Oregon Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 New Dates & Regulation

Oregon hunting season 2023-2024 offers elk, deer, bear, and more. Oregon has several hunting zones, each with its own laws and restrictions. In this page you will find a complete guide for your hunting adventure at Oregon. We will cover the following topics:

• The dates of the season.
• The types of game that can be hunted.
• Hunting Licenses fees and regulations that apply to hunters.

Oregon Hunting Season

This season, hunters will be able to take game including deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, cougar, bear, and turkey. Some areas will also allow for the hunting of waterfowl and upland game birds.

Deer Season

Deer Season	Start Date	End Date	Deer Type
Archery Controlled 100 Series Hunts	1-Aug-23	16-Nov-23	Buck
Any Legal Weapon Controlled 600 Series Hunts	1-Sep-23	29-Feb-24	Antlerless
Any Legal Weapon Controlled 100 Series Hunts	16-Sep-23	5-Jan-24	Buck
Muzzleloader Controlled 100 Series Hunts	6-Nov-23	17-Dec-23	Buck
Western General	7-Oct-23	10-Nov-23	Buck
Western Archery	2-Sep-23	1-Oct-23	Buck
Western Archery	18-Nov-23	10-Dec-23	Buck
Western Archery	25-Nov-23	17-Dec-23	Buck

Antelope Season

Antelope Season	Start Date	End Date
Archery Controlled 400 Series Hunts	10-Aug-23	1-Oct-23
Any Legal Weapon Controlled 400 Series Hunts	19-Aug-23	29-Oct-23
Muzzleloader Controlled 400 Series Hunts	30-Aug-23	17-Sep-23

Elk Season

Elk Season	Hunting Dates	Note
West Cascade	Nov. 11-17	General West Cascade Tag
Rocky Mountain	Nov. 11 - Nov. 19	General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain Second Season Tag
Coast Bull Elk	Nov. 18 - Nov. 21	General Western Oregon Coast First Season Tag
Coast Bull Elk	Nov. 25 - Dec. 1	General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag
Western/eastern	Sept. 2 - Oct. 1	General Archery Season Tag

Bighorn Sheep Season

Bighorn Sheep Season	Start Date	End Date
California – Any legal weapon controlled	15-Aug	26-Nov
Rocky Mtn – Any Legal Weapon Controlled	15-Aug	31-Oct

Mountain Goat Season

Mountain Goat Season	Start Date	End Date
Any legal weapon controlled hunts	1-Aug-23	31-Oct-23

Mountain Lion Season

Mountain Lion Season	Start Date	End Date
General Statewide	1-Jan-23	31-Dec-23

Bear Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Note
Black Bear	Aug. 1 - Dec. 31	General Season Fall Tag
Black Bear	Aug. 1 - Dec. 31	Additional General Season Fall Tag

Cougar Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Note
Cougar	Jan. 1 - Dec. 31	General Season Tag
Cougar	Jan. 1 - Dec. 31	Additional General Season Tag

Squirrel Season

Squirrel Season	Hunting Dates	Note
Western Gray Squirrel	Sept. 1 - Nov. 15	All units west of the eastern boundary of the Santiam, McKenzie, Indigo, Sprague and Interstate units
Western Gray Squirrel	Sept. 15 - Oct. 31	White River, Hood, Paulina, Metolius and Upper Deschutes units

Grouse Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
Ruffed and blue grouse	Sept. 1 - Jan. 31, 2024	3 of each species
Controlled Sage-grouse Season	Sept. 9 - 17	2

Chukar Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
Chukar and Hungarian (gray) partridge	Oct. 14 - Jan. 31, 2024	8

Pheasant Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
Rooster pheasant	Oct. 14 - Dec. 31, 2023	2
Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts (Denman Wildlife Area)	Sept. 18 - Oct. 6
Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts (E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area)	Sept. 25 - Oct. 31
Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts (Fern Ridge Wildlife Area)	Sept. 11 - Oct. 8
Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts (Sauvie Island Wildlife Area)	Sept. 18 - Oct. 1

Quail Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
Quail (California and mountain)*	Sept. 1 - Jan. 31, 2024	10
Quail (Eastern Oregon)	Oct. 14 - Jan. 31, 2024	10 (max 2 mtn Quail)

Turkey Season

Turkey Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
2023 fall turkey (General)	Oct. 14 - Nov. 30	1
	Dec. 1- Jan. 31, 2024	1
2023 fall turkey (Private Lands)	Sept. 1 - Nov. 30	1
	Dec. 1- Jan. 31, 2024	1
2023 fall turkey (Western Oregon)	Sept. 1 - Jan. 31, 2024	2
2024 General Spring Turkey Season	Apr. 15 - May 31, 2024	One male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard
2024 Spring Youth Turkey Hunt	Apr. 13-14, 2024	One male turkey or one turkey with a visible beard

