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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: 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…

If this is a new activity for you, our friends at the Audubon Society have tips on how to start birding and how to connect with other birders. This is a great resource that also includes tips on choosing binoculars, reviews and recommendations on the best birding apps and field guides, and an easy seven-point guide on how to identify birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has an extensive website that includes the world's largest archive of wildlife sounds and videos, bird cams, eBird citizen science opportunities, scientific publications, bird guides, bird nesting box plans and more. ODFW's Living with…

Features: The mountain goat is stockily built with black scimitar-shaped horns, large black hooves and prominent dewclaws, and an entirely white, woolly coat. Habitat: Rocky Mountain goats are found in steep and rugged habitat in eastern Oregon, including the Wallowa, Elkhorn and Strawberry mountains, and the central Cascades near Mt Jefferson. Techniques: Rocky Mountain goat tags are “once-in-a-lifetime” and less than 25 are available each year. Be prepared to hunt their steep, rugged habitat if you are lucky enough to draw a tag.

Townsend's chipmunk is the largest member of the genus in Oregon.The pelage of this chipmunk is dark and dull but as in other Oregon chipmunks, there is a dark brown to blackish middorsal stripe with alternate light and dark stripes, laterally, a total of five dark and four light stripes. Alternate dark (three) and light (two) stripes adorn the sides of the face. The throat, belly, and a patch behind the ear are white. The tail is black on the tip and the margins are frosted above with buff or white-tipped hairs. Townsend's chipmunks have been found on the west…

Some of Oregon's larger mammals, such as deer and elk can easily be seen at places like Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, and the North Bank Habitat Management Area. Black-tailed deer are frequently seen in western Oregon along roadsides. Commonly seen animals include raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and skunks. A quiet walk in the forest or desert, a keen eye and a good pair of binoculars will reward you with glimpses of some of our more secretive animals. Some viewing tips include: keep your distance, move as silently as possible or pick a spot and remain still…

The coyote is a typical canid intermediate in size between the foxes and the gray wolf. The pelage of the coyote is grayish, buff, pinkish cinnamon, or brownish, or a combination of those colors, often overlain by blackish tipped hairs on the ears, muzzle feet, and dorsum. The lips and eyelids are black, accentuated by contrasting borders of white fur. The underparts are paler than the remainder of the body. Considerable variation in color and markings of coyotes is evident among individuals and regionally east and west of the Cascade Range. True albinos with pink eyes and pink foot pads…

Features: They are orange red to orange yellow with a bright yellow eyes. Their fin tips may be black. On the top of their head they have a pair of rough ridges. Yelloweye, canary and vermilion rockfish can look similar. See this rockfish identification article for distinguishing features of each species Take the "Yelloweye Rockfish or Not?" quiz Habitat: Juveniles and subadults prefer shallower water than adults, and are associated with rocky reefs,and kelp canopies. Adults move into deeper water as they grow, and prefer rocky bottoms. Technique: Yelloweye rockfish are currently prohibited in the catch. Anglers are required to…