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
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 Deer | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Western Oregon | ||
| Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | |
| Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | |
| Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-December 4, 2022 | |
| Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | |
| Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-December 11, 2022 | |
| Eastern Oregon | Only 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 Deer | Season Start Date | Season End Date | Daily 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, 2022 | Sunday-September 18, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Umpqua* | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck, either white-tailed or black-tailed, with visible antlers |
| N Bank Habitat* | Saturday-December 24, 2022 | Friday-December 30, 2022 | Single 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 Unit | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Hood-White River* | Saturday-September 10, 2022 | Sunday-September 18, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| White River Unit No. 1 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| White River Unit No. 2 | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Hood Unit No. 1 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Hood Unit No. 2 | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| E Biggs*, W Biggs* | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| John Day Canyon* | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Columbia Basin Unit | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Fossil Unit No. 1 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Fossil Unit No. 2 | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Murderers Cr Unit, Northside Unit, | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Heppner Unit No. 1 | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Heppner Unit No. 2 | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single 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, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Mt Emily | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Walla Walla Unit, Wenaha Unit, Sled Springs Unit | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
| Lower Wallowa Valley* | Monday-November 14, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 | Only 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, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 | Single buck with well visible antlers |
Archery Regulated (100 Series Hunts)
| Name of the Hunt (Archery Controlled 100 Series Hunts) Buck Deer | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Umpqua Bow* | Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat Bow* | Saturday-September 10, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| Keno Unit Bow | Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| Keno Unit Late Bow | Monday-October 31, 2022 | Thursday-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, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| Metolius Unit Late Bow | Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Wednesday-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, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| Beulah Unit Late Bow | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-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, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
| Hart Mtn No. 1 Bow* | Thursday-August 4, 2022 | Friday-August 12, 2022 |
| Hart Mtn No. 2 Bow* | Friday-November 4, 2022 | Thursday-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, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 |
Youth Only Regulated ( 100 Series Hunts)
| Hunt Name (Youth Only Controlled 100 Series Hunts) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Keno Unit Youth,Klamath Falls Unit Youth,Sprague Unit Youth | Monday-September 26, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 |
| The Dalles Watershed Youth* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 |
| Warner Unit Youth, Interstate Unit Youth, Silver Lake Unit Youth, Fork Rock Unit Youth, | Monday-September 26, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 |
Muzzleloader Regulated (100 Series Hunts)
| Name of the Hunt (Muzzleloader Controlled 100 Series Hunts) Buck Deer | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trask Unit Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 |
| McKenzie Unit Muzzleloader, Indigo Unit Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 |
| Melrose Unit Muzzleloader* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-November 20, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat Muzzleloader* | Saturday-November 26, 2022 | Friday-December 2, 2022 |
| Sixes Unit Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 |
| Chetco Unit Muzzleloader, Applegate Unit Muzzleloader | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-December 4, 2022 |
| Klamath Falls Unit Muzzleloader | Monday-October 31, 2022 | Tuesday-November 8, 2022 |
| Metolius Unit Muzzleloader, Hood- N White Rvr Muzzleloader*, Flatiron Muzzleloader*, Ditch Cr Muzzleloader* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
| Baker Muzzleloader*, Grande Ronde Muzzleloader* | Monday-November 14, 2022 | Sunday-November 27, 2022 |
| Sled Springs Unit Muzzleloader | Monday-November 28, 2022 | Sunday-December 11, 2022 |
| N Malheur Muzzleloader* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
| NE Whitehorse Muzzleloader* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 |
| Hart Mtn Muzzleloader* | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 12, 2022 |
| Silvies Unit Muzzleloader, Interstate Unit Muzzleloader, Silver Lake/E. Ft. Rock Muzzleloader* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
Antlerless Deer Seasons
Any Legal Weapon Regulated (600 Series Hunts).
| Name of Hunt (Any Legal Weapon Controlled 600 Series Hunts) Anterless Deer | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle Mtn Unit, Scappoose Unit, Wilson Unit, Trask Unit*, | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 |
| Willamette Unit | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-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, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat No. 1* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Friday-October 21, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat No. 2* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat No. 3* | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | Friday-December 16, 2022 |
| Tioga Unit, Sixes Unit, Powers Unit, Chetco Unit, Applegate Unit, Evans Cr Unit, | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 |
| Lower Willow Cr Agri* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Wednesday-November 30, 2022 |
| The Dalles Orchard* | Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 4, 2022 |
| Wamic Bench*, Hood Unit Agri*, Biggs Unit Private*, Columbia Basin Unit, | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
| Umatilla NWR No. 1* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only) | Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Wednesday-August 31, 2022 |
| Umatilla NWR No. 2* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only) | Saturday-September 10, 2022 | Wednesday-September 14, 2022 |
| Umatilla NWR No. 3* (Shotgun/Archery/Muzzleloader Only) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Wednesday-October 5, 2022 |
| Fossil Unit Private*, Middle Fork John Day*, Heppner Private* | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
| W Blue Mtns * (Archery/Muzzleloader ONLY) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-December 11, 2022 |
| Flora*, Lower Wallowa Valley*, Upper Wallowa Valley*, SE Beulah Agri*, NE Owyhee Agri*, Harney Basin Agri*, | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Sunday-October 23, 2022 |
Youth Only Regulated (600 Series Hunats)
| Name of Hunt (Youth Only Controlled 600 Series Hunts) Anterless Deer | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Saddle Mtn Unit Youth, Scappoose Unit Youth, Wilson Unit Youth, Trask Unit Youth*, | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Sunday-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, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 |
| Stott Mtn Unit Youth*, Alsea Unit Youth | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 |
| McKenzie Unit Youth | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 |
| Siuslaw Unit Youth | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 |
| Territorial Youth* | November 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 | |
| N Indigo Youth* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Wednesday-November 23, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat Mgt Area No. 1 Youth* | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Sunday-October 9, 2022 |
| N Bank Habitat Mgt Area No. 2 Youth* | Saturday-October 29, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 |
| Melrose Youth*, Sixes Unit Youth, Chetco Unit Youth, Applegate Unit Youth, Evans Cr Unit Youth, Rogue Unit Youth, | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | Thursday-January 5, 2023 |
| Mid-Columbia Private Youth* | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 |
| Umatilla NWR Youth* (Shotgun/Muzzleloader ONLY) | Saturday-August 20, 2022 | Wednesday-August 24, 2022 |
| Umatilla Co Private Youth* | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Sunday-December 4, 2022 |
| Morrow Co Youth* | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Sunday-December 4, 2022 |
| Baker No. 1 Youth*, Baker No. 2 Youth* | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | Sunday-October 30, 2022 |
| Malheur Co Youth* | Monday-August 1, 2022 | Monday-October 31, 2022 |
| Harney Basin Youth* | Saturday-September 10, 2022 | Sunday-September 18, 2022 |
Oregon Elk Seasons.