OR Migratory Bird Season

Dove Season

Dove Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit
Mourning dove (Zone 1)	Sept. 1 - Sept. 30	15
	Nov. 15 - Dec. 14
Mourning dove (Zone 2)	Sept. 1 - Oct. 30	15
Band-tailed pigeon (Statewide)	Sept. 15 - Sept. 23	2

Duck Season

Duck Season	Hunting Dates	Zones
Duck (including merganser)	Oct. 14 - Oct. 29 & Nov. 2 - Jan. 28, 2024	Zone 1
Duck (Scaup)	Nov. 4 - Jan. 28, 2024	Zone 1
Duck (including merganser)	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3 & Dec. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024	Zone 2
Duck (Scaup)	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3 & Dec. 7 - Jan. 10, 2024	Zone 2

Coots Season

Coot Season	Hunting Dates
Zone 1	Oct. 14 - Oct. 29
	Nov. 2 - Jan. 28, 2024
Zone 1	Nov. 4 - Jan. 28, 2024
Zone 2	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3
	Dec. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024
Zone 2	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3
	Dec. 7 - Jan. 10, 2024

Snipe Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit	Location
Wilson's snipe	Nov. 4 - Feb. 18, 2024	8	Zone 1
Wilson's snipe	Oct. 14 - Jan. 28, 2024	8	Zone 2

Crow Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit	Location
Crow	Oct. 1 - Jan. 31, 2024	No Limit	Statewide

Branta Season

Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit	Location
Branta	Nov. 25 - Dec. 10	2	Statewide

Goose Season

Goose Season	Hunting Dates	Bag Limit	Possession Limit
September Canada goose season
Northwest Permit Zone	Sept. 9 - Sept. 17	5 Canada geese	15 geese
Southwest Zone	Sept. 9 - Sept. 13	5 Canada geese	15 geese
All Eastern Oregon Cos	Sept. 9 - Sept. 13	5 Canada geese	15 geese
Regular goose seasons
Canada geese
Northwest Permit Zonec	Oct. 21 - Oct. 29	3	10
	Nov. 18 - Jan. 12, 2024	3	10
	Feb. 10 - Mar. 10, 2024	3	10
Southwest Zone	Oct. 14 - Oct. 29	4	10
	Nov. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024	4	10
South Coast Zone	Oct. 7 - Dec. 10	6	10
	Dec. 23 - Jan. 14, 2024	6	10
	Feb. 24 - Mar. 10, 2024	6	10
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone Canada Goose	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3	4	-
	Dec. 12 - Jan. 28, 2024
Mid-Columbia Zone Canada Goose	Oct. 14 - Oct. 29	4	-
	Nov. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024
White-fronted geese
Northwest Permit Zonec	Oct. 21 - Oct. 29	9	30
	Nov. 18 - Jan. 12, 2024	9	30
	Feb. 10 - Mar. 10, 2024	9	30
Southwest Zone	Oct. 14 - Oct. 29	12	30
	Nov. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024	12	30
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone White and White-fronted Goose	Oct. 14 - Dec. 3	-	30
	Jan. 17 - Mar. 10, 2024
Mid-Columbia Zone White and White-fronted Goose	Nov. 7 - Jan. 28, 2024	-	30
	Feb. 3 - Feb. 24, 2024	-	30

Goose Bag Limit Details

Bag Limits
September Canada goose season	Daily bag limit
Northwest Permit Zone	5 Canada geese
Southwest Zone	5 Canada geese
All Eastern Oregon Cos	5 Canada geese
Regular Goose Season	Canada geese	White-fronted geese	White geese
Northwest Permit Zone	3d	10	20
Southwest Zone	4	10	20
South Coast Zone	6	10	20
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone Canada Goose	4	—	—
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone White and White-fronted Goose	—	10f	20
Possession Limit
Mid-Columbia Zone Canada Goose	4	—	—
Mid-Columbia Zone White and White-fronted Goose	—	10	20
Regular Goose Season	Canada geese	White-fronted geese	White geese
Northwest Permit Zone	9d	30	60
Southwest Zone	12	30	60
South Coast Zone	18	30	60
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone Canada Goose	12	—	—
High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone White and White-fronted Goose	—	30f	60
Mid-Columbia Zone Canada Goose	12	—	—
Mid-Columbia Zone White and White-fronted Goose	—	30	60
September Canada goose season	Possession limit
Northwest Permit Zone	15 geese
Southwest Zone	15 geese
All Eastern Oregon Cos	15 geese

OR Furbearer Season

Bobcat Season

Season	Season Dates	Bag Limits
Bobcat Western Oregon	December 1- February 28	No bag limit
Bobcat Eastern Oregon	December 1- February 28	5

