![image of a hen turkey surrounded by young turkey poults](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Hen%20turkey%20with%20poults-NWTF.jpg?itok=gP-Wcke2)
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![Three ODFW biologists examine an elk at a CWD test station](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-01/CheckSta2015-hero%20shot.jpg?itok=2l03iNYs)
For hunters, spring marks the beginning of the “turkey year” so let’s trace turkey activity through the year beginning in the spring. Spring nesting season The peak of the breeding season has already passed by the time the spring turkey hunting season opens April 15. Toms will breed with multiple hens throughout the spring and early summer. As the eggs develop, the hen will build a ground nest in a place with good cover and close to good brood habitat, which is normally an opening in the forest cover. Once she starts laying eggs, a hen will lay one egg
![image of a hen turkey surrounded by young turkey poults](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Hen%20turkey%20with%20poults-NWTF.jpg?itok=gP-Wcke2)
The development of the WWA began in 1953 with the acquisition of five parcels of land consisting of 4,400 acres. The Department continued to purchase additional lands, acquiring 1,670 acres in 1954 and another 760 acres in 1955. From 1961 to the present the department has purchased or received another 4,219 acres. The wildlife area currently consists of 12,419 acres owned by the department. In addition, the department, through agreements with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), manage 1,329 acres within or adjacent to the wildlife area. The WWA was established in response to continuing complaints from landowners concerned with
![two kayak anglers on the ocean beach](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-07/Ocean%20kayak%20fishing.jpg?itok=mHxzwWaA)
Gnat Creek Hatchery was constructed in 1960 as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Development Program (Mitchell Act)—a program to enhance declining fish runs in the Columbia River Basin. The facility is used for egg incubation and rearing of spring Chinook and winter steelhead. Most of the production is released off-station. The hatchery is an easy drive toward Oregon’s coast on Highway 30 and a visitor-friendly place for the entire family. With lots to do, located on beautiful Gnat Creek and tucked away amid the rainforest, this is a worthwhile stop on the way to the coast.
Hunting involves a deadly weapon that can kill more than just your target. Hunting and handling your gun safely MUST be a top priority. Start with the fundamentals Start by learning these four gun safety fundamentals and you’ll be well on you way to a lifetime of safe hunting. Assume all guns are always loaded. The primary benefit of handling all guns as if they were loaded, is that it will help you develop safe gun handling habits. Never let the muzzle of the gun (the shooting end) point at something you’re not willing to shoot. Often referred to as
![image of four shooters demonstrating good muzzle control](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/firearm%20safety.jpg?itok=MbkADHGA)
After the shot, don ’t take your eyes off the turkey. Quickly and safely get to the downed bird to make sure it’s dead, or to take a second shot if it’s not. Turkeys are high-strung birds that can move quickly. A lot can happen between when you take a shot and when your bullet or arrow hits the bird that can lead to a wounded bird. You’ll want to be ready to take a second before the bird can run or fly away. Follow up for shotgun hunters When turkey hunting with a shotgun, keep the gun in a
![image of turkey hunter taking aim at a turkey](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/2020-09/Timing-your-shot-NWTF.jpg?itok=xB-oaruG)
Aug. 28, 2024 If there’s not a photo, it didn’t happen Submit your fishing photo to ODFW and we might use it here or elsewhere on MyODFW.com. Best bets for weekend fishing The upper Rogue summer steelhead fishery has cooled off a bit but cutthroat and trout fishing are very productive right now. Fall Chinook have started to show up in middle Rogue around Galice with many more on the way. Trout fishing has been good in the upper Rogue above Lost Creek Reservoir. It's been stocked weekly since spring, and will be stocked once more before Labor Day. With
The wild turkey is the largest game bird in North American with mature males weighing upwards of 20 pounds and standing 40 inches tall. These large terrestrial birds are generally dark brown to black in appearance but iridescent color in feathers ranging from gold and copper to green and black gives a metallic appearance, particularly in full sunlight. Males and about 10 percent of females sport a unique beard of keratinous filament that protrudes from the junction of the breast and neck. Beards grow continuously but rarely exceed 10 inches in length. Females are smaller and duller in appearance. Densities
![1806_wild_tom_turkey_ranslam_odfw.jpg Wild tom turkey](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-05/1806_wild_tom_turkey_ranslam_odfw_0.jpg?itok=jnGpzp9g)
This popular upland game bird is the largest of Oregon's three forest grouse. It is well known for the distinctive hooting call emitted by courting males in the spring. This call is accompanied by an extravagant courtship display involving exposure of blood-engorged, featherless shoulder spots and eye combs, which are reddish to orange. It is a common resident in coniferous forests. Hear the call of the dusky grouse Photo by Jim Dollar, Flickr
![dusky_grouse_jim_dollar.jpg Dusky grouse male](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-05/dusky_grouse_jim_dollar_flikr.jpg?itok=6hu_o-VB)
Oregon has one species of kingfisher, the raucous Belted kingfisher and 12 woodpecker species. Six woodpeckers are Oregon Conservation Strategy Species of management concern and in need of conservation. Famous for their hammering and hole drilling, woodpeckers might decide your home looks like a good place to set up shop. Learn how to discourage this on our Living with Wildlife, Birds page.
