HUNTING LICENSES

A Hunting License is required in the state of Oregon to hunt any game animal. There are a variety of license types available depending on your age, residency status, and what type of game you plan to hunt. Some of the hunting license types in Oregon include:   

Big Game Licenses and Tags

There are a variety of big game license types available. The type of license required will depend on the type of game animal you plan to hunt. Some of the big game license types available include annual licenses and combination licenses, in addition to game animal-specific tags such as bear, cougar, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep tags, among others. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that they possess the proper licenses and tags for the game animal they plan to hunt. Big-game license fees may vary depending on the hunter’s residency status.   

Youth Licenses

There are a variety of types of youth hunting licenses available including annual hunting licenses, big game licenses, and game bird licenses, in addition to game animal-specific tags such as bear, cougar, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep tags, among others. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that they possess the proper licenses and tags for the game animal they plan to hunt.

Sports Pac

Sports pacs offer outdoorsman a variety of hunting and angling privileges including fishing, shellfish, and hunting licenses. They sports pac include a combined angling tag, spring turkey, cougar, general or controlled bear tag, elk, and deer tags in addition to upland bird and waterfowl validations. They’re a popular option for hunters and anglers who participate frequently in both sports and would benefit from obtaining a variety of license and tags types with a single purchase.

GAME SPECIES

There are a variety of game species to hunt in the state of Oregon. Some of the state’s game species include: 

• Big game including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, cougar, and turkey. 
• Small game including pheasant, pigeon, grouse, partridge, and quail. 
• Waterfowl and other migratory game birds including ducks, geese, and dove.
• Furbearers including bobcat, river otter, fox, and raccoon, among others. 

NON-GAME SPECIES

Nongame species in Oregon make up a majority of the state’s wildlife and include mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates which typically may not be hunted, are considered a nuisance or are protected, endangered, or at risk. There is, unfortunately, a lengthy list of endangered, protected, and threatened species within the state. For more information on nongame, and endangered species within the state visit the US Fish and Wildlife Service website. 

INVASIVE SPECIES

Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced to the United States, including the State of Oregon, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish, and invertebrates typically have no natural predators which can result in rapid spread and population growth. This in turn can seriously harm the state’s lands and waters, and can be detrimental to the health and population numbers of a variety of the state’s native plants and animals. Some common invasive species in Oregon include Asian carp, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, Chinese mitten crab, and feral swine, among others. 

In order to protect Oregon’s native plants and animals, invasive species must be controlled and eradicated. Anyone who encounters or suspects that they have encountered an invasive species within the state is encouraged to report the sighting so that it can be monitored and controlled. For information on how to report various types of invasive species in Oregon visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. 

PRIVATE LAND

About 50% of the land in Oregon is privately owned. Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner. Hunters must ensure they respect the rights and property of the landowner at all times. 

PUBLIC LAND

Public land within the state of Oregon is abundant – in fact, more than 50% of the land within the state if publically owned. Some of these spaces include Wildlife Management Areas, Conservation Areas, and state parks and forests, among others. Many of these lands are open to public hunting and offer a wide variety of opportunities to anyone hunting within the state.

Public lands within the state also encompass a variety of different habitats and ecosystems resulting in a wide variety of game species and opportunities for hunters. 

Hunters taking game within state-managed lands should note that special regulations may apply within these areas, including take method restrictions or additional required permits. Hunters should note that regulations that apply within the area they plan to hunt, and abide by these regulations at all times. For more information on public land in the state of Oregon, visit the MyODFW website. 

Hunting in Oregon’s Wildlife Management Areas

There are 20 wildlife areas across the State of Oregon that are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. These areas offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and are managed for conservation purposes, fish and wildlife resource management, and are open to the public multiple outdoor recreational opportunities including hunting, angling, ATVing, wildlife watching and bird watching, among others.  

Wildlife Area Regulations

Hunters who plan to take game within Wildlife Areas should keep in mind that specific regulations may apply. Hunters are responsible for knowing and understanding the regulations that apply to them when hunting on state-managed lands. Some of these regulations may include:

• Camping restrictions
• Parking permit requirements
• Firearm restrictions
• Take method restrictions
• Motorized vehicle and recreational vehicle restrictions