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Article
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
Educational Moment
Turkey hunters using a shotgun face a very small target – the head and neck of a turkey. Combine that with today’s specialized turkey loads shooting very tight patterns, and making a clean kill shot might depend on a steady shooting rest. Turkeys are nervous-looking birds that seem to never stop moving. Because of their monocular vision and eyes set on the side of their skull, turkeys are often moving and bobbing their heads to try to decipher what they’re seeing. Consider a shooting rest If you’ve got your gun in a ready position, and are waiting for a turkey…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
Before shooting a bow, you’ll want to make sure it's safe to fire. Bow/arrow safety check list Check that the string and cable are in good condition and aren ’t rubbing or fraying at any point. Use bowstring wax regularly to keep your string in good condition and safe to shoot. Check that the cams, limbs and riser are all in good shape. Look for cracks, dents, breaks, delaminations, peeling fiberglass, and any mechanical parts that may be defective. If any part of the bow is suspect, don’t shoot it. Fix it or take it to an archery shop to…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
To be an accurate shooter, it’s important to develop a consistent grip and draw. One of the most common mistakes bowhunters make is tensing up and gripping the bow too firmly. A firm grip will torque the bow, or send it out of alignment, resulting in a poor shot and perhaps a painful slap on your arm from the bow string. Develop a consistent grip The grip of the bow should rest on the pad of your thumb and should not cross the lifeline of your hand. With the bow in this position, your fingers will be off to the…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
Turkey anatomy plays a big part in determining shot placement with a bow. Knowing where vital organs like the heart and lungs are will help you make a clean shot. Sometime getting to the vital organs may mean going through bone. In fact, a shot to the spine will drop a turkey quickly. But turkey bones are very strong, despite being hollow. That’s why many experienced archers prefer shooting a bow with a heavy draw weight, often the same setup they use for deer and elk hunting. Head shots, the most popular turkey shot for shotgun hunters, should be avoided…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
Shooting accurately starts with the proper form, and that begins with a good stance. From your feet up through your hips and torso, a solid foundation in your lower body will improve your shooting. Start with an open stance The “open” stance is a good one for beginners. It’s easy to master and to practice consistently. An open stance positions yours hips and shoulders in-line with the direction you ’re shooting. This perpendicular setup to the target is simple to do. First, place one foot on each side of the shooting line. Most ranges will have these lines. If not…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
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
Article
Legal shooting hours for Game Birds and Northwest Permit Goose for the 2025-26 hunting seasons.
August 13, 2025
Article
Learning the flight patterns of the birds, and honing your long-range shooting skills are keys to this unique and challenging hunting experience.
August 4, 2022
Press Release
SALEM, Ore. – Bowhunters can warm up for the archery season at a free 3D shoot in La Pine on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Three Rivers Archers Park located at the intersection of Coach Rd. and Memorial Lane. This unique course offers hunting scenarios and learning opportunities to help you…
July 24, 2025
Workshop and Events
This is a one-day training course designed for hunters who want to shoot farther when conditions and skill allow. This course emphasizes ethical shot execution and practical field positions with mid-to-long range targets.
Date
Several dates in March, April & May
Location
Multiple locations
Workshop and Events
This hands-on course is designed for adults eager to enter (or advance in) big game hunting with a modern, scoped bolt-action rifle—the most popular and precise choice for ethical big game pursuits.
Date
Several dates in March, April & May
Location
Multiple locations
Educational Moment
There are basic rules of safety and etiquette that apply at archery ranges. Be sure you’re following them. Etiquette on the range Etiquette is an important part of a fun, positive and safe experience on the archery range. Proper range etiquette starts with safety, for you and others around you. Keep arrows pointed down range. Give fellow shooters plenty of space, and never cross into their shooting lane with your body or equipment. Pay attention to what ’s going on around you, especially when leaving or entering the shooting line. Straddle the shooting line -- one foot on each side…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
Shooting a target while standing up at the range is a lot different from shooting a turkey while sitting in a ground blind. When practicing for a hunting trip, recreate your shooting scenario. Whether it will be standing, sitting, kneeling, and in or out of a ground blind. Shooting a turkey There ’s no substitute for practicing in conditions that closely resemble those you’ll be hunting in, and this is especially true for bowhunters looking to bag a turkey. Turkeys are nervous birds with very small kill zones, so accurate shot placement is critical for getting a quick, clean kill…
June 04, 2020
Educational Moment
Hunting involves a deadly weapon that can kill more than just your target. Hunting and handling your gun safely MUST be a top priority. Start with the fundamentals Start by learning these four gun safety fundamentals and you’ll be well on you way to a lifetime of safe hunting. Assume all guns are always loaded. The primary benefit of handling all guns as if they were loaded, is that it will help you develop safe gun handling habits. Never let the muzzle of the gun (the shooting end) point at something you’re not willing to shoot. Often referred to as…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
There are two steps in patterning your gun: Verify your point of impact. Confirm the pellets are hitting where you’re aiming. Often called sighting in. Check the pattern of the pellets to see what loads shoot most accurately. Often called patterning. Sight in scopes and fiber optic sites If you’re shooting a shotgun with a single bead on top of the barrel, you can go right to patterning. If you’re shooting a shotgun mounted with a scope or reflex sight, or a fiber optic front and rear site, you’ll need to sight in the gun before you pattern it. Start…
May 19, 2020
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
Educational Moment
Whether you ’re turkey hunting with a bow or shotgun, you’ll need to know when to take the shot. If you’re using a shotgun, the best shot will be at the head, preferably when it’s outstretched away from the bird’s body. Bowhunters will want to know something about turkey anatomy so they’ll recognize when they have a clear kill shot to a vital organ. Make sure it’s safe to shoot In addition to having a good shot at a bird, you’ll want to make sure there are no other hunters, livestock or other turkeys nearby that you could hit by…
May 19, 2020
Educational Moment
The modern compound bow is the most popular choice for turkey hunting, but traditional recurve and longbows also have their fans. Hunting with crossbows is illegal in Oregon. If you already have a bow you use for deer or elk hunting, it will work fine for turkey Many turkey hunters, though, like to reduce the draw weight of their deer/elk hunting bow to 45 pounds or less for turkey. Unlike deer and elk hunting, where you’re usually standing or kneeling when you take a shot, you’re likely to be sitting when shooting a turkey. In this case, a lighter draw…
May 19, 2020
