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Article
Most hunting and fishing licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. You can buy next year's license on Dec. 1 to plan ahead or gift to family and friends. The exceptions are game bird hunting permits and validations that run from July 1 to June 30 each year. How to buy a license
January 7, 2026
Article
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!
Landing page
This is your one-stop platform for learning how to hunt and fish in Oregon. Look at the learning opportunities to participate in one or more of the many statewide workshops offered to adults. Enjoy the great outdoors even more by building your confidence and expanding your knowledge! Youth required hunter certification: hunter safety conventional courses and field days Choose between a full conventional course or complete one of the ODFW approved online education courses plus an in-person field day. Sign up for a location, date and time that works best with your schedule. Hunter safety education events are offered year-round…
August 14, 2025
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Legal shooting hours for Game Birds and Northwest Permit Goose for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.
August 13, 2025
Article
Oregon supports diverse waterfowl populations, from sea ducks in coastal saltwater to puddle ducks in the alkali basins of southeast Oregon. You might think you need lots of gear (decoys, boats, a trained dog) to hunt ducks and geese, but you don’t. All of these things are nice but not necessary. All you really need is a hunting license/tag, shotgun, shells and some basic identification skills.
Zones or Areas
Densely forested hillsides from the coast through the Siskiyou Mountains to the Cascade Range offer excellent habitat for a myriad of big game species.
Article
Take a look at what hunters can expect in 2026 for their specific hunt areas, details provided by wildlife biologists throughout the state.
March 3, 2026
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Find links to the current fishing and hunting regulations, as well as in-season regulation updates. Anglers must check in-season updates before fishing, especially for salmon, steelhead and marine fish. These seasons are typically set during the calendar year and can change quickly based on abundance, catch rates, water conditions and other factors.
Educational Moment
Practice shooting your bow regularly and you’ll develop the form and muscle memory you need to shoot accurately and confidently. Places to shoot from the backyard to the backcountry You can practice your shooting anywhere it’s safe and outside of urban growth boundaries. It's also illegal to shoot in the direction of any person, building, structure or vehicle within the range of your bow. So be sure there's y a clear line of sight between you and the target, and a safe backstop. Possible locations include: A large backyard in a rural setting Archery specific indoor and outdoor target ranges…
May 19, 2020
Species and Subspecies
Features: Rocky Mountain elk are one of two subspecies of elk found in Oregon, with a population estimate of more than 74,000 in the state. They are lighter in color and slightly smaller in size than Roosevelt elk, but their antlers are the largest of all elk and can weigh up to 40 pounds. Habitat: Rocky Mountain elk inhabit most of eastern Oregon with concentrations in the Blue Mountains and south-central Oregon. Techniques: Rocky Mountain elk live in much more open country that Roosevelts so try glassing, still hunting, spot and stalk and calling. Rifle, archery and muzzleloader seasons are…
Article
Dry conditions and the associated wildfire danger can have a large impact on your hunting opportunity. Check below for resources for finding fire closures and restrictions, and for ODFW's policy on tag refunds and restoration of preference points.
February 9, 2026
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You'll find crab areas and softshell clamming opportunities in the southern part of the bay.
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The Siuslaw River runs past the city of Florence and then flows for 4 miles before reaching the Pacific ocean. Areas west of the 101 bridge feature excellent seasonal crabbing and even some good diving.
Species and Subspecies
Features: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the largest-bodied bighorn in North America and one of two subspecies of wild sheep in Oregon. Bighorn sheep were extirpated from the state in the 1800s so current populations are the result of a reintroduction effort by ODFW and sportsman groups. Habitat: Oregon’s estimated 800 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are found in the northeast corner of the state, in canyons of the Snake River and its tributaries and in alpine areas of the Wallowa Mountains. Techniques: Bighorn sheep are one of the rarest game species hunted in Oregon today, with about 100 tags available…
Article
Dove hunting seasons open earlier than many others and offer one of the first opportunities to go afield each year. The action can be fast, offering lots of opportunities to shoot and the chance to sharpen your skills for the opening of other bird seasons later in the fall.
Species and Subspecies
Features: California bighorn sheep are one of two subspecies of wild sheep in Oregon. They are usually smaller, with a less blocky build and smaller horns than Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep were extirpated from the state in the 1800s. Current populations are the result of a reintroduction effort by ODFW and sportsman groups. Habitat: California bighorn sheep are the most abundant subspecies in Oregon with an estimated 3,700 found among 32 herds in central and southeast Oregon. They prefer rugged, open habitats with a good view of their surroundings. Techniques: Bighorn sheep are one of the rarest game…
Article
The areas around Bandon, on the Coquille River, have productive softshell beds. The areas near Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge tend to be the most popular. Populations of other bay clams may be found close to the jettys but are mostly subtidal.
Article
Just a few miles south of Newport, the town of Waldport is on the shores of Alsea Bay. It is one of Oregon’s estuaries that does not have jetties at the ocean entrance. Strong outgoing tides and ocean swell can make boating near the mouth of the bay more dangerous. Use caution and be prepared if you crab in this area.
Article
Siletz Bay, located at the south end of Lincoln City, is a very popular destination for beach-goers and clam diggers. Some of the highest density purple varnish clam beds are easily accessed here. Its proximity to the ocean also makes it a very productive seasonal crabbing area
