Oregon is common for its forested area, cloudy weather, and wide range of big game animals like bears, cougars, elks, pronghorn, deer, etc. There are also varieties of small games to take in the state.

Oregon Hunting Regulation

Like other states in the USA, hunting in Oregon is highly regulated to make sure that wildlife does not go into extinction soon. There are many laws and regulations provided in the state, and it is important that hunters stick to them. Some of these regulations include the following:

Use of Lead Projectiles to Take Wildlife

The Oregon Fish and Game commission prohibits the use of lead projectiles or any ammunition that contains such, for the taking of games and wildlife in the state.

According to this regulation:

• A projectile is described as shots, pellets, bullets, slugs, or any other device released with force from a firearm.
• Non-lead ammunition is any form of centerfire, muzzleloading, or shotgun ammunition that contains projectiles.

This regulation also states that it is a prohibition for non-lead projectiles to weigh more than a percent of lead.

Shooting Time

This regulation states that when the Oregon Game and Fish Commission provides a shooting period for the hunting of certain games and times, it is specific to the hunter’s location. This implies that sunrise and sunset references depend on the hunter’s location.

Pursuing Games and Wildlife with Vehicles

It is unlawful to chase, herd or pursue wildlife and games with any type of motor vehicle, regardless of if it is a land vehicle, motorboat, aircraft, or snowmobile. This law also prohibits hunters from using a motorized vehicle, aircraft, or similar flying devices to find or assist in the finding of games and wildlife within a duration of 48 hours prior to and after hunting a big game in an area.

Exceptions to this law are made for an airboat, sailboat, or motorboat that has been turned off and is only being propelled with a paddle or rests at anchor.

There is also an exception for the use of these vehicles by the owner of land or a tenant in a private property to pursue wildlife and games in a bid to prevent them from causing damages.

You can be exempted from making use of vehicles to hunt if you get a license from Oregon Fish and Game Commission.

Harassment of Animals

It is unlawful to harass games or pursue wildlife and games while hunting in Oregon. Harassment in this regulation is a deliberate act to alter the activities of games and wildlife such as eating, breeding, and housings. An exception to this regulation is made for landowners or tenants of a private property that pursues wildlife to prevent any kind of damage on the property.

Feeding Big Animals

It is a prohibition to feed big game or mammals in Oregon, with exceptions for hunters that have permits from Oregon Fish and Game Commission.

Possession of Big Games, Mammals, and Furbearers

It is a prohibition to possess or hold a migratory bird past the period of time provided by the game commission in the state. Also, you may not take these games beyond the hunting limit provided.

The possession of mountain lions in Oregon must only be under the regulations of the permit issued by the commission for the taking of such a game.

This regulation also states that all big game, mammals, bird games that are captured by hunting or trapping in Oregon and under the possession of a hunter will be immediately killed and calculated as a portion of the bag limit for that hunting season.

Possession of Bird Games

It is a prohibition for a hunter to possess a bird above the bag limit defined for the bird game. An exception to this regulation is made for storage, transportation, shipping, and cleaning services, where someone can carry and possess birds that are taken lawfully by other hunters in the state.

However, in situations like this, it is compulsory for the games to carry a tag that contains the details of the hunter.

Also, it is compulsory for all birds are taken in Oregon to have their heads and feathered wings in place. An exception to this is made for birds that have been placed in a personal abode or are being prepared for consumption. However, it is compulsory for doves to have their feathered wings attached.

For the possession of migratory birds, the limit allowed is one possession for an individual hunter in Oregon.

Using Remote Computers to Hunt

The Game and Fish Commission in Oregon Prohibits the use of any kind of remote computerized device to hunt in the state.

It is a prohibition to develop a computerized hunting site for the remote hunting of games and wildlife within the state. Computer remote hunting according to this regulation refers to using any type of device or computer that can be controlled remotely. This includes technology, equipment, and software. It also covers hunting equipment like archeries, firearms, and other weapons that can kill games and wildlife remotely.

Taking Games and Wildlife with Baits

It is a prohibition to hunt resident game birds and mammals in the state with bait. The distance provided for this is within 400 yards of the area that is baited. According to this regulation baited area refers to any area where salts, grains, wheat, or any other type of feed have been placed, scattered, or distributed. Such an area will remain a baited area until a period of 10 days when the feed has been completely removed.

Night Hunting in Oregon

In some counties, it is unlawful to hunt within the periods of one and a half hours post-sunset and prior to sunrise.

Hunting with Light

The use of lights for any type of voltage is allowed to hunt fur-bearing game in the state, However, there is a prohibition for the use of light to hunt at night during general season for deer.

Open Carry While Hunting in Oregon.

Oregon does not prohibit the open carry of firearms while hunting in the state.

However, during bow hunting, you can only carry a firearm, but you cannot make use of it.

In this situation, you can only make use of archery equipment.

Oregon Harassment Laws.

Anybody that disturbs a legal hunting activity in the state, without the right to do so, or prevent the lawful taking of wildlife, is guilty of an offense and will face prosecution.

