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Wild turkeys are not native to Oregon but were first successfully introduced in 1961. Since then more than 10,000 turkeys have been transplanted to locations all over Oregon and continue to thrive in most game units through the state. Turkey hunting is a popular activity in Oregon and has grown more than ten-fold since a statewide spring season opened in 1987. Oregon’s six-week spring turkey season is among the most liberal in the United States. Hunters have an opportunity to take up to three gobblers during the spring season and up to two birds during the fall, one of which

Features: Oregon is home to more than 6,000 cougars, or mountain lions. Cougars are the largest members of the cat family found in the state and tend to be solitary, except for females raising young. Males in particular are very territorial. Habitat: Cougars are throughout Oregon, with concentrations in the Cascade Range and Blue Mountains. Lately, more cougars are being seen in northwest Oregon including the suburbs of Portland. Techniques: Hunting is open statewide under a general season all year, or until zone quotas are met. Most cougars in Oregon are taken while hunters are out pursuing other species like

Features: Oregon is home to an estimated 25,000-30,000 black bears, which is North America’s most common bear species. They are the only type of bear found in Oregon. Despite their name, black bears are often brown in color. Habitat: Black bears are found statewide, with concentrations in the Coast and Cascade ranges and the Blue Mountains. Techniques: Oregon offers a controlled spring season (apply by Feb. 10) and a general fall season. Glassing open areas where bears are feeding on grass and shrubs works early spring season. Later in the season, some hunters turn to predator calls. Most fall bears

Features: Overall, medium-gray with a white underside. Gray, bushy tail has a white "halo." Habitat: It is commonly associated with mixed forest communities in central Wasco, Jefferson, Deschutes, and Klamath counties west, except for unforested portions of the Willamette Valley, to central Washington, Benton, Lane, Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties. It is active at all seasons and exhibits diurnal activity almost exclusively. Techniques: Most hunters use a small caliber rifle, and aim for the head to avoid ruining the meat.

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

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