Oregon Hunting Seasons, 2018 – 2019

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For a passionate hunter like you this place with all essential information about Oregon hunting seasons. Learn about all available games such as bear, deer, elk and many other species.

The state of Oregon is frankly one of the popular among the hunters.

There's an incredible variety of game as well as an abundance of each species for every hunter to choose from. The bag limits and season dates vary incredibly, and there are different types of hunts which require some special permits.

You can find deer, pronghorn, black bear and other big game species if that's what you're looking for, but if you're more up for small game hunts, there are a coyote, fox, marten, beaver, opossum and many other species.

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Oregon Hunting Seasons and All Available Games

#1. Oregon Deer Seasons

oregon hunting season schedule

Games

Season

Archery

August 25 – September 23

Firearms

September 29 - October 12


October 20 - November 2

*NOTE: Many of the seasons require specialty permit.

#2. Oregon Cougar Seasons

oregon hunting season opening day

Games

Season

General Seasons

January 1 - December 31

*NOTE: Season may end when the hunting quota is met. Female cougar with spotted kittens or spotted kittens are forbidden.

#3. Oregon Black Bear Seasons

Games

Season

General Seasons

*August 1 – December 31

*NOTE: Seasons dates may vary by zone.

#4. Oregon Pronghorn Seasons

Games

Season

General Seasons

*August 11 – October 21

*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.

#5. Oregon Bighorn Sheep/Rocky Mountain Goat Seasons

Games

Season

General Seasons

*September 8 – October 31

*NOTE: Season dates may vary by zone.

#6. Oregon Elk Seasons

Games

Season

Archery

*October 13 – November 23

Firearms

August 25 – September 23

*NOTE: Season dates may GREATLY vary by zone.

#7. Oregon Small Game Seasons

Games

Season

Bobcat

December 1 – February 28

Gray Fox

November 15 – February 28

Beaver

November 15 – March 15

Red Fox

October 15 – January 15

Marten

November 1 – January 31 

Raccoon, Mink/Muskrat, River Otter

November 15 – March 31

Coyote, Nutria, Porcupine, Striped Skunk, Badger, Opossum, Spotted Skunk, Weasel

Open Season

​Ringtail Cat, Wolverine, Sea Otter, Fisher, Kit Fox

Closed Season

Licence Requirements

In hunting and fishing licenses are valid for the whole calendar year, but there can be some exceptions when it comes to permits and validations.

You can begin buying your license on December 1 in the prior year.

Who needs a Hunter Education Course before applying for a license? In Oregon, hunter education is required for all new hunters who are 17 and younger. An introduction to the skills that are needed is provided by this course, such as hunter ethics, firearm safety and hunt preparation.

Residents and non-residents can purchase their annual licenses at different prices. For residents, there is a Sports Pac type of license which includes fishing, hunting and shellfish.

Persons between 12 and 17 years can purchase a Youth License, and it includes hunting, fishing and shellfish. They can buy Youth Sports Pac as well.

There are special hunting opportunities for youth like the Mentored Youth Hunter Program which allows persons from 9 to 15 years of age to hunt without passing a hunter education program. This gives them the opportunity to have a mentored first-time experience and learn all about basic responsibilities and safety measures.

Senior residents are able to obtain their licenses and permits for discounted prices.

Disabled veterans are allowed to get their licenses for free.

All military personnel stationed in Oregon can purchase a license for prices for residents.

For detailed information about prices follow this link. All licenses are available online for purchasing.

Night Hunting in Oregon

In Oregon, night hunting is allowed, but there are certain rules you need to follow. Artificial lights can only be used when hunting bobcat, opossum or raccoon, but that light cannot be attached to a boat or a vehicle. You can also use artificial lights when hunting as an agent for the landowner. In that case, you don’t need a hunting license.

Can I use my night vision equipment

Yes, but it's quite restricted. It’s not allowed for any person to hunt wildlife with infrared or other night vision sight. However, on private lands, you can use night vision if you have permission of the landowner, and you can use your night vision equipment for damage controlling purposes. For that, you will need a permit.

Where to Hunt in Oregon?

oregon hunting seasons 2019

In Oregon, you can choose between hunting on state or private lands. Oregon operates wildlife areas throughout the state. These sites provide the best wildlife, bird and fish opportunities for hunting or viewing in the whole of North America. If you need detailed maps and information about these sites visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Most private lands are open for hunting, and all the regulations and details you need can be found here.

Before beginning your hunting trip always check the regulations for the area you are planning to visit, and remember not to leave anything except your footsteps.

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