Oregon Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Permits & Wildlife Units
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Pacific Northwest? Oregon’s diverse landscape offers some of the most rewarding hunting opportunities in the country, from blacktail deer in coastal forests to rocky mountain elk in eastern wilderness areas. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Oregon’s 2025-2026 game calendar.
We’ll walk through specific dates for each species, licensing requirements, controlled hunt information, and the wildlife management units where you can pursue your quarry. Both Oregon residents and out-of-state visitors will find valuable details to help plan successful trips throughout the upcoming seasons.
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) manages some of the most liberal and diverse hunting opportunities on the West Coast, so let’s dive into what’s available for the 2025-2026 period.
📅 Quick Reference: Major Species Overview
Here’s a snapshot of the primary hunting seasons you’ll want to mark on your calendar:
Big Game Seasons:
- Black Bear: August 1 – December 31 (statewide)
- Western Oregon Deer (Any Legal Weapon): October 4 – November 7
- Western Oregon Archery Deer: August 30 – September 28
- West Cascade Elk: November 8-14
- Rocky Mountain Elk (Second Season): November 8-16
- Cougar: January 1 – December 31 (year-round)
Game Birds & Waterfowl:
- Ducks & Mergansers (Zone 1): October 11-26 & October 30 – January 25, 2026
- Canada Geese: September season plus fall/winter dates
- Turkey (Spring): April 15 – May 31, 2025
- Upland Birds: Various dates from September through January
Youth Opportunities: Special early seasons and extended dates available for hunters ages 12-17 with proper licensing.
🦌 Big Game Hunting Calendar
Oregon’s big game opportunities center around two main approaches: general seasons with over-the-counter tags, and controlled hunts requiring advance applications. Here’s what you need to know for each major species.
Deer Hunting Schedules
| Season Type | Dates | Area | Tag Required | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Oregon Any Legal Weapon | Oct 4 – Nov 7 | West of Cascades | General Western Oregon Tag | Oct 3 |
| Western Oregon Archery | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | West of Cascades | General Archery Western Oregon | Aug 29 |
| Eastern Oregon Archery | Various Controlled Hunts | East of Cascades | Controlled Hunt Tags | May 15 |
Western Oregon’s general deer seasons offer excellent opportunities for blacktail deer, while eastern Oregon operates primarily through controlled hunts for mule deer. The archery season provides an early opportunity before the any-legal-weapon period begins.
Elk Hunting Opportunities
| Hunt Type | Dates | Coverage Area | Tag Type | Sale Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Cascade Any Legal Weapon | Nov 8-14 | Cascade Range | General West Cascade | Nov 7 |
| Rocky Mountain Second Season | Nov 8-16 | Eastern Oregon | General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain | Nov 7 |
| Coast Bull Elk First Season | Nov 15-18 | Coastal Areas | General Western Oregon Coast First | Nov 14 |
| Coast Bull Elk Second Season | Nov 22-28 | Coastal Areas | General Western Oregon Coast Second | Nov 21 |
| Western/Eastern Archery | Aug 30 – Sep 28 | Various Units | General Archery Season | Aug 29 |
Elk hunting in Oregon provides diverse terrain options, from the dense coastal forests to high desert country. Note that some eastern Oregon units have moved to controlled-only status for archery elk, so check the current regulations for specific unit availability.
Bear and Cougar Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Area Coverage | Tag Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear | Aug 1 – Dec 31 | Statewide | General Season Fall Tag |
| Black Bear (Additional) | Aug 1 – Dec 31 | Statewide | Additional General Season Fall Tag |
| Cougar | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Statewide | General Season Tag |
| Cougar (Additional) | Jan 1 – Dec 31 | Statewide | Additional General Season Tag |
Both bear and cougar offer year-round or extended season opportunities, with tag sales deadlines typically falling on October 3rd for fall seasons.
🦃 Turkey Hunting Schedule
Turkey hunting in Oregon provides both spring and fall opportunities across different regions of the state.
| Season Period | Dates | Area | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Season | April 15 – May 31 | Statewide | Most popular season |
| Fall Season | September – January | Eastern Oregon | Specific units vary |
| Youth Hunts | Special early dates | Various units | Ages 12-17 only |
Spring turkey season coincides with peak gobbling activity, making it the preferred time for most hunters. Fall seasons in eastern Oregon often align with deer and elk seasons, allowing combination hunts. Unlike some neighboring states like Colorado, Oregon’s turkey opportunities are quite liberal with good statewide distribution.
