The Oregon Hunting Law Guide: Regulations & Penalties
- Shawn Kollie
- Mar 5
- 7 min read
Oregon is an absolutely beautiful state with so much to offer everyone who loves the outdoors. This state is also known for having extremely strict Oregon Hunting Laws and regulations. With very specific rules regarding licensing and tags, it's best to know your stuff before you head out on your next excursion.
Oregon Hunting Laws
1. A Valid Hunting License is Required
All hunters in Oregon must have a valid hunting license before participating in any hunting activity.
2. License Validity
Hunting licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year issued.
3. One License Per Hunter
No person may possess more than one valid annual hunting license, except for acquiring preference points under the controlled hunts system.
4. License Requirements for Specific Species
Hunters 12 years and older hunting predators on public land, western gray squirrels, and certain other species must have a valid hunting license. Tags are not required for these hunts.
5. Snake River Boundary Hunting
Hunters with a valid Oregon or Idaho hunting license may hunt in the waters or on the islands of the Snake River, where it forms the boundary between the two states. All laws of the respective state apply.
6. Controlled Hunt Applications
To apply for controlled hunts, hunters must purchase a current hunting license before submitting an application.
7. Big Game Hunting Requirements
To hunt big game, hunters must carry a valid hunting license and the appropriate big game tag for the specific season and species.
8. Purchasing for Someone Else
A family member or friend may purchase a hunting license and tags on behalf of another person.
9. Legal Shooting Hours
Game mammals may only be hunted from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
What You’re Allowed to Hunt
The Beaver State offers a wide variety of game species to pursue, each governed by specific regulations and seasons. Here's an overview:
Big Game Species
● Deer: Oregon provides opportunities to hunt mule deer, black-tailed deer, and white-tailed deer. Hunting seasons and tag requirements vary by species and region.
● Elk: Both Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt elk inhabit Oregon. Hunters can participate in general or controlled seasons, depending on the area.
● Pronghorn Antelope: Pronghorn hunting is available through controlled hunts, with tags allocated via a lottery system.
● Black Bear: Both fall and spring hunting seasons are available for black bear, with specific regulations in place.
● Cougar: Cougar hunting is permitted year-round, but hunters must adhere to specific guidelines and obtain the appropriate tags.
● Bighorn Sheep and Rocky Mountain Goat: These species offer limited hunting opportunities through controlled hunts, often considered once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Small Game Species
● Upland Game Birds: Species such as pheasant, grouse, quail, and partridge are available for hunting during designated seasons.
● Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and other migratory game birds can be hunted during specific seasons, requiring appropriate validations and stamps.
● Furbearers: Animals like bobcat, river otter, fox, and raccoon are classified as furbearers and have regulated hunting and trapping seasons.
Year-Round Hunting Opportunities
Certain species in Oregon can be hunted year-round, including:
● Coyotes: Considered unprotected mammals, coyotes may be hunted without seasonal restrictions.
● Nutria: These invasive rodents are also unprotected and can be hunted throughout the year.
● Opossums and Skunks: These species are classified as unprotected mammals and may be hunted year-round.
● Weasels: Classified as unprotected mammals, weasels can be hunted year-round without bag limits.
● Porcupines: These rodents are considered unprotected and may be hunted throughout the year.
● Feral Swine: Invasive and destructive, feral swine can be hunted year-round on public land with no bag limits. On private land, they are classified as predatory animals, and hunting them does not require a license, provided you have landowner permission.
What You’re Allowed to Hunt With
Hunters in Oregon have the privilege of using various weapons, each governed by specific regulations. For big game species such as elk, the state mandates the use of centerfire rifles that are at least .24 caliber and not fully automatic; semiautomatic rifles must have a magazine capacity of no more than five cartridges. For pronghorn antelope, black bear, cougar, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, and deer, hunters may use centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger, adhering to the same restrictions on automatic functionality and magazine capacity.
Shotguns are also allowed for hunting various game birds, provided they are no larger than 10 gauge and can’t hold more than three shells. When hunting wild turkeys, it's unlawful to use shot sizes larger than No. 2. Additionally, there aren’t any restrictions on the type of arrows or broadheads that may be used to hunt game birds. However, hunters may not use any electronic devices attached to the bow or arrow, except for lighted arrow nocks that have no function other than to increase the visibility of the arrow.
