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Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Oregon Hunting Seasons 2025

9 Minute Read

Oregon allows hunters to hunt Roosevelt elk — a rare opportunity to pursue this animal if big game trophies and adventure hunts are on your list of hunts to conquer.

You can also find plenty of deer, dove, goose, and turkey to hunt in the Beaver state. Plus, bear, cougar, and antelope can round out your big game hunt list. If waterfowl is your game of choice, you can't miss the world-class waterfowl hunting in Oregon.

What do you need to know to plan your Oregon hunting seasons? We've pulled together the latest information about season dates, hunting licenses, bag limits, and more. We'll also help you find the best public or private land for a challenging and fun hunt.

 

A map of the United States highlighting the State of Oregon.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Oregon?

The thrill of a big game hunt brings hunters to Oregon, but there's also plenty of small game to keep them busy throughout the year. A good-sized deer population makes it an excellent state for hunting deer.

And, of course, waterfowl hunting in Oregon is some of the best in the U.S.

Plus, Oregon offers some of the most hunter-friendly regulations in the country, with reasonable bag limits and seasons that make it easy to hunt in the state — whether you're a resident or come from out of state.

Where Should I Hunt?

Oregon splits the state into seven hunting areas for game birds and big game hunts. Each area has varying terrain, including forested hills, mountain ranges, deserts, and deep valleys.

With HuntWise, you can scout the land and identify boundaries to find the best places (and permissions) for your hunt. Our layers and 3-D maps help you visualize the terrain so you're prepared for any hunt during any season.

 

A large elk bugles while in a field, Oregon elk season concept.

When Can I Hunt?

The Oregon hunting seasons are straightforward, so planning your year is simple. Big game hunting is available through either general season hunts or controlled hunts.

Note that the season information in this guide is the latest available from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). We'll update this page with the latest season information as it becomes available.

We also recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting season dates, as information can change.
 

Oregon Deer Season

Buck Deer

  • General Archery (Western Region): August 30 – September 28, November 15 – December 7, and November 22 – December 14
  • Any Legal Weapon, Controlled 100 Series (Eastern Region, Buck Deer): Season dates vary based on hunt units
  • Muzzleloader, Controlled 100 Series (Buck Deer): Season dates vary based on hunt units
  • Youth, Controlled 100 Series: September 29 – October 15 and November 15 – November 26 (based on hunt units)


Antlerless

  • Controlled 600 Series (Any Legal Weapon): Season dates vary based on hunt units
  • Youth, Controlled 600 Series (Any Legal Weapon): Season dates vary based on hunt units


For details about hunt units and corresponding season dates, consult the Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations guide.

Oregon Elk Season

Any Legal Weapon

  • Western:
    • Units 16, 19, 21, 22, 29, & 30: November 8 – 14
    • Units 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, & 28: November 15 – 18
    • Units 11, 15, 17, 18, 23, 28, 12, 14, & 20: November 22 – 28
  • Eastern:
    • Units 49, 50, 52, 53, 61, 62, 63, 48 North and West of N Fork John Day River, and Unit 51 North of Hwy 245 and Burnt River Canyon Rd between Unity and Durkee: November 8 – 16
  • Controlled 200 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit.


Archery

  • Western (Units 15, 20, 23, 25,28, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18,27, 16, 19, 21, 22, 29, and 30, 10, 24, 26): August 30 – September 28
  • Eastern (Units 35, 38, 40-45, Southern portion of Unit 51, 64, eastern portion of 65, Southern portion of 66, 67-71, 73, and that portion of Unit 77 east of Hwy 97, 31-34, 39, 74, 75, & 76): August 30 – September 28
  • Controlled 200 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit.


General Antlerless Damage Units

  • All of Units 15, 23, 40, 43, 44, and portions of additional units: August 1 – March 2026
  • Portions of other units: August 1 – November 30

Antelope

All hunts are controlled hunts. Dates vary based on the hunt unit starting August 16.

Bighorn Sheep

  • California Controlled (Any Legal Weapon): Dates vary based on the hunt unit starting August 15.
  • Rocky Mountain Controlled (Any Legal Weapon): August 15 – October 31

Mountain Goat

Controlled, Any Legal Weapon: August 1 – 31, September 1 – October 31, September 15 – October 31, and October 1 – 31 (based on hunt unit)

Cougar

Statewide: January 1 – December 31

Black Bear

  • Controlled 700 Series, Any Legal Weapon: April 1 – May 31
  • Statewide: August 1 – December 31

Coyote

Open year-round

Turkey

Spring: April 15 – May 31, 2025

Youth Spring: April 12 – 13 and April 15 – May 31, 2025

Fall

  • Western Oregon: September 1 – January 31, 2025
  • Eastern Oregon: October 12 – November 30 and December 1 – January 31, 2025
  • Beardless: November 1 – February 28, 2025

Western Gray Squirrel

  • North-Central Region: September 15 – October 31
  • Remainder of State: September 1 – November 15