![pileated_woodpecker_Jeff_Jones.jpg Thumbnail](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/pileated_woodpecker_Jeff_Jones.jpg?itok=GS64rLlc)
Need to figure out controlled hunts, find a place to clam, learn how to fish or get directions to a wildlife area? We've got information on all that and more, straight from ODFW biologists and other accomplished hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers. Header image by Dave Budeau
![Deer hunters](/sites/default/files/styles/380x228/public/0907_deer_hunters_budeau.jpg?itok=N_Rqqn1y)
The European starling is considered an invasive species in Oregon. It was introduced from Europe. They most closely resemble blackbirds, with which they often flock in fall and winter. While both have iridescent plumage, starlings can be told from blackbirds by their two-toned wing pattern - dark upperwing, pale underwing - and during the breeding season by the bright yellow bill. Starlings adapt readily and quickly to human habitation and are highly efficient and successful breeders. However, the abundance of the bird, the rapidity with which it has spread across North America, and its propensity to cause damage to crops
![0308_starling_juveniles_munsel_odfw.jpg European starlings](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-05/0308_starling_juveniles_munsel_odfw.jpg?itok=Yh1353rh)
![Angler fighting a fish from the boat](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2022-07/B10FishOnBillMonroe.jpg?itok=LaQEw6YM)
California quail are the most widely distributed upland game birds in Oregon. Most easily recognized by the comma-shaped, black, plume, or "topknot," which bends forward and is larger on the male. It has been a resident statewide since the early 1900s, except for most forests of the north Coast Range and west Cascades; it is generally absent along the coast north of Coos Bay. California quail is also absent from high-elevation areas of the east Cascade range. They are common residents in rural and even some suburban areas, particularly in eastern Oregon where many coveys gather at feeding stations during
![california_quail_male_ganskopp.jpg California quail male](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-05/california_quail_male_ganskopp_0.jpg?itok=DM95telh)
Ruffed grouse are named for a series of black iridescent feathers on the sides of the neck called the ruff, which is erected by males to form an ring around the neck during courtship displays. This forest-dwelling species, favored by upland game-bird hunters, is well known for the drumming of the males during courtship displays in the spring. It is a common resident throughout most forested regions of the state. It occupies most forests at low to moderate elevations east of the Cascade crest, primarily the east slope of the Cascades from Ft. Klamath and upper Klamath Lake and Blue
![ruffed_grouse_male_budeau.jpg Ruffed grouse](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2023-05/ruffed_grouse_male_budeau.jpg?itok=69bIVwVo)
The Klamath Fish Hatchery was originally constructed in 1929. Many improvements have been made since original construction. The hatchery produces legal and trophy sized rainbow trout, fingerling rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout for release throughout the Klamath Basin, Deschutes Basin, Umpqua Basin and the southeast part of the state. The hatchery assist with remote egg takes for wild rainbow and brown trout at Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs.