Oregon Hunting Seasons 2023: Bag Some Big Game!

The 2023 hunting season in Oregon is shaping up to be a great one, with a wide selection of game to pursue. Here are a few things you need to know before stepping out into the woods.

First, what sort of game are you seeking to hunt? Oregon is home to a variety of animals, including elk, deer, bear, and more. Make sure you know the restrictions for the sort of animal you’re intending to bag.

Second, what type of weapon are you planning to use? Again, various forms of game demand different types of equipment. Make sure you’re informed with the regulations around weapons and other hunting instruments.

Finally, where are you going to hunt? Oregon offers a number of diverse hunting zones, each with its own set of laws and restrictions. Do your study to make sure you’re at the correct spot at the right time. With a little planning, you can make the most of Oregon’s hunting season.

In this article, we will discuss the Oregon hunting season in detail. 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

Oregon Hunting Season
Oregon Hunting Season

The Oregon hunting season for 2022-2023 opens on August 1, 2022. 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.

Buck Deer Season

Archery Seasons

Archery Seasons -Buck DeerHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Western Oregon
Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Saturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-December 4, 2022
Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-December 11, 2022
Eastern OregonOnly regulated deer archery hunting is permitted.

NOTE: Except for managed hunts in the Melrose Unit (#23), which includes white-tailed deer in the bag limit, white-tailed deer are off-limits in all other units in Western Oregon.

Any Legal Weapon Regulated (100 Series Hunts)

Name of Hunt (Any Legal Weapon Controlled 100 Series Hunts) Buck DeerSeason Start DateSeason End DateDaily Bag Limit
W High Cascade* Tag valid for both W High Cascade hunt and Western Oregon Buck Deer Season. Hunters who harvest a deer in the W High Cascade hunt may not hunt in Western Oregon General Buck Deer Season.Saturday-September 10, 2022Sunday-September 18, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Umpqua*Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck, either white-tailed or black-tailed, with visible antlers
N Bank Habitat*Saturday-December 24, 2022Friday-December 30, 2022Single buck, either white-tailed or black-tailed, with visible antlers
Keno Unit,Klamath Falls Unit,Sprague Unit,Upper Deschutes Unit, Paulina Unit, Maury Unit, Ochoco Unit, Grizzly Unit, Metolius Unit, Maupin UnitSaturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Hood-White River*Saturday-September 10, 2022Sunday-September 18, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
White River Unit No. 1Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
White River Unit No. 2Saturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Hood Unit No. 1Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Hood Unit No. 2Saturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
E Biggs*, W Biggs*Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
John Day Canyon*Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Columbia Basin UnitSaturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Fossil Unit No. 1Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Fossil Unit No. 2Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Murderers Cr Unit, Northside Unit, Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Heppner Unit No. 1Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Heppner Unit No. 2Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Ukiah Unit, Desolation Unit, Sumpter Unit, Starkey*, Starkey Exp Forest*, Catherine Cr Unit, E Mt Emily*, W Mt Emily*
Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Mt EmilySaturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Walla Walla Unit, Wenaha Unit, Sled Springs UnitSaturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers
Lower Wallowa Valley*Monday-November 14, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022Only one white-tailed deer
Chesnimnus Unit,Snake Rvr Unit,Minam Unit,Imnaha Unit,Pine Cr Unit,Keating Unit,Lookout Mtn Unit,Beulah Unit,Malheur Rvr Unit,Owyhee Unit,NE Owyhee*,Trout Cr Mtns*,E Whitehorse*,Steens Mtn*,Beatys Butte*,N Juniper*,S Juniper*,Silvies Unit,Wagontire Unit,N Warner*,S Warner*,Interstate Unit,Silver Lake Unit,Fort Rock Unit,Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022Single buck with well visible antlers

Archery Regulated (100 Series Hunts)

Name of the Hunt (Archery Controlled 100 Series Hunts) Buck DeerHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Umpqua Bow*Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
N Bank Habitat Bow*Saturday-September 10, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Keno Unit BowSaturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Keno Unit Late BowMonday-October 31, 2022Thursday-November 17, 2022
Klamath Falls Unit Bow, Sprague Unit Bow, Upper Deschutes Unit Bow, Paulina Unit Bow, Maury Unit Bow, Ochoco Unit Bow, Grizzly Unit Bow, Metolius Unit Bow, Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Metolius Unit Late BowTuesday-November 1, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Hood - White Rvr Bow*, Columbia Plateau Bow*, Fossil Unit Bow, Murderers Cr Unit Bow, Northside Unit Bow, Heppner Unit Bow, Ukiah Unit Bow, Desolation Unit Bow, Sumpter Unit Bow, Starkey Unit Bow*, Catherine Cr Unit Bow, N Blue Mtns Bow*, Sled Springs Unit Bow, Chesnimnus Unit Bow, Snake Rvr Unit Bow, Minam Unit Bow, Imnaha Unit Bow, Pine Cr Unit Bow, Keating Unit Bow, Lookout Mtn Unit Bow, Beulah Unit Bow,Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Beulah Unit Late BowSaturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Malheur Rvr Unit Bow, Owyhee Unit Bow, E Whitehorse Bow*, Trout Cr Mtns Traditional Bow* (Traditional Bow ONLY), Steens Unit Bow, Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022
Hart Mtn No. 1 Bow*Thursday-August 4, 2022Friday-August 12, 2022
Hart Mtn No. 2 Bow*Friday-November 4, 2022Thursday-November 10, 2022
Beatys Butte Unit Bow, Juniper Unit Bow, Silvies Unit Bow, Wagontire Unit Bow, N Warner Bow*,S Warner Bow*, Interstate Unit Bow, Silver Lake Unit Bow, Fort Rock Unit Bow,Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022

Youth Only Regulated ( 100 Series Hunts)

Hunt Name (Youth Only Controlled 100 Series Hunts)Hunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Keno Unit Youth,Klamath Falls Unit Youth,Sprague Unit YouthMonday-September 26, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022
The Dalles Watershed Youth*Saturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022
Warner Unit Youth, Interstate Unit Youth, Silver Lake Unit Youth, Fork Rock Unit Youth,Monday-September 26, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022

Muzzleloader Regulated (100 Series Hunts)

Name of the Hunt (Muzzleloader Controlled 100 Series Hunts) Buck DeerHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Trask Unit MuzzleloaderSaturday-November 5, 2022Friday-November 18, 2022
McKenzie Unit Muzzleloader, Indigo Unit MuzzleloaderSaturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022
Melrose Unit Muzzleloader*Saturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-November 20, 2022
N Bank Habitat Muzzleloader*Saturday-November 26, 2022Friday-December 2, 2022
Sixes Unit MuzzleloaderSaturday-November 12, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022
Chetco Unit Muzzleloader, Applegate Unit MuzzleloaderSaturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-December 4, 2022
Klamath Falls Unit MuzzleloaderMonday-October 31, 2022Tuesday-November 8, 2022
Metolius Unit Muzzleloader, Hood- N White Rvr Muzzleloader*, Flatiron Muzzleloader*, Ditch Cr Muzzleloader*Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022
Baker Muzzleloader*, Grande Ronde Muzzleloader*Monday-November 14, 2022Sunday-November 27, 2022
Sled Springs Unit MuzzleloaderMonday-November 28, 2022Sunday-December 11, 2022
N Malheur Muzzleloader*Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022
NE Whitehorse Muzzleloader*Saturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
Hart Mtn Muzzleloader*Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 12, 2022
Silvies Unit Muzzleloader, Interstate Unit Muzzleloader, Silver Lake/E. Ft. Rock Muzzleloader*Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022

Antlerless Deer Seasons

Any Legal Weapon Regulated (600 Series Hunts).

