Hunting | Things to do on the Oregon Coast
Oregon hunting season is a thrill for residents and non-residents alike. Oregon has some of the best hunting you can find and a variety of game animals to bag. Like all states, Oregon hunting season is regulated. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife designates when different animals can be hunted in what areas and what kinds of weapons can be used. Oregon hunting season regulations are designed for a number of reasons including but not limited to species protection and conservation, safety precautions and fair advantage for different weapons. For example, bow-hunting season is before most other hunting seasons because other firearms are more effective. Archery hunting is thus given it’s own season where there is no competition with other firearms.
Oregon Deer Hunting
Oregon deer hunting is a popular activity. Deer are the most popular big game for hunting in Oregon because they can be hunted by sportsmen of a broad range of skill levels and are plentiful throughout the state. There are two species of deer in Oregon, the whitetail and the mule deer. General seasons for Oregon deer hunting are from the end of September to the beginning of November with some variations. Controlled Oregon deer hunting series are numerous, however, and some extend into December. It’s important to apply for controlled Oregon deer hunting tags within the appropriate window as they are given in a lottery.
Oregon deer hunting requires a hunting license and a tag for each deer taken. The number of tags allotted to each hunter is strictly governed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are numerous rules and regulations when it comes to obtaining the proper licenses and tags for Oregon deer hunting. More specific information is available form the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Big game tags must be with you on your hunt to avoid fines and penalties.
Oregon Elk Hunting
Oregon elk hunting presents a proper challenge for sportsmen of all skill levels. Even the most experienced hunters often find Oregon elk hunting difficult and rewarding. Elk are particularly cunning prey and are not easily taken. They do not wait even a moment when they are startled, unlike many deer, and they flee immediately upon being spooked. Like all big game hunting, Oregon elk hunting requires a hunting license and proper tags. General Oregon elk hunting season starts at the end of October and runs to the end of November depending on location and type of elk hunting. Bag limits apply, and the type of firearm you use is strictly regulated by law.
There are many controlled Oregon elk hunting series as well in a variety of different areas and under many different names. Controlled Oregon elk hunting tags are allotted through a lottery drawing. If you participate in a controlled Oregon elk hunting trip with a guide, outfitter or hunting group, you must list the leader’s hunting license number on your application or your tag may be separated from the group and may not be awarded. If you have any questions about Oregon elk hunting, you can contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or talk to an experienced Oregon hunting guide or outfitter. Non-residents and beginning hunters can get a lot of value out of hiring a guide or outfitter to lead their Oregon elk hunting trip.
Oregon Bird Hunting
There is great variety available in Oregon bird hunting. Upland game birds and waterfowl are the most prized birds, and they are plentiful in Oregon. Oregon bird hunting requires a valid hunting license, and depending on what type of Oregon bird hunting you are planning, you may need to purchase a stamp, permit or tag. Oregon bird hunting includes but is not limited to pheasant, quail, chukar, grouse, band-tailed pigeon mourning dove, duck, coot, snipe, crow and wild turkey. Hunting wild turkey has it’s own regulations and license requirements. Practically all Oregon bird hunting with the exception of sage grouse, wild turkey and band-tailed pigeon hunting requires participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP). The Harvest Information Program requires you to provide information about your hunting take from the previous season when you obtain your hunting license for the new season. This provides valuable information for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife about Oregon bird hunting patterns and helps control the population appropriately. When you apply for your license, you will also be asked what type of Oregon bird hunting you plan on doing for the season. At that time, you will have to pay for and receive the appropriate stamps and validations on your license. Oregon bird hunting fees are a fraction of the cost of big game hunting fees for obvious reasons.
Oregon Duck Hunting
Oregon duck hunting also requires a valid hunting license and duck stamp and is subject to bag limitations. As with game bird hunting in Oregon, there are field dressing regulations you should be aware of. When Oregon duck hunting, it’s important to leave the head and one wing attached to the waterfowl so that law enforcement officials can accurately determine the sex and species of your take. If they can’t make a determination, you may be fined even if you didn’t take the wrong bird. There are numerous other regulations pertaining to Oregon duck hunting that are detailed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. It’s important that you are familiar with all of these regulations or that you are hunting with an Oregon duck hunting guide or outfitter who is well-versed so that you avoid fines and other penalties that come with breaking these laws.
All Oregon hunting on public lands whether it’s for big game, upland birds, waterfowl or any other quarry is subject to licensing rules and regulations and season restrictions. It’s the responsibility of all hunters to make sure they are operating within the law and have made the appropriate preparations for their hunting trip. Oregon hunting is a great way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and forestation the state has to offer, but it must be done so responsibly.