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
Content Highlights
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
Oregon deer season
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
Season
Season Dates
Fisher
Closed season
entire year
Ringtail
Closed season
entire year
Wolverine
Closed season
entire year
Kit Fox
Closed season
entire year
Canada lynx Season
Closed season
entire year
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
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 illegalto 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.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.