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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

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.

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.
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



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

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

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

Vireos and shrikes are predatory song birds. Their bills are strong and hooked to kill and dismember prey including insects and small birds, mammals and reptiles. These birds hunt from fences, wires and treetops and sometimes hang captured prey on thorns to eat them later.


Salmon River Hatchery was constructed in 1975. The facility is used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of fall Chinook, coho and summer steelhead.
Clackamas Hatchery began operation in 1979 and is used for adult collection, egg incubation and rearing of spring Chinook and winter steelhead, rearing of coho and acclimation of summer steelhead.

Oregon requires all hunters under the age of 18 to complete a hunter safety education course before hunting in the state. Upon completion, students will receive their Hunter Safety certification. Hunters over 18 are encouraged to take the online education 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.
The original portion of Fall River Hatchery construction was completed in 1929. Many improvements have been made since original construction. In 1952 the ten raceways were completed. The hatchery produces legal and trophy sized rainbow trout, and provides rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout fingerlings for air stocking programs throughout the state. The facility traps and spawns brown trout at a remote site.
The major portion of Elk River Hatchery construction was completed in 1968. In 1971 the hatchery completed final construction on an intake and ten new ponds. The purpose of the facility is to supplement natural production of fall Chinook in the Elk and Chetco Rivers and winter steelhead in the Chetco River. The facility is used to collect Elk River fall Chinook, to incubate eggs and rear both natural and hatchery fall Chinook and winter steelhead.