Oregon 2025-2026 Hunting Guide – Seasons, Units & Permit Deadlines
Heading out into Oregon’s diverse wilderness for a hunt requires planning and knowledge of the state’s regulations. Whether you’re tracking deer through western forests, calling turkeys in eastern plains, or preparing for waterfowl season, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a successful 2025 hunting adventure in the Beaver State.
Oregon Hunting Season Overview
Oregon offers sportspeople a wealth of hunting opportunities throughout the year. From big game seasons starting as early as August for black bear to waterfowl seasons extending into March, the state’s diverse habitats support numerous game species. This guide provides the essential information about seasons, tag requirements, and special regulations to help you plan your hunting trips.
Key 2025 Season Dates Summary Table
| Species | Season Dates | Method/Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bear | Aug. 1 – Dec. 31 | General Season Fall Tag |
| Cougar | Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 | General Season Tag |
| Deer (Western) | Oct. 4 – Nov. 7 (Any Legal Weapon) Aug. 30 – Sept. 28 (Archery) | Western Oregon Tag |
| Elk (West Cascade) | Nov. 8 – 14 | General West Cascade Tag |
| Elk (Coast) | Nov. 15 – 18 (First Season) Nov. 22 – 28 (Second Season) | Coast Season Tag |
| Turkey (Spring) | Apr. 15 – May 31, 2025 | Spring Turkey Tag |
| Turkey (Fall) | Sept. 1 – Jan. 31, 2026 | Fall Turkey Tag |
| Duck | Zone 1: Oct. 12 – Oct. 27 & Oct. 31 – Jan. 26, 2025 Zone 2: Oct. 12 – Dec. 1 & Dec. 5 – Jan. 26, 2025 | State Waterfowl Validation |
Big Game Hunting in Oregon 🦌
Oregon divides its big game hunting into general seasons and controlled hunts. General season tags can be purchased over-the-counter by anyone with a valid hunting license before the season begins. Controlled hunt tags require application through a drawing system.
Deer Seasons
Western Oregon Rifle (Any Legal Weapon)
- Season: October 4 – November 7, 2025
- Tag required: General Any Legal Weapon Western Oregon Tag
- Tag sale deadline: October 3
Western Oregon Archery
- Season: August 30 – September 28, 2025
- Tag required: General Archery Season Western Oregon Tag
- Tag sale deadline: August 29
Eastern Oregon Archery
- Eastern Oregon archery for deer is entirely controlled hunts through a drawing system
- Application deadline: May 15
Elk Seasons
West Cascade (Any Legal Weapon)
- Season: November 8-14, 2025
- Tag required: General West Cascade Tag
- Tag sale deadline: November 7
Rocky Mountain (Any Legal Weapon)
- Second Season: November 8 – November 16, 2025
- Tag required: General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain Second Season Tag
- Tag sale deadline: November 7
Coast Bull Elk (Any Legal Weapon)
- First Season: November 15 – November 18, 2025
- Second Season: November 22 – November 28, 2025
- Tag required: Western Oregon Coast Season Tag (First or Second)
- Tag sale deadline: One day before season begins
Western/Eastern Archery
- Season: August 30 – September 28, 2025
- Tag required: General Archery Season Tag
- Tag sale deadline: August 29
- Note: Some units in eastern Oregon have moved to controlled only for archery elk
Bear and Cougar
Black Bear
- Season: August 1 – December 31, 2025
- Tag required: General Season Fall Tag
- Tag sale deadline: October 3
- Additional bear tags available
Cougar
- Season: January 1 – December 31, 2025
- Tag required: General Season Tag
- Tag sale deadline: October 3
- Additional cougar tags available
Turkey Hunting in Oregon 🦃
Oregon offers generous turkey hunting opportunities with seasons spanning throughout the year. The state’s wild turkey population has thrived, creating excellent hunting prospects for beginners and experienced hunters alike.
Spring Turkey
- Season: April 15 – May 31, 2025
- Daily bag limit: One male turkey or turkey with visible beard
- Season limit: 3 birds
- Tag required: Spring Turkey Tag
- Special youth hunt: April 12-13 and April 15 – May 31, 2025
Fall Turkey
Western Oregon (WMUs 14-30)
- Season: September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Daily bag limit: 2 turkeys of either sex
- Season limit: 2 birds
- Tag required: Fall Turkey Tag
Eastern Oregon
- Season varies by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU):
- Some WMUs: October 12 – November 30 & December 1 – January 31, 2026
- Other WMUs: September 1 – November 30 & December 1 – January 31, 2026
- Daily bag limit: 1 turkey of either sex
- Season limit: 1 bird
- Note: From December 1 – January 31, hunting allowed only on private lands by permission
Waterfowl Hunting in Oregon 🦆
Oregon’s diverse wetlands provide excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities. The state is divided into zones with different seasons for various species.
