Field Guide / State Hunting Guide
The Guide to the Oregon Hunting Seasons 2025
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.
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.
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 SeasonBuck Deer
| Oregon Elk SeasonAny Legal Weapon
|
AntelopeAll hunts are controlled hunts. Dates vary based on the hunt unit starting August 16. | Bighorn Sheep
|
Mountain GoatControlled, Any Legal Weapon: August 1 – 31, September 1 – October 31, September 15 – October 31, and October 1 – 31 (based on hunt unit) | CougarStatewide: January 1 – December 31 |
Black Bear
| CoyoteOpen year-round |
TurkeySpring: April 15 – May 31, 2025 Youth Spring: April 12 – 13 and April 15 – May 31, 2025 Fall
| Western Gray Squirrel
|
Feral PigsOpen year round | Migratory Birds
Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl (Statewide): February 1, 2025 |
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.
| Deer | Bag limits vary based on the seasons and type of hunt | Pigeon | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Elk | Bag limits vary based on the seasons and type of hunt | Duck & Merganser | 7 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Antelope | Bag limits vary based on the season dates and hunt unit. | Coot | 25 per day (75 in possession) |
| Bighorn Sheep | 1 ram, 1 ewe (hunts 543D1 and 543D2 only) | Snipe | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Mountain Goat | 1 goat | Crow | No limit |
| Cougar | 1 per tag | Brant | 2 per day (6 in possession) |
| Coyote | No limit | September Canada Goose | 5 per day (15 in possession) |
| Black Bear | 1 per tag | Regular 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 Goose | 10 white-fronted and 20 white per day (30 white-fronted and 60 white in possession) |
| Feral Pig | No limit | Grouse | 3 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) | Partridge | 8 per day (24 in possession) |
| Dove | 15 per day (45 in possession) | Pheasant | 2 per day, 8 in possession (10 per day, 30 in possession Western Oregon) |
| Quail | 10 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.
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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