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Recreation Report

Wildlife Viewing - Southeast Zone

SE WILDLIFE VIEWING July 30, 2026   Harney County   With warmer temperatures now occurring throughout the district, remember to bring extra water and any preventative tools with you while in the field. Note that parking on tall dry grasses is a serious fire danger concern and try avoiding doing so. The county experienced a mild winter this season making for low snowpack accumulation even at higher elevations, access for observation opportunities should be good this summer. Although, those looking to explore rural areas of the county should keep recovery items in their vehicle. Early summer rains occurring periodically may cause muddy…

September 05, 2017

Press Release

Mussel harvesting closes on south coast, reopens mid-coast

SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border due to levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning above the safety threshold, the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. On the mid-coast, marine biotoxin levels tested below the…

July 25, 2025

Article

Watch for wildlife on Oregon’s roads and highways

In late September, deer and elk begin their annual migration to wintering grounds, and often have to cross roads and highways to get there. Here are 7 tips to help avoid a collision.

image of two bicyclists stopping to allow a herd of elk to cross the road

Article

Fishing opportunities for youth and disabled anglers

A few waterbodies in Oregon are set aside just for younger anglers and those with disabilities—offering everything from warmwater and stocked trout to salmon and steelhead fishing.

Press Release

Manulife to end participation in Access and Habitat Program on May 31: Hunter access to be impacted in northeast, southwest Oregon

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…

January 21, 2026

Press Release

Mussel harvest reopens coastwide

NEWPORT, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now open coastwide from the Washington border to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Marine biotoxin levels tested below the alert level. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before…

November 7, 2025

Article

Small game hunting in Oregon

Small game species provide a variety of hunting experiences throughout the state and are an excellent way to introduce new hunters to hunting. Only the appropriate hunting license is necessary to hunt small game (no tags or permits). There are three major categories of small game in Oregon: western gray squirrel, unprotected mammals and furbearers.

Press Release

Mussel harvest reopens from Cascade Head to the California border

NEWPORT, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now open from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Marine biotoxin levels in this area tested below the alert level. People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474…

October 24, 2025

Press Release

Mussel harvest closure Cape Blanco to California border

SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from Cape Blanco to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin – a naturally occurring marine biotoxin that can cause Paralytic Shellfish…

November 21, 2025

Press Release

Mussel harvest closure Washington border to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River

SALEM, Ore – Mussel harvesting is now closed from the Washington border to the north jetty of the Siuslaw River (Florence) the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Recent mussel samples indicate levels of Paralytic Shellfish Toxin – a naturally occurring marine…

September 26, 2025

Article

Leave young wildlife in the wild

Young animals are rarely orphaned, so leave them where you find them. Chances are mom is nearby, just waiting for you to leave before she returns to her baby. Leaving young wildlife where they are is the right thing to do, picking it up and taking it home is illegal. Living with wildlife

Article

Minam River Wildlife Area visitor guide

The Minam River Wildlife Area harbors a wide variety of fish, wildlife and their habitats. Anglers can enjoy trout and mountain whitefish fishing, hunters can target deer and elk, and hikers can follow the Minam River Trail to the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Wildflowers in bloom on Minam area uplands

Article

ODFW photo submission terms and conditions

Please read these terms and conditions before submitting photos to ODFW for its use in web, print and other materials.

July 11, 2018

Article

Warmwater fishing in Oregon: An introduction

Whether it's a 6-inch bluegill or a trophy-size bass, Oregon's warmwater fish offer anglers of all ages a variety of fishing opportunities. Check out some basic tips here, then head to the article that details places to go looking for warmwater fish species within the area of the state you're interested in.

Article

Hunting opportunities for youth

Mentored Youth Hunter Program allows youth 9 through 15 years of age to hunt without first passing an approved hunter safety education program. It gives unlicensed youngsters an unlimited opportunity to receive mentored, one-on-one field experience and training on the ethics, safety, responsibility and enjoyment of hunting while closely supervised by a licensed adult who is 21 years of age or older and who has a valid license and tag(s) for the dates, area and species being hunted. Register for the Mentored Youth Hunter Program free of charge online (in the youth account) or at any license sales agent where…

July 1, 2026

Article

Hunting on private lands: UCAP and Regulated Hunt Areas

Regulated Hunt Areas (RHAs) are cooperative programs between Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and private landowners that offer regulated hunting on private lands. Each RHA has special regulations so be sure to check them before hunting. The Upland Cooperative Access Program (UCAP) is an incentive-based program designed to provide quality public hunting opportunities for upland game birds on private lands in Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Morrow counties in the Columbia Basin.

September 11, 2017

Landing page

Living with Wild Turkeys

March 30, 2026

Article

Shooting & archery ranges

Oregon has more than 75 ranges where you can improve your shooting and archery skills. Shooting range map Some locations require a membership; contact or check range directly. Many of these ranges offer sight-in services before the fall hunting.

October 28, 2025

Article

Tuna fishing in Oregon

Albacore tuna fishing can offer nonstop action landing fast-moving, hard-fighting fish. Charter trips make tuna fishing accessible to all anglers. In addition, many well-equipped private boat anglers have been making the long trips offshore. If you don't see tuna fishing for yourself, we've even included a brief video on how to buy fresh Oregon tuna from a commercial fisherman at the dock.

Press Release

Smelt fishery on Sandy River opens 12-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11

SALEM, Ore. – Recreational harvest of eulachon smelt on the Sandy River will be open from 12-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 only. Regulations : Open area: From the mouth of the Sandy River upstream to the Stark Street Bridge. Limit: 10 pounds per dipper. Each dipper must dip smelt…

March 9, 2026