Oregon Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Oregon

Oregon is noted for its dense forests, overcast weather, and abundance of large game creatures such as bears, cougars, elk, pronghorn, and deer. The state also has a variety of mini games to play.

Hunting regulations in Oregon

Hunting in Oregon, like in other states in the United States, is strictly restricted to ensure that wildlife does not become extinct very soon. The state has several laws and regulations in place, and it is critical that hunters follow them. Among these regulations are the following:

Using Lead Projectiles to Capture Wildlife

The Oregon Fish and Game Commission forbids the use of lead projectiles or ammunition containing lead projectiles for game and wildlife hunting in the state.

This regulation states that:

• Shots, pellets, bullets, slugs, or any other item fired with force from a firearm are examples of projectiles.
• Non-lead ammunition includes any type of projectile-loaded centerfire, muzzleloading, or shotgun ammo.

This regulation also stipulates that it is illegal for non-lead missiles to have more than 1% lead.

It’s shooting time!

According to this regulation, when the Oregon Game and Fish Commission offers a shooting period for hunting specified games and times, it is specific to the hunter’s area. This means that allusions to sunrise and sunset are dependent on the hunter’s location.

Vehicles are used to pursue games and wildlife.

It is illegal to follow, herd, or pursue wildlife and games with any sort of motor vehicle, including land vehicles, motorboats, aircraft, and snowmobiles. This legislation also prohibits hunters from utilizing a motorized vehicle, aircraft, or similar flying devices to locate or assist in the location of games and wildlife within 48 hours of hunting a large game in an area.

This regulation makes an exception for an airboat, sailboat, or motorboat that has been switched off and is only driven by a paddle or rests at anchor.

There is also an exception for the use of these vehicles by a landowner or a renter on a private property to pursue wildlife and games to keep them from causing damage.

If you obtain a license from the Oregon Fish and Game Commission, you may be excluded from using automobiles to hunt.

Animal exploitation

While hunting in Oregon, it is illegal to harass or chase wildlife and game. Harassment under this legislation is defined as a purposeful act to disrupt game and wildlife behaviors such as eating, breeding, and dwelling. This legislation is exempt for landowners or renters of private property who hunt wildlife to prevent harm to the property.

Providing food for large animals

It is illegal in Oregon to feed big game or mammals, with the exception of hunters with permits from the Oregon Fish and Game Commission.

Possession of large animals, mammals, and furbearers

It is illegal to acquire or keep a migratory bird after the time limit set by the state’s game commission. You may also not take these games beyond the hunting limit.

Mountain lions may only be kept in Oregon if a permit issued by the commission for the taking of such a game is obtained.

This regulation also stipulates that any big game, mammals, or bird game captured by hunting or trapping in Oregon and in the possession of a hunter will be killed immediately and counted as part of the bag limit for that hunting season.

Possession of game birds

It is illegal for a hunter to possess more than the bag limit for the bird game. There is an exception to this rule for storage, transportation, shipping, and cleaning services, where someone can carry and retain birds captured legitimately by other hunters in the state.

However, in instances like this, it is mandatory for the game to wear a tag that provides the hunter’s information.

Furthermore, all birds caught in Oregon must have their heads and feathered wings in place. Birds that have been placed in a personal residence or are being prepared for consumption are exempt from this rule. Doves, on the other hand, must have their feathered wings attached.

In Oregon, the restriction for migratory bird possession is one per hunter.

Hunting with Remote Computers

The use of any type of remote technological gadget to hunt in Oregon is prohibited by the Game and Fish Commission.

It is illegal to create a computerized hunting site for distant game and wildlife hunting within the state. This regulation defines computer remote hunting as the use of any form of device or computer that can be controlled remotely. This covers hardware, software, and technology. It also includes hunting equipment such as archeries, rifles, and other weapons capable of remotely killing game and wildlife.

Using Baits to Catch Game and Wildlife

It is illegal to use bait to hunt resident game birds and mammals in the state. The distance specified for this is within 400 yards of the baited area. This law defines a baited area as any location where salts, grains, wheat, or any other sort of feed has been deposited, scattered, or spread. Such an area will stay baited for 10 days after the meal has been fully withdrawn.

Oregon night hunting

It is illegal in several counties to hunt within one and a half hours after sunset and before daybreak.

Using light to hunt

The use of lights of any voltage is permitted when hunting fur-bearing game in the state. However, using lights to hunt deer at night is prohibited throughout the general deer season.

In Oregon, open carry is permitted while hunting.

The open carry of weapons while hunting is not prohibited in Oregon.

However, while bow hunting, you can only carry a firearm and not use it.

You can only utilize archery equipment in this case.

