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Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Oregon Hunting Seasons 2026

Author Image for Teri Williams

12 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.

Updated March 30, 2026

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

When Can I Hunt in Oregon?

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 Hunting Season Dates

Oregon Deer Season

Buck Deer

  • General Archery (Western Region): 
    • Units 11, 12, 14, 22, 24, 27, and 28: August 29 – September 27, 2026
    • South Indigo (see Big Game Hunting Regulations brochure for details): August 29 – September 27, 2026
    • Units 25, 29, and 30 and Unit 23: August 29 – September 27, 2026 and November 14 – December 6, 2026
    • Unit 26: August 29 – September 27, 2026 and November 14 – December 6, 2026
    • Units 10, 17, 18, 20 One deer Units 15, 16, 19 and the northern portion of unit 21: August 29 – September 27, 2026 and November 21 – December 13, 2026
  • Archery Controlled 100 Series: Season dates vary based on hunt units. Dates run from August 1 – November 13 2026.
  • Any Legal Weapon, Controlled 100 Series (Eastern Region, Buck Deer): Season dates vary based on hunt units. Dates run from September 12 – December 6, 2026.
  • Any Legal Weapon:
    • Western (General Season): October 3 – November 6, 2026
    • Eastern (Controlled Season): Consult controlled hunt tables
  • Muzzleloader, Controlled 100 Series (Buck Deer): Season dates vary based on hunt units. Dates run from October 3 – December 15, 2026
  • Youth, Controlled 100 Series: September 28 – October 14, 2026 and November 14 – November 25, 2026 (based on hunt units)


Antlerless

  • Controlled 600 Series (Any Legal Weapon): Season dates vary based on hunt units. Dates run from September 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Youth, Controlled 600 Series (Any Legal Weapon): Season dates vary based on hunt units. Dates run from August 1, 2026 – January 5, 2027.


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 7 – 13, 2026
    • Units 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, & 28: November 14 – 17, 2026
    • Units 11, 15, 17, 18, 23, 28, 12, 14, & 20: November 21 – 27, 2026
  • 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 7 – 15, 2026
  • Controlled 200 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit.


Archery

  • All Open Units: August 29 – September 27, 2026
  • 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, 2025 – March 31, 2026 and August 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 2026
  • Portions of other units: August 1 – November 30, 2026

Muzzleloader Controlled 200 Series: Dates vary from August 1 – December 31, 2026

Youth Only Controlled 200 Series: Dates ary from August 15, 2026 – March 31, 2027.

Antelope

All hunts are controlled hunts. 

  • Any Legal Weapon Controlled 400 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 15 – October 25, 2026

  • Archery Controlled 400 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 6 – September 27, 2026

  • Muzzleloader Controlled 400 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 26 – September 13, 2026

  • Youth Only Controlled 400 Series: Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 1 – 30, 2026

Bighorn Sheep

  • California Controlled (Any Legal Weapon): Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 15 – November 22, 2026
  • Rocky Mountain Controlled (Any Legal Weapon): Dates vary based on the hunt unit running August 1 – October 31, 2026

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, 2026

Black Bear

  • Youth Only Controlled 700 Series, Any Legal Weapon: April 1 – May 31, 2026
  • Statewide: August 1 – December 31, 2026

Coyote

Open year-round

Turkey

Spring: April 15 – May 31, 2026

Youth Spring: April 11 – 12, 2026 and April 15 – May 31, 2026

Fall

  • Western Oregon: September 1 – January 31, 2026
  • Eastern Oregon: October 12 – November 30, 2025 and December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Western Gray Squirrel

  • North-Central Region: September 15 – October 31, 2026
  • Remainder of State: September 1 – November 15, 2026