Fox Season

Season	Season Dates
Gray Fox and Red Fox	October 15-February 28

Marten Season

Season	Season Dates	Bag Limit
Marten Season	November 1-January 31	5

Muskrat Season

Season	Season Dates
Muskrat Season	November 1-March 31

Mink Season

Season	Season Dates
Mink	November 1-March 31

Otter Season

Season	Season Dates
River Otter	November 15-March 15
Sea Otter	Closed season entire year

Fisher, Ringtail, Wolverine, Kit Fox, Canada lynx Season

Beaver Season

Season	Season Dates
Beaver	November 15-March 15

Badger Season

Season	Season Dates
Badger	January 1- December 31

Coyote Season

Season	Season Dates
Coyote	January 1- December 31

Nutria Season

Season	Season Dates
Nutria	January 1- December 31

Opossum Season

Season	Season Dates
Opossum	January 1- December 31

Porcupine Season

Season	Season Dates
Porcupine	January 1- December 31

Spotted skunk

Season	Season Dates
Spotted skunk	January 1- December 31
Striped skunk	January 1- December 31

Weasel Season

Season	Season Dates
Spotted skunk	January 1- December 31
Striped skunk	January 1- December 31

Pursuit Season

Season	Season Start Dates	Season End Dates
Bobcat Pursuit Season	1-Sep	28-Feb
Fox Pursuit Season	1-Sep	28-Feb
Raccoon Pursuit Season	1-Sep	15-Mar

Harvest Season

Species	Open seasons
Bobcat	December 1-February 28
	December 1-February 28
Gray fox and red fox	October 15-February 28
Marten	November 1-January 31
Muskrat and mink	November 15-March 31
Raccoon	November 15-March 15
River otter	November 15-March 15
Fisher, ringtail, wolverine, kit fox, Canada lynx and sea otter	Closed season entire year.
Badger, coyote, nutria, opossum, porcupine, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weasel	Open season entire year.
Beaver	November 15-March 15

Trapping Season

Obtaining a furtaker’s license is mandatory in Oregon if you want to catch animals for their fur.

It is legal to capture bobcats, gray foxes, red foxes, martens, muskrats, minks, raccoons, river otters, badgers, coyotes, nutrias, opossums, porcupines, spotted skunks, striped skunks, weasels, and beavers in Oregon.

There is a ban on hunting fishers, ringtails, wolverines, kit foxes, Canada lynxes, and sea otters because of their valuable fur.

Pricing of Licenses for Hunting

Hunting in Oregon is legal only for those who have a valid hunting license.

Birds, small game, and other vulnerable species do not need a license, although hunters under the age of 11 must.

License Category	Fees For Non-resident	Fees For Resident
​(Hunting)	​USD 172.00	USD 34.50
​(Black Bear)	​USD 16.50	​USD 16.50
​(Cougar)	​USD 16.50	​USD 16.50
​(Deer)	​USD 443.50	​USD 28.50
​(Elk)	​USD 588.00	​USD 49.50
​(Bighorn Sheep)	​USD 1,513.50	​USD 142.00
​(Pronghorn Antelope)	​USD 395.50	​USD 51.50
​Youth Hunting (between 12-17 years old)	​USD 10.00	​USD 10.00
​(Sr. Hunting)	​Not Applicable	​USD 22.00

Please be aware that the targeted species may need an extra tag price.

Hunting Regulations

Vehicles, Aircraft, ATVS, Boats, Drones: In Oregon, hunting activities that use vehicles, aircraft, ATVs, boats, or drones in a harmful way to animals are illegal. Hunting, trapping, or fishing from a motorized vehicle, using drones for these activities, or operating a motorized vehicle in violation of regulations is prohibited. Firearms and bows must be unloaded while riding a snowmobile or ATV, except for authorized individuals. Shining a bright light on game mammals, predatory animals, or cattle while armed and from a moving vehicle or within 500 feet of a moving vehicle is also illegal. Shooting game animals from a moving speedboat or sailboat is prohibited.

Ban of Parts: Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon must follow laws regarding the import and ownership of parts of deer, elk, moose, and caribou (cervids). Only certain parts, such as boned meat without spinal column or head, hides, antlers, and taxidermy heads, are allowed to be imported and owned. If these regulations are not followed, the offending parts may be confiscated and the person may face charges for disposal.

(CWD) Chronic Wasting Disease: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that can affect deer, elk, and moose. Although Oregon is not yet affected, the disease is a concern. The disease can spread through nose-to-nose contact, saliva, urine, and feces, so hunters should handle infected animals with care by wearing gloves, avoiding flesh and brain/spinal cord material, and avoiding disease-positive meat. Online resources can help hunters identify and avoid areas prone to CWD. Taking these steps will help preserve wildlife and hunting in Oregon.