Name of Hunt (Any Legal Weapon Controlled 600 Series Hunts) Anterless DeerHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Saddle Mtn Unit, Scappoose Unit, Wilson Unit, Trask Unit*,Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-November 4, 2022
Willamette UnitThursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-February 28, 2023
NW Santiam*, SW Santiam*, Stott Mtn Unit*, Alsea Unit, W McKenzie*, Siuslaw Unit, Camas Swale*, W Indigo*, W Dixon*, Melrose Unit*, Central Melrose*, Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-November 4, 2022
N Bank Habitat No. 1*Saturday-October 15, 2022Friday-October 21, 2022
N Bank Habitat No. 2*Saturday-November 12, 2022Friday-November 18, 2022
N Bank Habitat No. 3*Saturday-December 10, 2022Friday-December 16, 2022
Tioga Unit, Sixes Unit, Powers Unit, Chetco Unit, Applegate Unit, Evans Cr Unit,Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-November 4, 2022
Lower Willow Cr Agri*Saturday-October 15, 2022Wednesday-November 30, 2022
The Dalles Orchard*Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 4, 2022
Wamic Bench*, Hood Unit Agri*, Biggs Unit Private*, Columbia Basin Unit,Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022
Umatilla NWR No. 1* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only)Saturday-August 27, 2022Wednesday-August 31, 2022
Umatilla NWR No. 2* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only)Saturday-September 10, 2022Wednesday-September 14, 2022
Umatilla NWR No. 3* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only)Saturday-October 1, 2022Wednesday-October 5, 2022
Fossil Unit Private*, Middle Fork John Day*, Heppner Private*Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022
W Blue Mtns * (Archery/Muzzleloader ONLY)Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-December 11, 2022
Flora*, Lower Wallowa Valley*, Upper Wallowa Valley*, SE Beulah Agri*, NE Owyhee Agri*, Harney Basin Agri*,Saturday-October 15, 2022Sunday-October 23, 2022

Youth Only Regulated (600 Series Hunats)

Name of Hunt (Youth Only Controlled 600 Series Hunts) Anterless DeerHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
Saddle Mtn Unit Youth, Scappoose Unit Youth, Wilson Unit Youth, Trask Unit Youth*,Saturday-October 1, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022
Upper Tualatin - Trask Youth*December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25
SW Santiam Youth*, NW Santiam Youth*Saturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022
Stott Mtn Unit Youth*, Alsea Unit YouthSaturday-October 1, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022
McKenzie Unit YouthSaturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022
Siuslaw Unit YouthSaturday-October 1, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022
Territorial Youth*November 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
N Indigo Youth*Saturday-November 12, 2022Wednesday-November 23, 2022
N Bank Habitat Mgt Area No. 1 Youth*Saturday-October 1, 2022Sunday-October 9, 2022
N Bank Habitat Mgt Area No. 2 Youth*Saturday-October 29, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022
Melrose Youth*, Sixes Unit Youth, Chetco Unit Youth, Applegate Unit Youth, Evans Cr Unit Youth, Rogue Unit Youth, Thursday-December 15, 2022Thursday-January 5, 2023
Mid-Columbia Private Youth*Saturday-November 19, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Umatilla NWR Youth* (Shotgun/Muzzleloader ONLY)Saturday-August 20, 2022Wednesday-August 24, 2022
Umatilla Co Private Youth*Saturday-November 12, 2022Sunday-December 4, 2022
Morrow Co Youth*Saturday-November 19, 2022Sunday-December 4, 2022
Baker No. 1 Youth*, Baker No. 2 Youth*Saturday-October 22, 2022Sunday-October 30, 2022
Malheur Co Youth*Monday-August 1, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022
Harney Basin Youth*Saturday-September 10, 2022Sunday-September 18, 2022

Oregon Elk Seasons.

Oregon Elk SeasonHunting Start DateHunting End DateDeadline for TagsaleRequired Tags
Elk – West Cascade -Any legal weapon)Saturday-November 5, 2022Friday-November 11, 2022Friday-November 4, 2022General West Cascade tag
Elk – Rocky Mountain - Any legal weapon -Second season)Saturday-November 5, 2022Sunday-November 13, 2022Friday-November 4, 2022General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain Second Season
Elk – Coast Bull Elk-Any legal weapon
First seasonSaturday-November 12, 2022Tuesday-November 15, 2022Friday-November 11, 2022General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag
Second seasonSaturday-November 19, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022Friday-November 18, 2022General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag
Elk – Western & Eastern (Archery)Saturday-August 27, 2022Sunday-September 25, 2022Friday-August 26, 2022General Archery Season Tag

