Oregon provides different kinds of pursuing chances for everyone, throughout the year. No matter if you’re an experienced outdoors person or a newbie excited to feel the rush of the hunt, knowing Oregon’s outdoor rules is key for a good and secure trip.

This guide offers a thorough rundown for hunting seasons in Oregon for 2024. It gives necessary dates, licensing details, and helpful sources. It targets information for big game hunters, such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Fans of upland birds can learn about times for pheasant, chukar, and quail. Duck, goose, and coot seasons are also described for waterfowl hunters within certain areas. The guide also covers rules for furbearers like bobcat, fox, and marten.

Go through this guide and bear in mind that hunting is a privilege. With this privilege, comes duty. We need to follow ethical practices and make sure that wildlife populations are sustainable. Safety should always be first. Respect for the land is key. When you hunt in Oregon’s gorgeous landscapes, remember these things.

Essential Dates for Oregon Hunting

Big Games

Deer

Western Oregon:

General rifle:
- October 5 – November 8
Western archery:
- August 31 – September 29

Eastern Oregon:

Eastern archery:
- Only through controlled hunts
Sled Springs Eastern Whitetail Deer:
- December 4 – 17
Baker Eastern Whitetail Deer:
- November 20 – December 3

Elk

Western Cascade Elk:

General:
- November 9-15
- Tag: General West Cascade,
- Deadline: Nov 8

General Western Oregon Coast:

Eastern Rocky Mountain Elk:
Second season:
- November 9-17
- Deadline: Nov 8
Western Coast Bull Elk:

First season:
- November 16-19
- Deadline: Nov 15
Second season:
- November 23-29
- Deadline: Nov 22

Western/Eastern Elk (Archery Only):

General Archery:
August 31-September 29
Deadline: Aug 30

Black Bear

General:
- August 1 – December 31
- Fall Tag purchase by October 4
Additional bear extended:
- (August 1 – December 31)

Cougar

General:
- Year-round (January 1 – December 31)
- Tag purchase by October 4
Additional cougar extended
- Year-round season (January 1 – December 31)

Bighorn Sheep

Controlled Hunts/ Any legal weapon
- California Bighorn Sheep:
  - August 15 – November 26
- Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep:
  - August 15 – October 31

Mountain Goat

Controlled Hunts
- August 1 – October 31

Mountain Lion

General
- Hunting allowed year-round
- (January 1 – December 31)

Turkey

Fall:
- General:
  - October 14 – November 30 (limit 1 turkey),
  - December 1 – January 31
- Private Land:
  - September 1 – November 30 (limit 1 turkey),
  - December 1 – January 31
- Western:
  - September 1 – January 31 (limit 2 turkeys)

Spring:
- General:
  - April 15 – May 31 (limit 1 bearded turkey)
- Youth:
  - April 13-14 (limit 1 bearded turkey)

Small & Upland Games

Squirrel

Western Gray Squirrel:

Western Oregon (excluding Rogue River area): September 1 – November 15
White River, Hood, Paulina, Metolius, Upper Deschutes Units: September 15 – October 31

Grouse

Ruffed & Blue Grouse:
September 1 – January 31
3 of each species
Controlled Sage-grouse:
September 9-17
Limit of 2

Chukar & Hungarian Partridge

14 – January 31, 2024
Limit of 8

Pheasant

General:
- Rooster Pheasant:
  - October 14 – December 31, 2023

Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts:
- Denman Wildlife Area:
  - Sept 18 – Oct 6
- EE Wilson Wildlife Area:
  - Sept 25 – Oct 31
- Fern Ridge Wildlife Area:
  - Sept 11 – Oct 8
- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area:
  - Sept 18 – Oct 1

Quail

Eastern:
- October 14 – January 31, 2024
- Max 2 mountain quail
California & Mountain Quail:
September 1 – January 31, 2024

Note : Limit of 10 for all Quail

Migratory and Waterfowls

Dove

Mourning Dove:

Zone 1:
- September 1 – September 30
- November 15 – December 14
- Birds each
Zone 2:
- September 1 – October 30
- 15 birds

Band-tailed Pigeon:
- September 15 – September
- 2 birds

Crow

October 1 – January 31, 2024
No Limits

Snipe

Zone 1:
- November 4 – February 18
Zone 2:
- October 14 – January 28

Ducks (including Mergansers)

Zone 1:
- Split season:
- October 14-29
- November 2-January 28
Zone 2:
- Split season: October 14-December 3
- December 7-January 28
Scaup (Zone 1 only):
- November 4-January 28
Scaup (Zone 2 only):
- October 14-December 3
- December 7-January 10