Oregon Hunting License Permits and Tags

License, permits, and tags issued for hunting in Oregon include the following:

Resident Hunting License

This license is only valid for residents of the state, and the age requirement to purchase the license is 16 years old. The license is used for the taking of mammals and bird games in the state and it costs $52.66.

Non-Residents Hunting License Oregon

This license is valid for nonresident hunters that want to take birds and mammals in Oregon. The age limit to apply for the permit is 16 years old and it costs $183.60.

Junior Hunting License

A junior hunting license can be purchased by both residents and non-residents of Oregon. The age limit for this license is 16 years old, and it can be used for the taking of mammals and birds. It costs $14.04.

One Day Non-Resident Hunting License

This is an Oregon non-resident permit that is valid for one day. Holders of this permit can take migratory game boards in Oregon. It costs $25.10.

Two Day Non-Resident Hunting License

Just like the one-day nonresident hunting license, this license is valid for two days and can be used for the taking of migratory game birds, small game. Even though you can use this license to take certain wildlife, some of them may require tags. It costs $52.66.

Disabled Veteran Reduced Free Hunting License

This license is valid for residents and nonresidents that are honorable discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 50%. After veterans qualify for this license for the first time, they will have access to purchase it from anywhere it is being sold in the nation. The price for this license varies. It costs $7.98 in the game commission offices and $8.38 when purchased from licensed agents.

Recovering Serviced Member Reduced Free Hunting License

This license can be purchased by recovering service members, who are members of the US armed forces or national guard that are in the process of recovering from any treatment or illness acquired while in line of duty. When you qualify for this license for the first time, you can then buy it anywhere it is being purchased in the USA. It costs $7.98 in the game commission offices and $8.38 when purchased from licensed agents

Duplicate Hunting License

This is the duplicate license sold to those that lose their original license, and it costs $7.98.

Hunting Tags in Oregon

Hunting tags available in Oregon and their prices include the following

• Bear Tags

It costs $27.82 for junior residents, $51.02 for residents, and $325.40 for nonresident

• Elk Tag

It costs $22.94 for junior residents, $498.65 for resident, and $1,526.60 for nonresident

• Pronghorn Antelope Tag

It costs $22.94 for junior residents, $167.66 for resident, and $513.60 nonresident

Bighorn Sheep Tag

It costs $478.95 for residents, and $1,774.90 for nonresidents.

Aside from these tags, there are others that are only valid for drawing applications in Oregon.

Oregon Fishing License Permits and Tags

Fishing licenses, permits, and tags available in Oregon include the following:

Resident Sport Fishing License

This fishing license can be purchased by only residents of Oregon that are at least 16 years old. It costs $52.66.

Non Resident Sport Fishing License

This is an Oregon out-of-state fishing license for non-residents that are 16 years old or more. It costs $142.02.

Reduced Fee Sport Fishing License for Disabled Veterans

This fishing license is for both residents and non-residents that are honorable discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 50%. After veterans qualify for this license for the first time, they will have access to purchase it from anywhere it is being sold in the nation. The price for this license varies. It costs $7.98 in the game commission offices and $8.38 when purchased from licensed agents.

Reduced Fee Sport Fishing License for Recovering Service Member

This fishing license can be purchased by recovering service members, who are members of the US armed forces or national guard that are in the process of recovering from any treatment or illness acquired while in line of duty. When you qualify for this license for the first time, you can then buy it anywhere it is being purchased in the USA. It costs $7.98 in the game commission offices and $8.38 when purchased from licensed agents.

Reduced Fee Sport Fishing License for Low-Income Earners

Residents of Oregon that are low-income earners and at least 65 years old can purchase this permit. However, there are specific income requirements earned on a yearly basis to qualify for this fishing license. It costs $7.98.

Free Sport Fishing License for Low-Income Americans

This license is available for anyone that is a native of the USA and a resident of Oregon who is not financially capable of purchasing the state sport fishing license. This license is free of charge.

Free Sport Fishing License for Disabled

This fishing license is valid for only those that are mobility impaired, blind, and disabled. The license is free of charge.

One-day Sport Fishing License

This license will only be valid for one day. It is available for both residents and non-residents of the state. It costs $17.02.

Two-day Sport Fishing License

This fishing license allows residents and non-residents in the state to fish for two days consecutively. It costs $26.49.

Ten-day Sport Fishing License

This license is valid for ten days consecutively, and it costs $52.66.

Some licenses are also issued in Oregon based on the species of fish that is to be taken. These types of licenses are called Validation and Report Cards.