🦝 Furbearer and Predator Opportunities
Oregon offers extensive furbearer trapping and hunting seasons, with some species available year-round.
| Species | Season Dates | Method | License Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Hunting/Trapping | Hunting License |
| Bobcat | Nov 15 – Feb 28 | Trapping | Trapping License + Tag |
| Raccoon | Oct 15 – Feb 28 | Hunting/Trapping | Hunting License |
| Gray Fox | Oct 15 – Feb 28 | Hunting/Trapping | Hunting License |
| Red Fox | Oct 15 – Feb 28 | Hunting/Trapping | Hunting License |
Most furbearer seasons run through winter months when pelt quality peaks. Coyote hunting remains unrestricted year-round as a predator management tool.
🐦 Small Game and Upland Birds
Small game hunting provides excellent opportunities for beginners and experienced hunters alike, with liberal bag limits and accessible locations.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Oct 30 (Zone 2) | 15 | Migratory Bird Stamp |
| California Quail | Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026 | 10 | None |
| Mountain Quail | Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026 | 5 | None |
| Chukar Partridge | Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026 | 6 | None |
| Hungarian Partridge | Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026 | 6 | None |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sep 1 – Mar 15, 2026 | 5 | None |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sep 1 – Mar 15, 2026 | 5 | None |
| Gray Squirrel | Sep 1 – Nov 15 | 4 | Western units only |
Upland bird seasons generally open in October and run through January, providing months of opportunity across diverse habitat types.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Oregon’s waterfowl hunting ranks among the best on the Pacific Flyway, with liberal seasons and excellent habitat diversity.
Duck and Merganser Seasons
| Zone | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Special Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Oct 11-26 & Oct 30 – Jan 25, 2026 | 7 total | 3 pintail max (NEW LIMIT) |
| Zone 1 Scaup | Nov 1 – Jan 25, 2026 | Part of 7 duck limit | Scaup-specific dates |
| Zone 2 | Oct 11 – Nov 30 & Dec 4 – Jan 25, 2026 | 7 total | 3 pintail max |
| Zone 2 Scaup | Oct 11 – Nov 30 & Dec 4 – Jan 7, 2026 | Part of 7 duck limit | Earlier closing |
NEW FOR 2025-26: The pintail daily bag limit has increased to three birds (up from one), thanks to improved population assessments and new federal harvest strategies.
Goose Hunting Opportunities
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Goose (Early) | September dates | 2-3 depending on zone | Specific management areas |
| Canada Goose (Regular) | Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026 | 3 | Most areas statewide |
| White-fronted Goose | Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026 | 2 | Statewide |
| Snow/Ross Goose | Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026 | 10 | No bag limit some areas |
Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16 | 8 | Excellent action early season |
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16 | 8 | Same as common snipe |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Sep 15 – Sep 30 | 2 | Short season, specific areas |
| American Coot | Oct 11 – Jan 25, 2026 | 25 | Part of waterfowl seasons |
All waterfowl hunters must possess a valid Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp) plus state waterfowl stamp.
🐗 Specialty and Uncommon Game Species
Oregon offers hunting opportunities for several less common species that provide unique experiences.
| Species | Season Information | License Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Gray Squirrel | Sep 1 – Nov 15 (most areas) | Hunting License | Western Oregon only |
| Sandhill Crane | Controlled hunt only | Special permit required | Limited opportunity |
| Crow | Year-round | Hunting License | No bag limit |
| Ground Squirrel | Year-round | Hunting License | Pest species |
| Porcupine | Year-round | Hunting License | No closed season |
These specialty seasons often provide action when other opportunities are closed, and some species like crow and ground squirrels can be hunted year-round.
🗺️ Understanding Oregon’s Wildlife Management Units
Oregon divides the state into numbered wildlife management units that determine where specific seasons apply. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for legal hunting.
Key Resources:
- Official Unit Map: Available through ODFW website and licensing agents
- Mobile Apps: ODFW mobile app includes GPS-enabled unit boundaries
- Physical Maps: Available at sporting goods stores and ODFW offices
Important Considerations:
- Public vs. Private Land: Many units contain mixed ownership requiring permission for private property access
- Road Access: Some eastern Oregon units require high-clearance vehicles or hiking
- Elevation Changes: Mountain units may have weather-related access issues
The unit system allows ODFW to manage harvest levels and wildlife populations with precision while providing hunters clear boundaries for legal compliance.
🎟️ Licenses, Tags, and Permit Details
Understanding Oregon’s licensing structure helps ensure you have proper documentation before heading afield.