Feral Pigs

Open year round

Migratory Birds

  • Dove:
    • Zone 1: September 1 – 30 and November 15 – December 14
    • Zone 2: September 1 – October 30
  • Band-Tailed Pigeon (Statewide): September 15 – 23
  • Duck & Merganser:
    • Zone 1: October 12 – 27 and October 31 – January 26, 2025
    • Zone 1 Scaup: November 2 – January 26, 2025
    • Zone 2: October 12 – December 1 and December 5 – January 26, 2025
    • Zone 2 Scaup: October 12 – December 1 and December 5 – January 8, 2025
  • Coot (Statewide): Same as Duck zones and dates
  • Snipe:
    • Zone 1: November 2 – February 16, 2025
    • Zone 2: October 12 – January 26, 2025
  • Crow: October 1 – January 31, 2025
  • Brant (Statewide): November 30 – December 15
     
  • September Canada Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: September 7 – 15
    • Southwest Zone: September 7 – 11
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: September 7 – 11
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: September 7 – 11
    • South Coast Zone: Closed
  • Regular Canada Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: October 19 – 27, November 23 – January 16, 2025, and February 8 – March 10, 2025
    • Southwest Zone: October 12 – 27 and November 5 – January 26, 2025
    • South Coast Zone: October 5 – December 8, December 21 – January 11, 2025, and February 22 – March 10, 2025
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: October 12 – December 1 and December 10 – January 26, 2025
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: October 12 – 27 and November 5 – January 26, 2025
  • Regular White-fronted and White Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: October 19 – 27, November 23 – January 16, 2025, and February 8 – March 10, 2025
    • White Southwest Zone: October 12 – 27 and November 5 – January 26, 2025
    • South Coast Zone: October 5 – December 8, December 21 – January 11, 2025, and February 22 – March 10, 2025
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: October 12 – December 1 and January 16 – March 10, 2025
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: October 12 – Jan. 1, 2025 and February 1 – 23, 2025
       
  • Ruffed and Blue Grouse (Statewide): September 1 – January 31, 2025
  • Chukar and Hungarian Partridge (Statewide): October 12 – January 31, 2025
  • Rooster Pheasant:
    • Statewide: October 12 – December 31
    • Western Oregon: September 1 – January 31, 2025
  • Quail (Eastern Oregon): October 12 – January 31, 2025


Youth Waterfowl (Statewide): September 28 – 29

Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl (Statewide): February 1, 2025

 


 

A hunter shows off a bow and buck deer after a kill, Oregon deer season concept.

 

What Do I Need to Know About Oregon Hunting Regulations?

All hunters under the age of 18 must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license. Then, you can purchase the license for the game you plan to hunt.

For controlled hunts, make sure you understand how to apply through the ODFW licensing system. You can also buy your license for open-season hunts through the same website. Note that you'll need the license before applying for a tag.

 

What are the Bag Limits?

How many elk, deer, or turkeys can you bring home this year? To comply with the laws for the Oregon hunting seasons, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 
 
Check out this overview of the state's bag limits.

 

DeerBag limits vary based on the seasons and type of huntPigeon2 per day (6 in possession)
ElkBag limits vary based on the seasons and type of huntDuck & Merganser7 per day (3x daily in possession)
AntelopeBag limits vary based on the season dates and hunt unit. Coot25 per day (75 in possession)
Bighorn Sheep1 ram, 1 ewe (hunts 543D1 and 543D2 only)Snipe8 per day (24 in possession)
Mountain Goat1 goatCrowNo limit
Cougar1 per tagBrant2 per day (6 in possession)
CoyoteNo limitSeptember Canada Goose 5 per day (15 in possession)
Black Bear1 per tagRegular Canada Goose 
 
Limits vary based on zones and dates
Squirrel

3 per day, 6 in possession (North-Central region)

5 per day, 15 in possession (remainder of the state)

White-fronted and White Goose10 white-fronted and 20 white per day (30 white-fronted and 60 white in possession)
Feral PigNo limitGrouse3 of each species per day (9 of each species in possession)
Turkey

1 male or bearded per day (3 for the spring season)

1 or 2 either-sex (fall)

3 hen or beardless (9 in possession/3 permits, beardless fall season)

Partridge8 per day (24 in possession)
Dove15 per day (45 in possession)Pheasant2 per day, 8 in possession (10 per day, 30 in possession Western Oregon)
  Quail10 per day (30 in possession)

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Whether you're excited about Oregon elk season or you're planning for a big waterfowl hunt, you need the right gear!

Successful hunts require the right clothing (depending on the season), a sharp hunting knife, good binoculars, and a good rifle for firearm seasons.

Remember: Save money by getting geared up as a HuntWise app user! Use exclusive gear discounts through our app partners to save hundreds on gear.

 

A hunting dog wades through water with a bird in its mouth, Oregon hunting seasons concept.

Plan Successful Oregon Hunting Seasons with HuntWise

We hope this guide helps you plan your hunts in Oregon this year — but don't forget to check official resources for the latest details. Information can change before finalizing your plans.

What else do you need for success? The HuntWise hunting app! Our maps, layers, and forecasting features give you an advantage over other hunters while increasing your chances of a successful day in the field.

Plus, Elite subscribers gain access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of weather and animal activity forecasting.

Download the app and start your free trial. You'll be ahead of the game (and other hunters) for opening day! 

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