Oregon Hunting

Oregon Hunting

Oregon Hunting Season Dates

Planning your hunt starts with knowing the season dates. Below are the general hunting season dates for Oregon (always verify with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for updates):

  • Deer Hunting: Typically runs from late August to early November, depending on the zone and weapon type.
  • Elk Hunting: Generally spans from late August to early November, with variations for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader seasons.
  • Waterfowl Hunting: Usually begins in October and runs through January.
  • Turkey Hunting: Spring season runs from mid-April to late May, and fall season from late September to late October.
  • Upland Bird Hunting: Seasons vary by species, but generally run from September to January.

For exact dates and zone-specific information, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Oregon 2025 Turkey Hunting Season Dates and Regulations

Below are the 2025 turkey hunting season dates and key regulations for Oregon, sourced from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). These are projected as of March 10, 2025, and subject to finalization. For the latest details, visit myodfw.com/game-bird-hunting.

Spring Turkey Season

  • Youth Hunt (Ages 17 and under): April 12–13, 2025
    • Requires a 2025 youth general spring turkey tag.
    • Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
    • Bag Limit: 1 male turkey or turkey with visible beard (counts toward season limit).
  • General Season: April 15–May 31, 2025
    • Open Area: Statewide.
    • Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
    • Bag Limit: 1 male turkey or turkey with visible beard per day, 3 total for the season.

Fall Turkey Season

Dates and limits vary by region/Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).

  • Western Oregon (WMUs 14-30): September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
    • Bag Limit: 2 turkeys of either sex (1 per tag, 2 tags max).
  • Eastern Oregon (General, WMUs 36, 37 west of FR 12 and south of Ochoco NF boundary, 38, 40, 43-45, 48 north/west of N Fork John Day R, 49, 51-64, 65 east of Malheur NF boundary, 67): October 11–November 30, 2025, and December 1, 2025–January 31, 2026 (private lands only)
    • Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex (1 tag max).
  • Eastern Oregon (Additional Units, WMUs 37 east of FR 12 and north of Ochoco NF boundary, 46, 47, 48 south/east of N Fork John Day R, 50, 65 west of Malheur NF boundary): September 1–November 30, 2025, and December 1, 2025–January 31, 2026 (private lands only)
    • Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex (1 tag max).
  • Hours: Sunrise to sunset
  • Note: Only 1 of the 2 fall tags can be a General Eastern Oregon Fall Turkey Tag.

General Regulations

  • Licenses Required: Hunting license and turkey tag (1 tag per bird harvested).
  • License Costs:
    • Resident Adult Hunting License: $34.50
    • Nonresident Hunting License: $172
    • Youth License (12-17): $10.50 (includes turkey tag)
    • Turkey Tag: $28.50 (resident), $51.50 (nonresident)
  • Where to Buy: Online at myodfw.com/ELS, ODFW offices, or license vendors.
  • Tagging:
    • Paper Tag: Validate immediately with date, time, and WMU; attach to turkey.
    • Electronic Tag: Validate via MyODFW app, write name, DOB, ODFW ID, harvest date, and confirmation number on material (e.g., flagging tape), attach to turkey.
  • Allowed Weapons: Shotguns (10 gauge or smaller, #2 shot or smaller, max 3 shells), muzzleloading shotguns, bows, crossbows.
  • Prohibited: Rifles, handguns with bullets, bait, electronic calls, motorized decoys, quiver magnets.
  • Reporting: Mandatory for all tag holders (even if unsuccessful) by January 31, 2026 (spring) or April 15, 2026 (fall) via MyODFW app or ODFW vendor.
  • Safety: No orange required for adults; youth under 18 must wear fluorescent orange hat or garment visible from all sides.

Note: Dates and regulations are projected based on prior years and may change. Confirm with the official Oregon Game Bird Regulations closer to 2025.

Oregon Hunting Rules and Regulations

Before heading out, familiarize yourself with Oregon’s hunting rules and regulations to ensure a safe and legal hunt:

  • All hunters must possess a valid Oregon hunting license and appropriate tags.
  • Follow bag limits and species-specific regulations.
  • Wear hunter orange during certain seasons for safety.
  • Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
  • Adhere to firearm and archery equipment regulations.

For detailed rules, check the Oregon Hunting Regulations.

Top Places to Hunt in Oregon

Oregon offers diverse hunting opportunities across the state. Here are some of the best hunting spots:

  • Eastern Oregon: Known for mule deer and elk hunting, particularly in the Blue Mountains and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
  • Central Oregon: Offers excellent deer and elk hunting in the Deschutes National Forest and Ochoco National Forest.
  • Coastal Region: Ideal for waterfowl and upland bird hunting, especially in the Siuslaw National Forest.
  • Southern Oregon: Popular for black-tailed deer and Roosevelt elk in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Always check access and land ownership before heading out.

Oregon Hunting Guides and Outfitters

If you’re new to hunting in Oregon or want a guided experience, consider hiring a professional guide or outfitter. Here are some reputable options:

Oregon Deer Processors

After a successful hunt, you’ll need a reliable deer processor. Here are some recommended options in Oregon:

  • Oregon Valley Meat Company – Located in Eugene, offering game processing services.
  • Bend Butcher Company – Serving Central Oregon with high-quality game processing.
  • Portland Game Processing – A trusted processor in the Portland area.

Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.

Tips for Hunting in Oregon

Make the most of your Oregon hunting experience with these tips:

  • Check the weather and pack accordingly, as Oregon’s climate can vary greatly.
  • Scout your hunting area in advance to identify game trails and feeding areas.
  • Practice ethical hunting by taking clean shots and respecting wildlife.
  • Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, as cell service can be limited in remote areas.