Harassment laws in Oregon

Anyone who interferes with a legal hunting activity in the state without a permit or who inhibits the lawful taking of wildlife is guilty of an offense and will face prosecution.

Oregon hunting licenses, tags, and permits

Oregon hunting licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Resident Hunting Permit

This license is only valid for state citizens, and the minimum age to obtain it is 16 years old. The license is required for taking mammals and birds in the state and costs $52.66.

Oregon non-resident hunting license

This license allows nonresident hunters to take birds and mammals in Oregon. The permit is only available to people over the age of 16, and it costs $183.60.

Junior Hunting Permit

Both Oregon citizens and non-residents can obtain a junior hunting license. This license has a 16-year-old age limit and can be used to take mammals and birds. It is $14.04 in price.

Non-Resident Hunting License for One Day

This is a one-day non-resident permit valid in Oregon. This permit allows holders to take migratory game boards in Oregon. It is $25.10 in price.

Non-Resident Hunting License for Two Days

This license, like the one-day nonresident hunting license, is good for two days and can be used to take migratory game birds and small game. Although this license allows you to take some wildlife, some of them may require tags. It is $52.66.

Free Hunting License for Disabled Veterans

Residents and nonresidents who are honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% are eligible for this license. After qualifying for this license for the first time, veterans will be able to acquire it from any location in the country. The cost of this license varies. It costs $7.98 at the game commission offices and $8.38 from a licensed agent.

Reduced Free Hunting License for Recovering Serviced Members

This license is available to recuperating military members who are members of the United States armed services or national guard and are recovering from any treatment or sickness received while on duty. When you qualify for this license for the first time, you can acquire it anywhere in the United States. It costs $7.98 at the game commission offices and $8.38 from a licensed agent.

Hunting license duplicate

This is the $7.98 duplicate license sold to customers who have lost their original license.

Oregon hunting licenses

In Oregon, hunting tags are offered at the following prices:

• Tags for Bears

Junior residents pay $27.82, residents pay $51.02, and nonresidents pay $325.40.

• Elk Hunting

Junior residents pay $22.94; residents pay $498.65; and nonresidents pay $1,526.60.

• Tag, Pronghorn Antelope

Junior residents pay $22.94; residents pay $167.66; and nonresidents pay $513.60.

Tag for Bighorn Sheep

Residents pay $478.95, while nonresidents pay $1,774.90.

Other than these marks, others are exclusively valid for drawing submissions in Oregon.

Permits and tags for fishing in Oregon

The following fishing licenses, permits, and tags are available in Oregon:

Sport Fishing License for Residents

Residents of Oregon who are at least 16 years old can obtain this fishing license. It is $52.66.

Sport fishing license for non-residents

This is an Oregon out-of-state fishing license for non-residents aged 16 and up. It is $142.02.

Sport Fishing License with a Reduced Fee for Disabled Veterans

This license is available to both residents and non-residents who are honorably discharged veterans with a 50% service-connected disability. After qualifying for this license for the first time, veterans will be able to acquire it from any location in the country. The cost of this license varies. It costs $7.98 at the game commission offices and $8.38 from a licensed agent.

Sport Fishing License with a Reduced Fee for Recovering Service Members

This fishing license is available to recuperating military members who are members of the United States armed services or national guard and are recovering from any treatment or illness received while on duty. When you qualify for this license for the first time, you can acquire it anywhere in the United States. It costs $7.98 at the game commission offices and $8.38 from a licensed agent.

Sport Fishing License at a Reduced Cost for Low-Income Earners

This permit is available to Oregon residents who are low-income and over the age of 65. However, there are particular yearly income requirements to qualify for this fishing license. The price is $7.98.

Low-income Americans can get a free sport fishing license.

This license is accessible to anyone who is a US citizen and a resident of Oregon who is unable to afford the state sport fishing license. This license is completely free.

Disabled People Get a Free Sport Fishing License

Only people who are mobility-impaired, blind, or disabled are eligible for this fishing license. The license is completely free.

Sport Fishing License for One Day

This license is only good for one day. It is open to both state residents and non-residents. It is $17.02.

Sport Fishing License for Two Days

This fishing license permits both residents and non-residents of the state to fish for two days in a row. It is $26.49.

Sport Fishing License for Ten Days

This license is good for ten days in a row and costs $52.66.

In Oregon, some licenses are also provided based on the species of fish to be caught. These licenses are known as validation and report cards.

2020–2021 Oregon Hunting Season

Oregon has a plethora of animals and wildlife, making it an exciting state for hunting in the United States. The Department of Fish and Wildlife establishes the hunting seasons and bag restrictions for each species.

