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Educational Moment
When preparing your turkey for the pot, you can either skin it or pluck it. Because wild turkeys have such thin skin, many hunters prefer skinning their turkeys as it ’s must faster than plucking the bird. Pick up where you left off gutting the bird Simply continue making the cut in the skin from the body cavity, all the way up the breast bone to the base of the neck. The skin is thin enough that you often can peel it free from the breast meat. Slide your thumbs under the skin and working it up and away from
May 19, 2020
Article
Better known for their elaborate courtship displays, greater sage-grouse also offers the wingshooter a unique hunting experience. This is a small, well-regulated hunt by permit only. Permit applications are due in mid-August each year. Apply for a permit
August 18, 2025
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
Spring bear is the first big game hunt of the season. Here's a look at what hunters can expect in 2025.
March 25, 2025
Article
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW license vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.
Article
A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - hunting in the North Unit. Part 4 of a 5 part series.
Article
Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. These elusive and challenging fish can test an angler’s patience and persistence, but the reward is hooking into a fish that is famous worldwide for its line-peeling runs and spectacular, acrobatic fight.
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A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island - Hunting in the Eastside Unit. Part 2 of a 5 part series.
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
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
Here you will find maps to help determine public vs. private land, wildlife management unit and controlled hunt boundaries, travel management areas, and ODFW wildlife areas.
November 25, 2025
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 Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts offer new hunters a chance to hone their skills in a hunt that’s close to home and offers a good chance of bagging some birds.
August 25, 2025
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The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for recreationally harvested softshell and gaper clams along the Oregon coast due to arsenic contamination. Visit healthoregon.ogr/fishadv to lean more, including shellfish cleaning guidelines that reduce your exposure.
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A beginner's guide to waterfowl hunting on Sauvie Island- Hunting in the Westside Unit. Part 3 of a 5 part series.
Landing page
Our Mission The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Hunter Recruitment Program is dedicated to strengthening and growing Oregon's hunting and shooting sports community. We provide hands-on skills training, promote a culture of safety, ethics, and conservation, and foster a positive public perception of hunting and shooting sports. Our goal is to build confidence, knowledge, and skills for both new and seasoned hunters, supporting a lasting connection to Oregon's rich outdoor traditions. Workshops are offered statewide throughout the year. View and register for an upcoming event: Classes and W or kshops.
October 06, 2025
Article
Surf fishing is one of Oregon’s most underutilized fisheries. There are hundreds of places to fish along Oregon’s sandy beaches, and there are plenty of fish within an easy cast from shore.
Article
The Oregon Health Authority has issued an advisory for recreationally harvested softshell and gaper clams along the Oregon coast due to arsenic contamination. Visit healthoregon.ogr/fishadv to lean more, including shellfish cleaning guidelines that reduce your exposure.
Article
Legal shooting hours for Game Birds and Northwest Permit Goose for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.
August 13, 2025
Article
Public access to lands suitable to hunt can be a challenge. That's why we have the Oregon Hunting Access Map to help find your next outing.
