunter's Guide Hunter's Resources Hunter's Technique Hunter's Bounty

October 30, 2025

Article

Big game raffle and auction hunts

All funds raised by deer and elk auction and raffle tags go directly to the Access and Habitat Program. Funds raised by bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and Rocky Mountain goat auction and raffle tags go directly to the management of those species.

November 25, 2025

Article

Sage-grouse hunting in Oregon

Better known for their elaborate courtship displays, greater sage-grouse also offers the wingshooter a unique hunting experience. This is a small, well-regulated hunt by permit only. Permit applications are due in mid-August each year. Apply for a permit

August 18, 2025

Educational Moment

Sounds a turkey makes

Turkeys make a lot of different sounds, many of which are different in spring and fall. Though most hunters can routinely fill tags by using only two or three sounds, it’s good to know what other sounds turkeys make and why. The hen yelp and variations The most commonly heard sound in the turkey woods is made by the hen, and it’s called a yelp. Toms also yelp, but it’s louder, raspier and often more drawn-out than that of hens. The yelp is usually delivered in a series of one-note tunes. However, yelps can take on various forms. Specifically, there…

May 19, 2020

Educational Moment

Using a pot call

Pot calls, often called slate calls, are friction-style calls that are easy to use and produce a range of turkey sounds. Parts of a pot call A pot call consists of three parts: a pot, a calling surface and a striker. The pot holds the slate and acts as a sound chamber. There are holes drilled in the bottom for sound to escape. To keep from covering the holes, hold the pot with the tips of your fingers, keeping it away from the palm of your hand. Pot calls can be made to be all-weather, with the right striker. The…

May 19, 2020

image of a hunter striking a slate with the striker

Recreation Report

Fishing Report - Northeast Zone

NE Fishing January 15, 2026 Best bets for weekend fishing Trout and whitefish fishing should be good throughout the winter on the Wallowa River. Steelhead fishing has been good on the Imnaha River with success starting in the Wallowa River, too. Perch fishing has been good at Phillips Reservoir with some large fish caught. Steelhead fishing is good on the Umatilla River. Trout can still be found on Willow Creek Reservoir. Trout stocking Regular stocking will resume in March 2026. Check out the trout stocking schedule. Trout stocking maps Check out the ODFW fishing and trout stocking maps to find…

September 05, 2017

Recreation Report

Wildlife Viewing - Northeast Zone

NE WILDLIFE VIEWING January 15, 2026 Baker County Bighorn sheep can be seen in the Burnt River Canyon west of Durkee or along the Snake River Road south of Richland. The best viewing is in the early morning and late in the evening. Take the Snake River Road between Richland and Huntington to see bald and golden eagles along the Snake River. There are deer throughout the valley. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon are good times to view wildlife. A drive through the foothills of the Baker valley and through the Keating valley can turn up…

September 05, 2017

Article

2024 Sport Halibut Newsletter

September 4, 2025

Article

Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Goat Orientation

This online module serves as the required training for Bighorn Ewe and Rocky Mountain Goat tag holders. It is recommended that Bighorn Ram hunters complete training also but it is not required. See more information below from the Big Game Hunting Regulations.

June 12, 2025

Article

ODFW Field Report August 2025

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission

August 15, 2025

Article

10 tips for targeting ocean coho

Some anglers think coho are more aggressive and easier to catch while they’re still in the open waters of the ocean. Here are some tips for targeting coho on big water.

Article

Kokanee fishing in Oregon

Kokanee are fun to catch, delicious to eat , and found in lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.