Oregon’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Deer Hunting Season in Oregon

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

Season of Bear Hunting in Oregon

• Archery Season (August 15th to September 6th)
• Season for hunting pronghorn in Oregon
• General Season (August 8th to September 13th)
• Apprentice Hunting Season (August 22nd to August 30th)

Elk season in Oregon

General Season (July 25th to November 1st)

Elk hunting season in Oregon typically runs from August to November, though this varies by location and zone. Elk hunting is no longer permitted in some regions because the military uses the property for training.

Season for hunting bighorn sheep in Oregon

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

The bighorn hunting season in Oregon typically runs from August to February, though this varies according to region and season. Because some regions of the state have very high altitudes, hunters will need to take extra measures.

Small Game Hunting Season in Oregon

• Seasons for squirrel hunting
• Archery Season (August 1st to September 11th)
• General Season (September 12th to January 31st)
• Seasons for hunting rabbits and hares
• General Season (July 1st to January 31st)
• Falconry Season (February 1st to March 21st)
• Jackrabbit (seasonal)

It is crucial to note that different places within a zone may have different season start and end dates. Furthermore, the dates of a season may vary depending on the manner of taking games and wildlife.

Furthermore, restrictions and bag limits in Oregon will change depending on the hunting season and the game taken.

Wildlife, Game, and Fish in Oregon

Oregon’s wildlife and games include the following:

Mountain Lion Hunting in Oregon

Mountain lions are numerous in Oregon; their population is large, and they are one of the state’s most stable games. They’re also known as carefully protected fauna. Mountain lions live in Oregon’s deserts and humid, wooded places.

Cougar hunting in Oregon

Cougar hunting in Oregon is widely available, with over 6,000 of them available. It is, however, illegal to take females or kittens.

Coyote hunting in Oregon

Another common predator in Oregon is the coyote. Except in big metropolitan areas, they can be found practically everywhere in the state.

Fox hunting in Oregon

The red fox is the most common fox in Oregon. They are widely distributed throughout the state and other northern portions of America. Foxes are extremely intelligent and tough games for hunters.

Hunting for the Oregon Wolves

Wolves were once extinct in Oregon, but in recent years, they have returned due to human dispersal from other states in the United States. The most frequent species in the state are gray wolves.

Hunting for black bears in Oregon

There are two types of black bears in Oregon. Bear hunting is permitted in some Oregon national parks. The Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks are two examples.

Deer hunting in Oregon

Mule deer are native to northern North America, including Oregon. These deer are named because of their ears, which resemble those of mules.

Elk hunting in Oregon

Elks are one of the most massive deer species in North America and Oregon. They are also an excellent hunting option because they are one of the state’s largest mammals.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Oregon

Oregon has several populations of bighorn sheep, which live in the state’s snowy peaks and dry lowlands. The desert bighorn and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are the two most prevalent species of bighorn sheep in the state.

Waterfowl hunting in Oregon

A permit is required to hunt ducks in Oregon. A permit of this type is issued through a random lottery.

Hunting for wild pigs in Oregon

To take wild pigs in the state, hunters must have both a license and a tag. The Oregon Game and Fish Department does not set bag or possession limitations for wild pig hunting.

Rabbit hunting in Oregon

Rabbits and hares are among the most popular small game species in Oregon. Rabbit hunting is regulated by the board, with a bag limit of 5 animals and a possession limit of 10 animals.

Shooting ranges in Oregon

The following are some of the shooting ranges in Oregon:

• The Albany Gun Club
• Bill Schultes Sportsman Park is located in the town of Bill Schultes.
• Rifle and Pistol Club of Albany
• Warner Mountain Shooting Club
• Rod and Gun Club of Siuslaw
• Rainier Rod and Gun Club is located in Rainier, Washington.
• The Redmond Rod and Gun Club
• Portland Rifle Club
• Gibbs Community Center is home to the Newberg Rifle and Pistol Club.
• Sportsmen’s Association of Josephine County
• Hillsboro Trap & Skeet Association

Hunting Land in Oregon for Sale and Lease

Oregon hunting lands for sale include the following:

• Bull Elk, Bass, Bucks, Bluegills, Pronghorns, Black Angus, and Blue Cats set records! Quemado, New Mexico (Catron County), has a total area of 18,807 acres.
• Gumz Hunting Club is a private 550-acre hunting club in Henderson County.
• 281.59 acres in Hampshire, Tennessee (Lewis County).
• quality deer, quality turkey, and exceptional fishing on 105 acres in Danville, Illinois (Vermilion County).
• Farmersburg, Indiana (Sullivan County), 87.5 acres, isolated deer and turkey hot area
• Pheasant Ridge Farm is a beautiful 200-acre property in Baker County’s tranquil Eagle Valley.

Oregon hunting lands for lease include:

• Baker County, 400 acres, 2 ponds, clubhouse, LOP ELK, and deer tag lease