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Features: The pronghorn is deer-sized (up to 150 lbs) with relatively long and thin legs and feet, only two digits on each foot (no "dew claws"), a relatively small tail, and unique horns. Bright white sides, underside and rear end help hunters spot them in the field. Habitat: Pronghorn are found in the High Desert sagebrush of eastern Oregon and the Columbia Plateau. Techniques: Most pronghorn hunts happen in August, before other big game seasons, so be ready for the High Desert’s warm summer temperatures. All pronghorn hunting is limited entry (apply by May 15) and it can take several…
Features: As the name suggests, these fish have rosy red strip along their sides. Other identification clues include large, profuse black spots on the body and orange and yellow tints along the belly. Habitat: Redband trout are a subspecies of native rainbow trout that have adapted to the arid, desert conditions of eastern Oregon. During drought years distribution constricts as streams dry and become uninhabitable. Trout re-colonize these streams during wet cycles, expanding the distribution. Prime trout waters are clear, clean and cold. Good trout stream habitat is complex, consisting of an array of riffles and pools, submerged wood, boulders…
Not sure what to do with a fishing rod even if you had one? Thought about hunting but getting started seems like an impossible task? Then let us help you. During ODFW's hands-on workshops and family fishing events we will provide the instruction and gear you'll need to actually catch a fish or shoot a pheasant. Other classes will help you navigate the controlled hunt process, or show you what equipment you'll need to hunt or fish. ODFW offers many classes and workshops throughout the year. View and register for an upcoming event in our new Volunteer and Event Management…
SALEM, Ore. – The Private Forest Accord (PFA) Advisory Committee will hold its regular virtual meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff will present two new funding pathways for the PFA Grants Program, Land Transactions and Water Transactions, followed by Advisory Committee discussion of…
SALEM, Ore.—Manulife will not renew its cooperative agreement with ODFW's Access and Habitat program, the company informed ODFW late last week. This means Manulife properties in northeast Oregon and Jackson County that are currently open to hunter access through the Access and Habitat "Welcome to Hunt" program will no longer…
Shellfish regulations only apply to Columbia River downstream of Tongue Point/Rocky Point line at the mouth of the Columbia River.
The transition from forested foothills of Mt. Hood to the beginnings of the Columbia Basin offers bird hunters an array of wing shooting opportunities.
Features: Dungeness crab can sometimes be confused with rock or other crab species. However, it is easily identified by its white-tipped claws and reddish-brown to purple color. Habitat: Adult Dungeness crab forage on a number of fish and invertebrate species. They can be found throughout the sandy and muddy areas in the shallowest parts of lower estuaries all the way to depths of almost 1,500 feet. Techniques: There are many kinds of crab catchers – from crab pots and rings, to traps you can cast with a fishing rod. You can easily crab from a dock in many coastal bays…
Features: Female pheasants are brown on top and paler underneath. They have black spots on their sides and black bars throughout their tails. The males are much more conspicuous with bright red on their head, a white band around their necks, and an iridescent copper color on their sides and backs. Their tails are long and pointed with barring. Habitat: The ringneck is a farmland species, heavily dependent on cereal grains and other seeds. They also like taller vegetation for cover. Technique: Because pheasants are tied so closely to agriculture, the majority of hunting opportunity occurs on private lands. State…
NEWPORT, Ore. – Ocean sport salmon fishing closes at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19 in the Columbia River Subarea (Leadbetter Pt., WA to Cape Falcon, OR) and possession of salmon on board a vessel is prohibited. Fishing is allowed on Monday and is closed Tuesday. Projected harvest of marked (fin-clipped)…
NEWPORT, Ore. – New research from Oregon's south coast highlights the positive economic impact of science and tourism within Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. The study quantifies the number of jobs supported and income generated by these activities, providing important data for the local Port Orford community, policymakers, conservation practitioners, and…
ODFW Marine Resources Program's Alex Copeland monitors scientific fish finders on board the research vessel. ODFW photo. NEWPORT, Ore. – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Marine Fisheries Research team is conducting a nearly 10-week at-sea survey to better understand the population status of black, blue, and deacon rockfish—three species…
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public meeting to review the agency's draft Endangered Species Management Plan for Southern Resident Orcas (SRO). The online-only meeting is July 9 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ODFW staff will give a brief presentation of SRO…