Black Bear, cougar, Proghorn, Bighorj, Rocky Mountain Goat Season

GameHunting Start DateHunting End DateDeadline for TagsaleRequired Tags
Black Bear General Season Monday-August 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 20222022-09-30 00:00:00General fall tag required/ Additional tag required for additional bear
Cougar General SeasonSaturday-January 1, 2022Saturday-December 31, 20222022-09-30 00:00:00General season tag required/Additional tag required for additional cougar
PronghornThursday-August 4, 2022Sunda-October 23, 2022A day before the hunt officially starts
Bighorn SheepMonday-August 15, 2022Sunday-November 20, 2022A day before the hunt officially starts
Rocky Mountain GoatMonday-August 1, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022A day before the hunt officially starts

Western Gray Squirrel Season

Oregon Western Gray Squirrel SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateUnits
Thursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-November 15, 2022(All units West of Easter boundary of the Santiam, McKenzie, Indigo, Sprague and Interstate Units)
Thursday-September 15, 2022Monday-October 31, 2022(White River, Hood, Paulina, Metolius and Upper Deschutes)

Game birds

Game BirdsHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
TurkeyThursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Saturday-April 15, 2023Wednesday-May 31, 2023
Western Gray Squirrel*Thursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-November 15, 2022
Ruffed and Blue GrouseThursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Chukar and Hungarian PartridgeSaturday-October 8, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Rooster PheasantSaturday-October 8, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Canada Goose (September Season)*Saturday-September 10, 2022Sunday-September 18, 2022
Goose (regular season)*Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-March 10, 2023
CrowSaturday-October 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Quail (California and Mountain)*Thursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Mourning DoveThursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-December 14, 2023
Band-Tailed PigeonThursday-September 15, 2022Friday-September 23, 2022
Duck*Saturday-October 8, 2022Sunday-January 29, 2023
Coot*Saturday-October 8, 2022Sunday-January 29, 2023
Wilson’s Snipe*Saturday-October 8, 2022Sunday-February 19, 2023
BrantSaturday-November 26, 2022Sunday-December 11, 2022

* Different regions, methods of taking, and even different subspecies of this animal might have different dates for hunting. Visit learn more about this state, go to its official website.

Furbearers Season

Hunting Season for Statewide Furbearers

FurbearersHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End Date
BobcatThursday-September 1, 2022Monday-February 28, 2022
FoxThursday-September 1, 2022Monday-February 28, 2022
RaccoonThursday-September 1, 2022Tuesday-March 15, 2022

Harvest Season for Furbearers

Furbearers (harvest seasons)Hunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateRegionNote
BobcatThursday-December 1, 2022Monday-February 28, 2022Western OregonThere is no restriction on the number of bags you may bring.
Everything west of the highest point in the Cascades, with the exceptions of Klamath and Hood River.
For more information on Oregon's bobcat-specific rules, check out their Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations.
Thursday-December 1, 2022Monday-February 28, 2022Eastern OregonNo more than five bobcats may be taken in a single bag.
Counties east of the Cascade Mountains' crest, including Hood River and Klamath.
For information on Oregon's unique bobcat laws, please refer to the state's Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations.
Fox, grey and redSaturday-October 15, 2022Monday-February 28, 2022Entire state
MartenTuesday-November 1, 2022Monday-January 31, 2022All of the state
Muskrat/minkTuesday-November 15, 20222022-03-31 00:00:00All of the state
RaccoonTuesday-November 15, 2022Tuesday-March 15, 2022All of the state
River otterTuesday-November 15, 2022Tuesday-March 15, 2022All of the state Unless you include the off-limits places where beaver trapping is illegal. River otters have their own set of rules, which may be found in the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations.
Fisher, ringtail cat, wolverine, kit fox and sea otterOfficially closed for the whole year.
Badger, coyote, nutria, opossum, porcupine, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weaselAll-year-round open seasonA furtaker's license to trap (which also enables hunting) or a hunting license for furbearers or a standard hunting license is required to pursue these animals for their fur.
BeaverTuesday-November 15, 2022Tuesday-March 15, 2022Beaver harvesting regions may be found in the Oregon Furbearer Trapping and Hunting Regulations.

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 CategoryFees For Non-residentFees For Resident
​(Hunting)​USD 172.00USD 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.

Note: For complete list of hunting rules and regulations read more on the eregulation website

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.

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