Big Game Hunting
Species
Big game hunting opportunities in Oregon are many and diverse -- from general season hunts for deer and elk, to controlled hunts for deer, elk, antelope, bear and cougar, to once-in-a-lifetime chances for bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat.
Most Popular Species
Deer
Oregon offers diverse deer hunting opportunities among beautiful landscapes, with both over-the-counter general tags and controlled tags available. Western Oregon’s reclusive black-tails live in the lush habitat of the coastal mountains and western Cascades. Eastern Oregon’s mule deer live in the more open country of the High Desert and the northeast. Oregon also boasts a growing white-tail population and opportunity to hunt them in controlled hunts in the southwest and northeast portions of the state.
Elk
Oregon’s elk are one of the most sought-after species for hunters and the second most popular game animal after deer. Rocky Mountain elk are found in eastern Oregon and Roosevelt elk are found in western Oregon, with most concentrated in the Coast, Cascade and Blue Mountain ranges.
Your deer or elk hunt might also include coyote if the opportunity is there. It's important to know your target before taking a shot.
Other Big Game Species
Oregon has about 6,000 cougars statewide, up from an estimated 200 in the late 1960s. Cougars are found in all suitable habitat in Oregon and...
Tag Sale Deadline (General):
Cougar: Sept 28
Cougar (Additional): No Deadline - General season tag must be purchased prior to deadline to be eligible for additional tag.
For hunt details and regulations, visit eregulations
CONTROLLED
Bighorn sheep are a once in a lifetime hunt in Oregon. They are premier big game species. If you are lucky enough to draw a...
Tag Sale Deadline:
The day before the season end date
For hunt details and controlled hunt information, visit eRegulations
The Western gray squirrel is the largest native tree squirrel in the state. Requiring only a hunting license, it's a good introductory game species.
For hunt details and regulations, visit eregulations
Black bears can be found throughout Oregon. Both fall and spring hunting opportunities are available.
Tag Sale Deadline (General):
Black bear: Sept. 28
Bear (SW Additional): No deadline - general season tag must be purchased prior to deadline to be eligible for additional tag.
Tag Sale Deadline (Controlled):
Day before earliest hunt period opens
For hunt details and controlled hunt information, visit eRegulations
CONTROLLED
Pronghorn antelope are the fastest ungulates in North America, capable of reaching speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. Oregon is home to about...
Tag Sale Deadline:
Day before the earliest hunt period opens
For hunt details and controlled hunt information, visit eRegulations
CONTROLLED
Rocky Mountain goats are Oregon’s rarest game mammal. They were extirpated from the state in the 1800s so current populations are the result of reintroduction...
Tag Sale Deadline:
The day before the season end date
For hunt details and controlled hunt information, visit eRegulations
As early season hunters know, dry conditions and related fire danger could mean closures or restrictions on some land.
Additional Resources
Take hunter safety education
Sign up to take a hunter or bowhunter safety education course -- find online options with an in-person field day or register for a conventional course.
Find a place to hunt
Finding a place to hunt can be a challenge — even in a state that's 50 percent public land. This map will help you find access for your next hunt.
Access MyODFW account
Purchase current year license. Check preference points. Controlled hunt applications. Report hunts.
Find the latest Recreation Report
Current conditions and opportunities to fish, hunt and view wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.