| Oregon Elk Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Deadline for Tagsale | Required Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk – West Cascade -Any legal weapon) | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Friday-November 11, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 | General West Cascade tag |
| Elk – Rocky Mountain - Any legal weapon -Second season) | Saturday-November 5, 2022 | Sunday-November 13, 2022 | Friday-November 4, 2022 | General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain Second Season |
| Elk – Coast Bull Elk-Any legal weapon | ||||
| First season | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | Friday-November 11, 2022 | General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag |
| Second season | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | Friday-November 18, 2022 | General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag |
| Elk – Western & Eastern (Archery) | Saturday-August 27, 2022 | Sunday-September 25, 2022 | Friday-August 26, 2022 | General Archery Season Tag |
Black Bear, cougar, Proghorn, Bighorj, Rocky Mountain Goat Season
| Game | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date | Deadline for Tagsale | Required Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear General Season | Monday-August 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | 2022-09-30 00:00:00 | General fall tag required/ Additional tag required for additional bear |
| Cougar General Season | Saturday-January 1, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | 2022-09-30 00:00:00 | General season tag required/Additional tag required for additional cougar |
| Pronghorn | Thursday-August 4, 2022 | Sunda-October 23, 2022 | A day before the hunt officially starts | |
| Bighorn Sheep | Monday-August 15, 2022 | Sunday-November 20, 2022 | A day before the hunt officially starts | |
| Rocky Mountain Goat | Monday-August 1, 2022 | Monday-October 31, 2022 | A day before the hunt officially starts |
Western Gray Squirrel Season
| Oregon Western Gray Squirrel Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | (All units West of Easter boundary of the Santiam, McKenzie, Indigo, Sprague and Interstate Units) | |
| Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Monday-October 31, 2022 | (White River, Hood, Paulina, Metolius and Upper Deschutes) |
Game birds
| Game Birds | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Saturday-April 15, 2023 | Wednesday-May 31, 2023 | |
| Western Gray Squirrel* | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 |
| Ruffed and Blue Grouse | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Chukar and Hungarian Partridge | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Rooster Pheasant | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Canada Goose (September Season)* | Saturday-September 10, 2022 | Sunday-September 18, 2022 |
| Goose (regular season)* | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-March 10, 2023 |
| Crow | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Quail (California and Mountain)* | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 |
| Mourning Dove | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Thursday-December 14, 2023 |
| Band-Tailed Pigeon | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Friday-September 23, 2022 |
| Duck* | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Sunday-January 29, 2023 |
| Coot* | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Sunday-January 29, 2023 |
| Wilson’s Snipe* | Saturday-October 8, 2022 | Sunday-February 19, 2023 |
| Brant | Saturday-November 26, 2022 | Sunday-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
| Furbearers | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Monday-February 28, 2022 |
| Fox | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Monday-February 28, 2022 |
| Raccoon | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Tuesday-March 15, 2022 |
Harvest Season for Furbearers
| Furbearers (harvest seasons) | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Region | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Thursday-December 1, 2022 | Monday-February 28, 2022 | Western Oregon | There 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, 2022 | Monday-February 28, 2022 | Eastern Oregon | No 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 red | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Monday-February 28, 2022 | Entire state | |
| Marten | Tuesday-November 1, 2022 | Monday-January 31, 2022 | All of the state | |
| Muskrat/mink | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | 2022-03-31 00:00:00 | All of the state | |
| Raccoon | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | Tuesday-March 15, 2022 | All of the state | |
| River otter | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | Tuesday-March 15, 2022 | All 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 otter | Officially closed for the whole year. | |||
| Badger, coyote, nutria, opossum, porcupine, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weasel | All-year-round open season | A 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. | ||
| Beaver | Tuesday-November 15, 2022 | Tuesday-March 15, 2022 | Beaver 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 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.
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.