Search myodfw.com
Oregon’s population of about 6,000 cougars occupies a wide variety of habitat across the state, offering a year-round, readily-accessible hunting opportunity.
![image of a snarling cougar](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-08/snarling-cougar_0.jpg?itok=QR9jPkDo)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-09/Elk%20crossing%20road.jpg?itok=c9OBpVVt)
Change up your tactics to take more early season birds.
![ducks_ladd_marsh_nowak_odfw.jpg Thumbnail](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2018-03/ducks_ladd_marsh_nowak_odfw.jpg?itok=czGAMllk)
See the Oregon records for both coldwater and warmwater game fish. And, find the forms to submit if you think you've caught a new record!
Dedicated fly-anglers don’t stop fishing in the winter, instead they adjust their tactics to the colder conditions.
![photo of two anglers, dressed for winter, each holding a nice trout](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2019-12/winter%20trout%20fishing.jpg?itok=VAm-5ZL3)
Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular in Oregon as anglers look for new ways to enjoy fishing year-round. Here are some tips to get you started.
![Two anglers ice fishing on Diamond Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-01/Ice%20fishing_Diamond%20Lake.jpg?itok=l9Gp2nO2)
Successful steelhead fishing is more about developing a good strategy for finding fish than about fussing over gear, techniques and colors. (Although pink worms really do work!)
![photo of an anglers holding a winter steelhead](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-01/Winter-steelhead-hero.jpg?itok=MDYVZC9q)
Each year over 9 million Oregonians and visitors head to hills – and the desert, and the beach – to enjoy the outdoor beauty Oregon offers. But with that many people actively appreciating the hills (and the desert and the beach) it’s becoming even more important that we learn to enjoy our fragile ecosystems today while also protecting them for tomorrow’s visitors.
![image of three bird watchers looking in a tree through binoculars](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-02/Bird%20watchers_0.jpg?itok=7ejm77LB)
Spring bear is the first big game hunting season of the year – just one reason it’s popular with a dedicated group of hunters.
![image of a hunter and bear in a clearcut](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-03/bear%20hunter.jpg?itok=qhiuH9km)
Here you’ll find links to population, harvest and point summary reports that can help you decide what hunts to apply for.
![image of an archery hunter with a large male mule deer](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-03/archery%20mule%20deer.jpg?itok=sK4kKCys)
Legal hunting weapons and weapon restrictions for hunting big game and game birds in Oregon.
All first time Oregon trappers of any age must complete trapper education.
Since many game birds in Oregon reside on private land, finding a place to hunt can be challenging. The Hunt by Reservation Program brings hunters and landowners together to provide quality hunting experiences.
![image of a hunter with a nice spring turkey](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-04/Hero%20shot%20%232.jpg?itok=ieqh5p_t)
A nine-mile system of habitat trails offers upland bird hunters opportunities for mountain quail and blue and ruffed grouse.
![image of a hunting dog retrieving a shot grouse](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-05/bird%20retrieving%20a%20grouse.jpg?itok=fDy-lpKi)
Didn't draw a big game tag this year? Here are some other ways to have a great hunting season.
![image of two deer hunters on a ridge scanning countryside](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-06/0907-two-deer-hunters.jpg?itok=QDDIPvcv)
You can purchase an Oregon fishing license online or at an ODFW license vendor. Here are step-by-step directions for purchasing online.
![image of an angler holding a 32-inch rainbow trout](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-06/2192-rainbow-trout-rock-creek.jpg?itok=AP7GA_GM)
Creating a purchase group allows you to buy licenses, tags and other documents for family and friends, both online and at agents. After a customer has verified their account, they can be added to a purchase group using their ODFW ID# and the product catalog will reflect the correct products and pricing for each customer in the group.
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.
![Angler holding a large albacore tuna](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-07/1105_albacore_tuna_newport.jpg?itok=tkTNrTCA)
Ask 10 anglers how to fish and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. However, there are a few types of fishing rigs that almost everyone can agree on – they’re both simple and effective. Here are 16 of some of our favorite rigs for warmwater species.
![Photo of a colorful bluegill with a popper lure in its mouth](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-07/bluegill%20with%20popper.jpg?itok=4Y4sQCZL)
Each year, thousands of fish are harvested illegally in Oregon. Anglers who wait all year for their favorite salmon or steelhead run shouldn’t face reduced opportunity because of poaching. To report poaching call *OSP or 1-800-452-7888
![photo of oversize sturgeon with head and tail removed](/sites/default/files/styles/232x139/public/2020-07/Oversized%20Sturgeon%202014%20%28004%29.jpg?itok=fUaqhIXN)