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Educational Moment

Where to practice shooting a bow

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

image of arrows being properly pulled from a target

Species and Subspecies

Rocky Mountain elk

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

Oregon hunting and fishing licenses

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 31‌ each year. How to buy a license

January 7, 2026

Article

Where to crab & clam in Nestucca Bay

You'll find crab areas and softshell clamming opportunities in the southern part of the bay.

Workshop and Events

Introduction to hunting in Oregon Class Schedule

This two-hour class is for people new to hunting and provides an overview of hunting in Oregon.

Date

Year Round

Location

Statewide

Article

Where crab and clam in the Siuslaw River

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

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep

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

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!

Species and Subspecies

California bighorn sheep

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

Eastern Oregon Deer Hunt Areas for 2026

November 25, 2025

Article

Where to crab & clam in Alsea Bay

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

Where to crab & clam in the Coquille River

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

Where to crab & clam in Siletz Bay

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

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Where to crab & clam in Nehalem Bay

Nehalem Bay offers both beach and boat access to softshell and purple varnish clam beds.

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Where to crab & clam in Tillamook Bay

Crabbing can be good year-round but the best catches are in the winter. Tidal flats throughout the bay produce lots of gapers, cockles and softshell clams.

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Where to crab & clam in Netarts Bay

Clamming is the main attraction in Netarts Bay. The bay is also one of five major crabbing bays in Oregon with good populations of both Dungeness and redrock crab.

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Where to crab & clam in Yaquina Bay

Lower Yaquina Bay is “marine dominated”, meaning there is little freshwater influence, and offers many shellfishing oppurtunities.

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2026 spring bear hunting forecast

2026 spring bear seed numbers 6051029 Take a look at what hunters can expect in 2026 for their specific hunt areas, details provided by wildlife biologists throughout the state. Purchase your controlled hunt tag

March 3, 2026

Article

How to hunt waterfowl

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.

A hunter dressed in camo and a black dog walk down a snowy road

Article

Where to crab & clam in Coos Bay

Coos Bay is Oregon’s largest bay. The lower bay (areas from the ocean entrance to the airport) is “marine dominated”, meaning there is little freshwater influence, and offers some of Oregon’s most productive shellfishing opportunities.