The Oregon archery season offers hunters a great way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The region is well-known for dense, lush forests and rainy weather, and the “Beaver State” is one of the most popular hunting venues in the United States. You have opportunities to hunt elk, deer, cougar, bear, and pronghorn.
Oregon (OR) Archery Season, 2022-2023
More than 50% of Oregon is public land, but finding legal entry points can take time and effort. To help find access, use this Oregon Hunting Access Map. Search to look up properties by species, name, or wildlife management unit.
When does Archery Season Start in OR?
Oregon Black Bear Seasons
-
General Season August 1-December 31
Season dates vary by region. Many state-regulated hunts are controlled hunts. Hunters must have permits to hunt black bears.
Oregon Cougar Seasons
-
General Season January 1-December 31
Cougar seasons run through December 31 or until hunting quotas are met. It’s illegal for hunters to take females with spotted kittens.
Oregon Pronghorn Seasons
-
General Season August 13-October 23*
*Season dates vary by region. Hunters are limited to one animal per season — buck, doe, or fawn.
Oregon Rocky Mountain Goat/Bighorn Sheep Seasons
-
General Season August1-October 31*
*Season dates vary by region.
Oregon Deer Seasons
-
Archery August 27-September 25*
*Many Oregon deer seasons are controlled hunt seasons requiring specialty permits. All eastern Oregon archery hunts are controlled hunts; those in western Oregon are not.
Oregon Elk Seasons
-
Archery August 27-September 25*
*Season dates vary in regions based on specific hunting units. Most elk seasons are controlled hunt seasons requiring specialty permits.
Oregon Small Game Seasons
-
Western Gray Squirrel September 1-October 31*
-
Badger Open Season
-
Coyote Open Season
-
Nutria Open Season
-
Opossum Open Season
-
Porcupine Open Season
-
Spotted and Striped Skunk Open Season
-
Weasel Open Season
*Season dates may vary by area.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Oregon?
Legal shooting hours for game are 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset. Hunters must use the game check-in process after harvesting deer.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in OR
Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for details on how to buy your hunting license.
Oregon Residents
An Oregon resident has lived in the state for at least six months. All residents aged 12 or older must have a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 12 or older must have a hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Oregon residents and non-residents need a hunter education certificate to hunt. Residents and non-residents aged 12 to 17 may purchase a reduced-fee Youth License. Youths aged 9 to 13 may participate in the Mentored Youth Program.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Oregon residents aged 70 or older can buy the reduced-fee Senior Hunting License or Senior Combination Angler and Hunter Licenses. They must be residents of the state for a minimum of five years. Oregon residents aged 65 or older who have been residents of Oregon for a minimum of 50 years are eligible for a reduced-fee Pioneer Combination License.
Disability Licenses
Disabled Oregon residents are eligible for a free lifetime Permanent Disability Fishing/Hunting Combination License. Hunters must purchase a hunting license and game tags.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Oregon can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is Oregon residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Disabled resident veterans may be eligible for the Permanent DAV Hunting and Fishing License.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy an Oregon Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Hunting licenses are valid through December 31 of each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