Feral Pigs

Open year round

Migratory Birds and Upland Game

  • Dove:
    • Zone 1: September 1 – 30, 2025 and November 15 – December 14, 2025
    • Zone 2: September 1 – October 30, 2025
  • Band-Tailed Pigeon (Statewide): September 15 – 23, 2025
  • Duck & Merganser:
    • Zone 1: October 11 – 26, 2025 and October 30, 2025 – January 25, 2026
    • Zone 1 Scaup: November 1, 2025 – January 25, 2026
    • Zone 2: October 11 – November 30, 2025 and December 4, 2025 – January 25, 2026
    • Zone 2 Scaup: October 11 – November 30, 2025 and December 4, 2025 – January 7, 2026
  • Coot (Statewide): Same as Duck zones and dates
  • Snipe:
    • Zone 1: November 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
    • Zone 2: October 11, 2025 – January 25, 2026
  • Crow: October 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Brant (Statewide): November 29 – December 14, 2025
  • September Canada Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: September 6 – 20, 2025
    • Southwest Zone: September 6 – 10, 2025
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: September 6 – 10, 2025
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: September 6 – 10, 2025
    • South Coast Zone: Closed
  • Regular Canada Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: October 18 – 26, 2025, November 22, 2025 – January 9, 2026, and January 31 – February 15, 2026
    • Southwest Zone: October 11 – 26, 2025, and November 4, 2025 – January 26, 2026
    • South Coast Zone: October 4 – December 7, 2025, December 20, 2025 – January 9, 2026, and February 21 – March 10, 20265
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: October 11 – November 30 2025, and December 9, 2025 – January 25, 2026
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: October 11 – 26, 2025 and November 4, 2025 – January 25, 2026
  • Regular White-fronted and White Goose:
    • Northwest Permit Zone: October 18 – 26, 2025, November 8, 2025 – January 25, 2026, and  January 31 – February 15, 2026
    • Southwest Zone: October 11 – 26, 2025 and November 4, 2025 – January 25, 2026
    • South Coast Zone: October 4 – December 7, 2025, December 20, 2025 – January 9, 2026, and February 21, 2025 – March 10, 2026
    • High Desert and Blue Mtn Zone: October 11 – November 30, 2025 and January 16 – March 10, 2026
    • Mid-Columbia Zone: October 11 – 26, 2025, November 4, 2025 – January 8, 2026, and January 31, 2026 – February 23, 2026


Youth Waterfowl (Statewide): September 27 – 28, 2025

Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl (Statewide): January 31, 2026

  • Ruffed and Blue Grouse (Statewide): September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Chukar and Hungarian Partridge (Statewide): October 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Rooster Pheasant:
    • Statewide: October 11 – December 31, 2025
    • Western Oregon: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Quail (Eastern Oregon): October 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026


Youth Upland Hunts: 

  • Fern Ridge WA: September 6 – 7, 2025
  • Ladd Marsh and White River WAs, Central Oregon, and John Day: September, 13 – 14, 2025
  • Denman, Klamath, and Sauvie Island WAs: September 20 – 21, 2025 
  • Irrigon: September 20, 2025
  • Coquille Valley and E.E. Wilson WAs: September 27 – 28, 2025
  • Klamath WA: October 25, 2025 
     

Furbearers

Statewide Furbearer Pursuit Seasons

  • Bobcat: September 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Fox: September 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Raccoon: September 1, 2026 – March 15, 2027

Furbearer Harvest Seasons

  • Bobcat: Western and Eastern Oregon: December 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Fox (Grey and Red) Statewide: October 15, 2026 – February 28, 2027
  • Marten (Areas East of Interstate 5): November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027
  • Muskrat/Mink (Statewide): November 15, 2026 – March 31, 2027
  • Raccoon (Statewide): November 15, 2026 – March 15, 2027
  • River Otter: November 15, 2026 – March 31, 2027
  • Beaver: November 15, 2026 – March 15, 2027
  • Badger, Coyote, Nutria, Opossum, Porcupine, Spotted Skunk, Striped Skunk and Weasel: Open all year
  • Fisher, Ringtail Cat, Wolverine, Kit Fox, Sea Otter: Closed all year

Check the ODFW's Furbearer Regulations Guide for details about each species for harvesting and rules. Make sure you are familiar with live animal traps and how to use them properly to follow the state's regulations. 

 

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

What are the Bag Limits for Kansas Hunting Seasons?

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.

 

Kansas Hunting Season 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 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.

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

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 in Oregon?

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 map layers and 3-D maps help you visualize the terrain so you're prepared for any hunt during any season.

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 to explore Pro and Elite features for a week
You'll be ahead of the game (and other hunters) for opening day! 

Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details March 30, 2026.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the Oregon hunting seasons!

Q: What are the dates for deer season in Oregon?

A: Oregon deer seasons vary by zone and weapon type (archery, rifle, muzzleloader), but generally run from late August (archery) through November (rifle). Exact dates change each year. Check the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) regulations for your unit.

Q: What animals can you hunt year-round in Oregon?

A: Certain species are open year-round, including coyotes, jackrabbits, and some other unprotected or predatory animals. Regulations can vary, so always confirm with ODFW.

Q: Can I shoot deer out of season on my property?

A: No, you cannot shoot a deer out of season on your property in Oregon without special permission. Deer are protected game animals, and killing one outside of legal season typically requires a damage permit from ODFW.

Q: What is the best animal to hunt in Oregon?

A: In Oregon, the best animal to hunt depends on your goals. Deer and elk are the most popular big game, while turkey, waterfowl, and upland birds are great for beginners. “Best” varies by experience, location, and season.

Q: Can I shoot a coyote on my property in Oregon?

A: Yes, you can shoot a coyote on your property in Oregon in most cases. Coyotes are classified as predators and can generally be taken year-round on private property, but you must still follow local firearm laws and safety regulations.

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