Muzzleloading rifles are another option, especially during designated muzzleloader-only seasons. These firearms must be loaded from the muzzle, fired from the shoulder, and be single-shot, except for double-barreled muzzleloading shotguns. During these specific seasons, the use of scopes or sights that utilize batteries, artificial light, or energy is prohibited, ensuring a traditional hunting experience.
Hunting Without a License in Oregon
Hunting in Oregon without a valid license is illegal. All hunters, regardless of age or residency, must obtain the appropriate licenses and tags before pursuing game. Specific regulations apply to various species, so it's important to fully understand the current guidelines before your trip.
Hunting Tag Laws
In Oregon, hunters pursuing game mammals are required to obtain appropriate tags, which serve as permits for harvesting specific animals. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) provides hunters with two tagging options: paper tags and electronic tags. Hunters must select their preferred tagging method at the time of tag purchase, and this preference can only be changed once per calendar year.
Paper Tags
● Validation: Immediately after harvesting a game mammal, validate your paper tag by writing, in ink, the date and time of harvest, and the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) where the harvest occurred.
● Signature: Make sure your paper tag is signed upon purchase or before use in the field. Unsigned tags are invalid.
● Protection: To keep the tag legible, place it in a plastic bag to protect it from the elements.
● Attachment: Securely attach the validated tag in plain sight to the game mammal's carcass.
● Possession: Keep the tag attached to the carcass during transportation and processing to verify legal possession.
● Evidence of Sex: Retain evidence of the animal's sex by keeping the head or scalp for females, antlers or horns for males, or a reproductive organ attached to a major portion of meat.
Electronic Tags
● Validation: After harvesting, immediately validate your electronic tag by pressing the "Validate" button in the MyODFW mobile app. A confirmation number will appear upon completion.
● Information Recording: Write the following details in ink on durable material (e.g., flagging tape, duct tape, or paper in a plastic bag): ○ Your name
○ Date of birth
○ ODFW ID number
○ Harvest date
○ Confirmation number
● Attach this information securely and visibly to the carcass.
● App Preparedness: Before hunting, download and log into the MyODFW app. Ensure your licenses and tags are in your portfolio.
● Offline Mode: If hunting in areas with poor cell service, toggle the app to offline mode or set your phone to airplane mode to conserve battery life.
● Device Maintenance: Keep your phone charged to display your license and tag when requested by authorities. Carry a portable charger as a backup.
Post-Season Possession
● Tagging After Season Closure: Any game mammals in possession in the field, forest, or in transit more than 48 hours after the close of the open season must be tagged with a tag or metal seal issued by the ODFW or the Oregon State Police.
Mandatory Reporting
● Harvest Reporting: Hunters are required to report their hunt results for each big game or turkey tag purchased. This is the case regardless of whether an animal was harvested or if they hunted at all.
● Controlled Hunt Applications: Some hunts, known as controlled hunts, require hunters to apply for tags through a lottery system due to limited availability. Application deadlines are crucial; for example, the deadline for spring bear hunts is February 10, while most other controlled hunt applications are due by May 15 each year.
Penalties and Fines for Hunting Without a License in Oregon
1. Class A Misdemeanor: Knowingly hunting without a license is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to one year in jail and fines reaching $6,250.
2. Class A Violation: Unknowingly hunting without a license is considered a Class A violation, typically resulting in a court-determined fine.
3. License Revocation: Convictions may lead to the revocation of all Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) licenses for up to 36 months.
4. Forfeiture of Equipment: Courts have the authority to order the forfeiture of firearms or other equipment used during the offense.
5. Restitution: Offenders might be required to pay restitution to the ODFW for the unlawful taking of wildlife.
6. Felony Charges: Repeated offenses or violations involving the unlawful taking of certain wildlife can escalate to Class C felonies, carrying more severe penalties.
The Oregon Hunting Law Guide Conclusion
Diving into Oregon's hunting scene is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Understanding the state's hunting regulations is key to a safe and rewarding experience.
If you have questions about hunting or other gun-related concerns, Oregon Gun Law is here to help. We offer assistance in restoring hunting rights, ensuring that past legal issues don't hinder your ability to participate in an activity you love.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