Coots

Follow duck season dates for respective zones (Zone 1 & 2)

Goose

Branta Geese

November 25 – December 10

Canada Geese

Early Season:
- Northwest Permit only:
  - September 9-17
- All other areas:
  - September 9-13

Regular:
- Northwest Permit:
  - October 21-29,
  - November 18-January 12,
  - February 10-March 10
- Southwest:
  - October 14-29,
  - November 7-January 28
- South Coast:
  - October 7-December 10,
  - December 23-January 14,
  - February 24-March 10
- High Desert & Blue Mountains:
  - October 14-December 3,
  - December 12-January 28
- Mid-Columbia:
  - October 14-29,
  - November 7-January 28

White-fronted Geese:

Northwest Permit:
- October 21-29,
- November 18-January 12,
- February 10-March 10
Southwest:
- October 14-29,
- November 7-January 28
High Desert & Blue Mountains:
- October 14-December 3,
- January 17-March 10
Mid-Columbia:
- November 7-January 28

Furbearer

Open Season Entire Year

Coyote
Badger
Nutria
Opossum
Porcupine
Spotted Skunk
Striped Skunk
Weasel

Closed Season Entire Year

Fisher
Ringtail
Wolverine
Kit Fox
Canada Lynx
Sea Otter

Marten

November 1 – January 31

Muskrat & Mink

November 1 – March 31

River Otter

November 15 – March 15

Beaver

November 15 – March 15

Bobcat (Western & Eastern)

Pursuit:
September 1 – February 28
Harvest:
December 1 – February 28

Gray Fox & Red Fox

October 15 – February 28

OR Hunting Regulations Summary: A Quick Reference

General Regulations

When can you hunt? You may start 30 minutes before sunrise and continue up until 30 minutes after sunset.
What’s Not Allowed: It’s a no-go to hunt from motor vehicles or aircraft, and using fake lights is banned (raccoon, bobcat, opossum excluded). Also, hunting with dogs isn’t permissible (western gray squirrel is an exception), and traps, snares, or poison for game animals is forbidden.
CWD Safety Measures: Make sure to wear gloves, debone the meat, and don’t eat animals that tested positive (deer, elk, moose) for safety.
Tag & Report: Remember to tag and report any game you catch (even unsuccessful attempts).
Rules on Trespass & Restricted Zones: If it’s private land, get permission; hunting is not allowed in refuge areas, towns, parks, burial grounds, or educational spaces.

Small Game Regulations

You only need a hunting license (no extra tags or permits).
This applies to Western Gray Squirrels, unprotected mammals, and furbearers. The season for Western Gray Squirrels varies, except for a section of Unit 30.
Unprotected mammals like coyotes, rabbits, and ground squirrels don’t have limits or specific seasons.

Feral Pigs

As for Feral Pigs, you can hunt them all year on public land with a license.
If you’re hunting on private land, you won’t need a license, but you will need the landowner’s permission.

Furbearer Regulations

For folks trapping for the first time, unless it’s on your own land or you’re an authorized agent, you’ll need Trapper Education.
You’ll also require a Furtaker’s or Hunting License if you’re aiming for Furbearers.
Don’t forget to report yearly, you’ve got until April 15.
There are specific seasons for hunting different animals – bobcat, fox, and raccoon have theirs, as do many furbearers, although a few are off-limits at certain times.
Let’s explain some terms:
- Furbearers are animals like the beaver, bobcat, fisher, marten, mink, muskrat, river otter, raccoon, and red or gray fox. Their fur is commercially attractive.
- Unprotected mammals can be hunted any time of year with a license, although regulations exist.
- Predatory animals include critters like the coyote, rabbits, and rodents; you can hunt them without limits on season or bag size.
- Protected species need licenses or permits.
Feral swine land under predatory animals. They can be hunted on public land all year round (license needed) and on private land with the owner’s go-ahead (no license needed). There are no restrictions on season, bag size, or weapon type.

Youth Game Regulation

Licensing:
- Ages 12-17 require a Combo License/Youth Sports Pac. This includes hunting, controlled hunt drawing, and preference points.
- Ages 11 and below require no license, they can hunt small prey and certain wildlife.
- Ages 9-11 can register for preference point assistance.
Hunter Education: Folks who are 17 or under need Hunter Education (exceptions apply).
Youth Specific Regulations:
- Big game is off the table for those 11 and under, with the Mentored Youth Program exception.
- Kids 13 and under need a person aged 21 or more, unless pursuing on family land.
Controlled Hunts:
- Youths aged 12-17 may join Youth Controlled Hunts.
- Youths aged 9-11 can register for point saver programs.
Special Hunts: Youths aged 12-17 may join Youth Controlled Hunts. Youths aged 9-11 can register for point saver programs.
First-Time Youth Hunt Program: Deer/elk tags are assured for local young people aged 12-17 who are first-time unsuccessful in the controlled hunt draw.
Mentored Youth Hunter Program: Allows youngsters aged 9-15 to hunt under a licensed adult’s watch, no Hunter Education needed.