Duck Seasons
Zone 1
- Season: October 12 – October 27 & October 31 – January 26, 2025
- Scaup season: November 2 – January 26, 2025
Zone 2
- Season: October 12 – December 1 & December 5 – January 26, 2025
- Scaup season: October 12 – December 1 & December 5 – January 8, 2025
Bag Limits
- Daily bag limit: 7 ducks total
- Special limits apply: No more than 2 scaup (during open season), 2 hen mallards, 1 pintail, 1 harlequin, 2 redheads, and 2 canvasbacks
Goose Seasons
September Canada Goose Season
- Northwest Permit Zone: September 7 – September 15, 2025
- Southwest Zone: September 7 – September 11, 2025
- Eastern Oregon: September 7 – September 11, 2025
Regular Goose Seasons (varies by zone)
- Northwest Permit Zone: Multiple segments from October 19, 2025 to March 10, 2026
- Southwest Zone: October 12 – October 27 & November 5 – January 26, 2025
- South Coast Zone: Multiple segments from October 5, 2025 to March 10, 2026
- Bag limits vary by goose species and zone
Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts
- September 28-29, 2025
Veterans and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunt
- February 1, 2025
Upland Game Bird Hunting 🐦
Oregon’s varied terrain provides habitat for numerous upland bird species, making it a premier destination for bird hunters.
Upland Bird Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed & Blue Grouse | Sept. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | 3 of each species | 9 of each species |
| Chukar & Hungarian Partridge | Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | 8* | 24* |
| Rooster Pheasant | Oct. 12 – Dec. 31, 2024 | 2 | 8 |
| Quail (Western Oregon) | Sept. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | 10 | 30 |
| Quail (Eastern Oregon) | Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | 10 (max 2 mountain) | 30 (max 6 mountain) |
| Sage-Grouse | Sept. 7 – 15, 2024 (Controlled hunt) | 2 | 2 (season limit) |
*Special limits apply at Lower Klamath Hills Regulated Hunt Area
Furbearer Hunting & Trapping 🦊
Oregon classifies furbearers as animals whose fur has commercial value, including beaver, bobcat, marten, mink, and others. A Furtaker’s License or Hunting License for Furbearers is required.
Furbearer Seasons
| Species | Season Dates | Open Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Dec. 1 – Feb. 28 | Statewide (bag limit applies in Eastern Oregon) |
| Fox | Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 | Statewide |
| Marten | Nov. 1 – Jan. 31 | Areas east of Interstate 5 |
| Muskrat/Mink | Nov. 15 – Mar. 31 | Statewide |
| Raccoon | Nov. 15 – Mar. 15 | Statewide |
| River Otter | Nov. 15 – Mar. 15 | Statewide except closed beaver areas |
| Beaver | Nov. 15 – Mar. 15 | Check regulations for open areas |
| Badger, Coyote, Nutria, etc. | Open year-round | Statewide |
Small Game Hunting 🐿️
Small game hunting provides excellent opportunities for beginners and experienced hunters throughout Oregon.
Western Gray Squirrel
- Western Oregon: September 1 – November 15, 2025
- White River, Hood, Paulina, Metolius, Upper Deschutes units: September 15 – October 31, 2025
Unprotected Mammals
Unprotected mammals include badger, coyote, gophers, moles, mountain beaver, yellow-bellied marmots, nutria, opossum, porcupine, spotted skunk, striped skunk, and weasel. There are no closed seasons or bag limits, but a hunting license is required.
Wildlife Management Zones Map 🗺️
Oregon divides its hunting territory into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). These designations help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife manage wildlife populations and hunting opportunities. For detailed boundary descriptions and maps, visit the ODFW Wildlife Management Units page.
Oregon Hunting License Information 🎟️
Hunting licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. You can purchase your next year’s license starting December 1 of the prior year.
2025 License and Tag Fees
Resident
- Annual Hunting License: $34.50
- Combination Hunting/Angling License: $73.00
- Sports Pac: Package deal including multiple licenses and tags
Youth (Ages 12-17)
- Resident Youth Hunting License: $10.00
- Resident Juvenile Furtaker’s License: $17.00
Non-Resident
- Annual Hunting License: $172.00
- Furtaker’s License: $407.00
Common Tag Fees (Resident)
- General Season Deer Tag: $27.50
- General Season Elk Tag: $49.50
- Turkey Tag: $25.50
- Black Bear Tag: $15.50
- Cougar Tag: $15.50
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: Do I need a tag for every animal I hunt in Oregon?
A: Yes, for most game species including deer, elk, bear, cougar, turkey, and certain furbearers like bobcat and river otter. Tags must be purchased before the season begins.
Q: Can I hunt on public lands throughout Oregon?
A: Yes, Oregon offers millions of acres of public hunting land including national forests, BLM lands, and state wildlife areas. However, regulations vary by location, so check specific area rules before hunting.
Q: Is night hunting allowed in Oregon?
A: Night hunting is prohibited for most game species. However, certain predatory animals may be hunted at night with restrictions. Always check current regulations for specifics.
Q: When should I apply for controlled hunts?
A: Applications for most controlled big game hunts must be submitted by May 15 each year. For spring bear hunts, the deadline is February 10.
Q: Do youth hunters need a license in Oregon?
A: Youth under 12 years old don’t need a license except to hunt or trap bobcat and otter. Youth 12 and older must have appropriate licenses and tags. Youth hunters must complete hunter education before hunting.
Related Resources 🔗
- Turkey Hunting Tips
- California Hunting Seasons
- Washington Hunting Seasons
Final Thoughts for Oregon Hunters
Oregon’s diverse landscapes offer incredible hunting opportunities throughout the year. From the rugged Cascade Mountains to the eastern high desert and coastal forests, each region presents unique wildlife and hunting experiences. Before heading out, always verify current regulations on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website as dates and rules may change.
Remember that responsible hunting means respecting wildlife, following regulations, and preserving our hunting heritage for future generations. Be sure to purchase your appropriate licenses and tags well before your planned hunt, especially for controlled hunts that require advance application. May your 2025 Oregon hunting season be safe, ethical, and rewarding!