Oregon Hunting Season 2020/2021

Oregon offers an abundance of game and wildlife and it is quite an adventurous state for hunting in the USA. The department for fish and wildlife defines the hunting seasons in a year and the bag limits for each specie

The 2020/21 hunting season for various wildlife in Oregon includes the following:

Oregon Deer Hunting Season

• General Season (10th of August to 10th of November)
• Archery Season (11th of July to 27th of September)
• Oregon Cougar Hunting Season
• General Season (1st of January to 31st of December)

Oregon Bear Hunting Season

• Archery Season (15th of August to 6th of September)
• Oregon Pronghorn Hunting Season
• General Season (8th of August to 13th of September)
• Apprentice Hunts Season (22nd of August to 30th of August)

Oregon Elk Season

General Season (25th of July to 1st of November)

Elk hunting season in Oregon is usually between August and November, but there is usually a variation in regions and zones. In some areas, elk hunting is no longer allowed because the military makes use of the land for training.

Oregon Bighorn Hunting Season

• General Season (15th of August to 27th of September and 5th of December to 7th of February)

Bighorn hunting season in Oregon is usually between the months of August and February, but there is usually a variation based on regions and seasons. Some parts of the state have very high altitudes which means that hunters will have to take more precautions.

Oregon Small Games Hunting Season

• Squirrel Hunting Seasons
• Archery Season (1st of August to 11th of September)
• General Season (12th of September to 31st of January)
• Rabbits and Hares Hunting Seasons
• General Season (1st of July to 31st of January)
• Falconry Season (1st of February to 21st of March)
• Jackrabbit (open season)

It is important to note that various areas in a zone can have different start and end dates to a season. Also, there can be a variation for dates in a season based on the method of taking games and wildlife.

Also, regulations and bag limits in Oregon will vary based on hunting season and the game that is being taken.

Oregon Wildlife Game and Fish

Wildlife and games available in Oregon include the following:

Oregon Mountain Lions Hunting

Mountain lions are common in Oregon, their population is high, and they are one of the stable games in the state. They are also referred to as specially protected wildlife. Mountain lions inhabit deserts and humid forested areas of Oregon.

Oregon Cougar Hunting

Cougar hunting in Oregon is well distributed in the state, with more than 6,000 of them available. However, it is a prohibition to take females and kittens.

Oregon Coyote Hunting

Coyotes are another common predator found in Oregon. They are found in almost every part of the state except major cosmopolitans regions.

Oregon Fox Hunting

The species of fox common in Oregon is the red fox. They are well dispersed all over the state as well as other northern parts of America. Foxes are very smart games and are quite challenging games for hunters.

Oregon Wolves Hunting

Initially, wolves have been extinct in Oregon, but in the past few years, they have to return to the state through human dispersal from other states in the USA. Gray wolves are the most common species in the state

Oregon Black Bears Hunting

For Black Bears in Oregon, there are two species. Some national parks in Oregon provide access for the taking of bears. Examples are the sequoia and the Yosemite National Parks.

Oregon Deer Hunting

Mule deer is indigenous to the Northern part of America, including Oregon. These deer get the name from its ears that resemble the mule’s ear.

Oregon Elk Hunting

Elks are one of the largest deer species found in North America and Oregon. They are also a great hunting choice since they are one of the largest mammals in the state.

Oregon Bighorn Sheep Hunting

There are various populations of bighorn sheep in Oregon and they inhabit the snowy heights and arid regions of the state. The two most occurring species of bighorn sheep in the state are desert bighorn and the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep.

Oregon Waterfowl Hunting

To hunt waterfowls in Oregon you must obtain a permit. The issuance of such a permit is by random drawings.

Oregon Wild Pig Hunting

Hunters need both licenses and tags to take wild pigs in the state. The Oregon Game and Fish Department does not define any bag or possession limits for the hunting of wild pigs.

Oregon Rabbit Hunting

Rabbits and hares are some of the most hunted small games in Oregon. The board regulates rabbit hunting with a bag limit of 5 animals and a possession limit of 10 animals.

Oregon Shooting Ranges

Some of the shooting ranges in Oregon include the following:

• Albany Gun Club
• Bill Schultes Sportsman Park
• Albany Rifle and Pistol Club
• Warner Mountain Gun Club
• Siuslaw Rod & Gun Club
• Rainier Rod and Gun Club
• Redmond Rod & Gun Club
• Portland Gun Club
• Newberg Rifle & Pistol Club in Gibbs Community Center
• Josephine County Sportsman’s Association
• Hillsboro Trap & Skeet Club

Oregon Hunting Land for Sale and Lease

Hunting lands for sale in Oregon include the following:

• Record Class: Bull Elk, Bass, Bucks, Bluegills, Pronghorns, Black Angus & Blue Cats! Quemado, New Mexico (Catron County) 18,807 acres.
• Gumz Hunting Club, a 550-acre private hunting club located in Henderson County.
• Hampshire, Tennessee (Lewis County) 281.59 acres.
• Quality deer, quality turkey and exceptional fishing conveniently located in Danville, Illinois (Vermilion County) 105 acres.
• Isolated, deer and turkey hot spot, Farmersburg, Indiana (Sullivan County), 87.5 acres.
• Pheasant Ridge Farm is an exquisite ranch situated in Baker County’s peaceful Eagle Valley, 200 acres.

Hunting lands for lease in Oregon are:

• 2 ponds, clubhouse, LOP ELK and Deer tag lease in Baker County, 400 acres.