Legal Hunting Weapons

Centerfire Guns: Rules around size, magazine size, bullet styles, and accessories.
Shotguns: OK for hunting animals(even those with rifled barrels).
Bows: Just recurve, long, or compound bows are allowed.
Rules for the arrowhead (no barbs, has to be a certain width).
We have certain rules about the minimum force needed to use the bow.
Muzzleloaders: There are rules during muzzleloader-only season (accessories, propellants, bullet types). Any start type/accessory/propellant/bullet is OK during any legal weapon/western gray squirrel seasons (must meet size rules).
Specific Rules for Certain Species: Different size/force requirements for different game.
Extra Weapon Rules: Might be used for certain controlled hunts or special places.

Oregon Hunting License and Tag Fee Table (Summary)

Category	Resident	Non-Resident
Licenses
Basic	$34.50	$172.00
Sports Pac (combo)	$196.50	N/A
Youth Combination	$10.00	N/A
Youth Sports Pac	$55.00	N/A
Senior	$22.00	N/A
Senior Combo (H & F)	$47.50	N/A
Pioneer Combo (H & F) (Columbia River)	$6.00	N/A
Active Duty Military	$17.00	$34.50
Disabled Veteran Combo (H & F)	FREE	N/A
Tags (price varies by species)
Deer	$28.50	$443.50
Elk	$49.50	$588.00
Bighorn Sheep	$142.00	$1,513.50
Pronghorn Antelope	$51.50	$395.50
Rocky Mountain Goat	$142.00	$1,513.50
Other Permits
Controlled Hunt Application	$8.00
Waterway Access Permit (non-motorized boats 10ft+)	$7.00/week, $19.00/year
Aquatic Invasive Species Permit (out-of-state motorized boats)	N/A	$22.00

Note: Licenses and tags are typically cheaper for locals versus outsiders. The Sports Pac, for example, is an exclusive offer for residents where multiple licenses, tags, and validations are bundled together. Great news for younger folks, seniors, and active military members and disabled veterans – you can get discounts or even score free licenses and tags. Remember, additional fees pop up when you apply for controlled hunts, and you might need permits for some activities – boats for instance. You can find the full rundown plus any exclusions on the Oregon eRegulations website.

Top Oregon Locations by Species

Oregon is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its multitude of environments and teeming wildlife invite thrilling adventures. The high Cascade Mountains and the rich woodlands of the Coast Range beckon varied game prospects. Let’s explore some favorite spots in Oregon, sorted by location and target:

Big Game

Roosevelt Elk: You’ll find lots of these in Eastern Oregon, especially in places like the Wallowa Mountains and Deschutes National Forest. The Grande Ronde Valley and Wenaha Wildlife Management Area are famous for elks.
Mule Deer: For mule deers, head to Eastern Oregon’s desert regions. The Ochoco National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands are prime spots. Other good regions are Umpqua National Forest and Rogue River Valley.
Black Bear: They’re all over Oregon! The Cascade Mountains have a lot. Also, check out Wenaha Wildlife Management Area, Malheur National Forest, and the Rogue River Basin for black bear hunting.
Rocky Mountain Goat & Bighorn Sheep: These impressive creatures live in the rough parts of the Wallowa Mountains and Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon. It’s important, though, to get controlled hunt tags because there aren’t a lot of them.

Waterfowl

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge: A large, crucial spot in southeast Oregon for waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans.
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area: Just by Portland, perfect for waterfowls, filled with a mix of wetlands.
Lower Columbia River: Includes Pillar Point, Blind Slough, vital for bird migrations during hunting seasons.

Upland Bird

Eastern Oregon: In Eastern Oregon, there’s a lot of pheasant opportunities. Fields and farms are their favorite spots, especially in places like the Willamette Valley and Klamath Basin. And if you’re into Chukar hunting, you should check out the rocky canyons and terrain filled with sagebrush.
Western Oregon: That’s where you’ll want to be for forest grouse. The Coast Range is top-notch for finding blue grouse and ruffed grouse.
California Quail: Lastly, if California quail is more your sort, the dry hills and valleys, particularly in the Klamath Basin and Rogue River Valley, will not disappoint.

Author
Recent Posts

Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

Oregon Hunting Synopsis: 2024 Season Dates & Rules