Basic License Fees (2025-2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Youth (12-17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting | $34.50 | $172.00 | $10.00 |
| Sports Pac (Hunt/Fish/Shellfish) | $87.00 | N/A | $55.00 |
| Combination (Hunt & Fish) | $73.00 | N/A | $10.00 |
| 3-Day Non-Resident | N/A | $65.00 | N/A |
Species-Specific Tags
| Tag Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Deer | $33.00 | $443.50 | Day before season |
| General Elk | $68.50 | $686.50 | Day before season |
| General Bear | $28.50 | $274.50 | October 3 |
| Turkey Tag | $25.50 | $94.50 | Day before season |
| Cougar Tag | $28.50 | $274.50 | October 3 |
Additional Endorsements and Stamps
| Requirement | Fee | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Migratory Bird Stamp (Federal) | $25.00 | All waterfowl/dove hunters |
| Oregon Waterfowl Stamp | $10.00 | All waterfowl hunters |
| Archery Endorsement | $19.00 | Archery hunters during archery-only seasons |
| Habitat Stamp | $10.00 | Upland bird hunters on certain areas |
Military and Special Discounts
- Active Military (Oregon Residents): 50% discount on licenses
- Active Military (Non-Residents): Reduced-rate uniformed services licenses available
- Disabled Veterans: Special reduced-rate licensing options
- Youth Programs: Additional discounts for organized youth hunts
License purchases can be made online through ODFW’s website, at any licensing agent location, or at ODFW offices statewide. Remember that hunting licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31, and you can purchase next year’s license starting December 1.
❓ Oregon Hunting Quick FAQ
Q: When do I need to apply for controlled hunt tags?
A: The application deadline for most controlled hunts is May 15 each year, with results announced by June 12. Spring bear hunts have an earlier deadline of February 10.
Q: Can non-residents hunt the same areas as residents?
A: Yes, but some controlled hunts have separate drawings for residents and non-residents, and tag fees are significantly higher for out-of-state hunters.
Q: Do I need hunter education to hunt in Oregon?
A: Yes, all hunters born after January 1, 1975, must complete hunter education before purchasing licenses. Out-of-state certification is accepted if it meets minimum standards.
Q: Can I hunt on private land without permission?
A: No, you must have written permission from landowners to hunt private property. This includes ranch land, timber company property, and residential areas.
Q: Are there opportunities for disabled hunters?
A: Oregon offers special seasons, extended seasons, and modified hunting methods for hunters with disabilities. Contact ODFW for specific accommodation options.
Q: What’s the difference between general and controlled seasons?
A: General seasons have over-the-counter tags available to anyone with a hunting license, while controlled hunts require advance applications and are awarded through drawings due to limited capacity.
Q: Can I use a crossbow during archery seasons?
A: Only hunters with specific disabilities documented by ODFW may use crossbows during archery-only seasons. Otherwise, crossbows are legal during any-legal-weapon seasons.
🔗 Essential Resources and Related Information
Official Oregon Resources:
- Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife: myodfw.com
- eRegulations Online: eregulations.com/oregon
- License Purchase: myodfw.com/articles/how-buy-license-or-tag
- Controlled Hunt Applications: myodfw.com/articles/how-apply-controlled-hunt
Planning Your Hunt:
- Weather and road conditions significantly impact hunting success, especially in eastern Oregon’s high country
- Consider scouting trips before seasons open to identify access routes and game sign
- Many eastern Oregon units offer better success rates but require more planning and physical preparation
- If you’re traveling from neighboring states, you might want to compare opportunities with places like Idaho for multi-state hunting trips
Hunter Safety Reminders:
- Always inform someone of your hunting plans and expected return
- Carry emergency communication devices in remote areas
- Check fire restrictions, especially during dry summer and fall periods
- Be aware of other hunters during popular seasons like opening weekend of deer season
Conclusion
Oregon’s 2025-2026 hunting seasons offer incredible diversity for hunters of all experience levels and interests. From the coastal rainforests where Roosevelt elk roam to the high desert country of eastern Oregon where mule deer and pronghorn thrive, the state provides opportunities that rival anywhere in North America.
The key to success lies in understanding the season structure, getting proper licensing in advance, and matching your hunting style to the right opportunity. Whether you prefer the challenge of controlled hunts with lower hunter numbers or the accessibility of general seasons, Oregon delivers.
Remember that hunting regulations can change, so always verify current information through official ODFW sources before heading afield. Purchase your licenses and tags early, especially for popular seasons, and consider applying for controlled hunts to access some of the state’s premier hunting areas.
Most importantly, hunt safely, ethically, and within the bounds of Oregon’s fish and wildlife laws. The privilege of hunting these incredible landscapes comes with the responsibility to conserve them for future generations.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as ODFW releases new information throughout the year. Here’s to a successful and memorable 2025-2026 hunting season in Oregon!