Illegal Activities: Illegal behavior in wildlife hunting and related activities include: submitting seized animals without proper permits or tags, refusing inspection of hunting gear, hunting illegally, interfering with licensed traps or snares, tampering with ODFW-approved signs, lying to the Department or Commission, and receiving or possessing wildlife through illegal means and profiting from it.

Disguising Sex, Waste, Sale: It is illegal to disguise the species of wildlife, possess the meat or carcass of deer, elk, antelope, sheep, or goat without evidence of sex, waste any game mammals or edible portions, and sell or exchange any game mammal or parts unless specified by Oregon Administrative Rule 635, Division 200. Proof of sex for deer, elk, antelope, sheep, and goat must be either the head or antlers/horns (Option 1) or reproductive organ attached to meat (Option 2). Hunters must retrieve all crippled or killed wildlife immediately and cannot waste game mammals.

Tagging: Tagging of game mammals in Oregon is done either through paper tags or electronic tags. Hunters must choose one of these options when purchasing tags. For paper tags, the tag must be signed, validated immediately after harvest by writing the date, time and location of harvest, and securely attached to the game mammal in plain sight. Electronic tags must be validated through the MyODFW mobile app, and the tag owner’s information, harvest date, and confirmation number must be written in ink and attached to the game mammal. Both types of tags must be kept legible and maintained with the carcass or parts at all times. Unsigned or resized tags are unlawful.

Transportation & Possession: Transferring game mammals in Oregon requires a written record documenting the animal’s description, the original hunter’s identity, tag information, and harvest time. Game mammals must be tagged by the ODFW or Oregon State Police after 48 hours post the hunting season. Possession and transportation of game mammals without a valid tag, or parts of a game animal that was illegally killed or obtained humanely, is prohibited. The sale, lending, or borrowing of big game tags is illegal, and possessing the horns of bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain goat that were not taken legally is not allowed. Transportation of a game animal that was found dead or killed humanely requires approval from the ODFW or Oregon State Police.

Illegal Methods: In Oregon, it is illegal to hunt with dogs (excluding western gray squirrels), use night vision or electronic sights, artificial lights (excluding raccoon, bobcat, and opossum), traps or snares, or hunt for someone else. Additionally, the use of commercial cervid attractants derived from cervid urine is prohibited, and hunting from or across public roads, road right-of-way, or railway right-of-way is not allowed, except on roads closed to motor vehicle use. Finally, the use of any poison, immobilizing, or tranquilizing drugs or chemicals to hunt or kill game mammals is illegal.

Trespassing: Hunting without the landowner’s consent is unlawful. Recovering and preserving game does not justify trespassing.

Hunting Restriction: Hunting with a centerfire rifle during deer and elk season requires a valid deer, elk, antelope, sheep, or goat tag for the area and dates being hunted. Hunting in closed wildlife refuges, city or town limits, public parks, cemeteries, or school/college/university grounds is illegal. Party hunting is also prohibited, and each hunter must have their own unused tag.

FAQs related to Oregon hunting season

What firearms are allowed during the deer and elk hunting season in Oregon?

During the deer and elk hunting season in Oregon, only centerfire rifles are allowed in the Wildlife Management Units listed in the Centerfire Rifle Restrictions table. You must also have an unused or valid deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, or Rocky Mountain goat tag for the dates and area being hunted.

Is it legal to hunt on private property without permission from the landowner in Oregon?

Yes, it is illegal to hunt on private property without permission from the landowner in Oregon according to ORS 105.700 and 498.120.

Are electronic sights and devices allowed during hunting in Oregon?

No, the use of night vision or other electronic sights and devices is not allowed during hunting in Oregon, except for trail cameras. Additionally, the use of artificial lights for hunting is only permitted for raccoon, bobcat, and opossum and must not be attached to or cast from a motor vehicle.

Is party hunting allowed in Oregon?

No, party hunting is illegal in Oregon. Each hunter must have an unused tag to hunt a game mammal that requires one.

Is it legal to use commercial cervid attractants during hunting in Oregon?

Yes, it is illegal to possess or use commercial cervid attractants (defined in the Oregon Hunting and Fishing Regulations book) containing or derived from cervid urine during hunting in Oregon.

Can I hunt on a public road, road right-of-way, or railway right-of-way in Oregon?

No, hunting on a public road, road right-of-way, or railway right-of-way is not allowed in Oregon, except for hunting on roads closed to motor vehicle use.

What are the penalties for violating hunting laws in Oregon?

Penalties for violating hunting laws in Oregon vary based on the nature and severity of the violation. They can range from fines and hunting license suspension to imprisonment. It is important to review the Oregon Hunting and Fishing Regulations book and consult with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Oregon State Police for specific penalties.

Dates & Regulation Source: MyODFW eRegulation