2025 Oregon Hunting Season Dates
Oregon hunters are breaking out the hunting tents and doing a little pre-season weapon prep, eager to get the 2025 hunting season started. And it’s easy to understand why. From dense forests to expansive high deserts, Oregon offers a rich backcountry full of wildlife and big game, from bighorn sheep to waterfowl and black bears, along with a mix of general and controlled hunts. Plus, Oregon is simply chock-full of hunting opportunities for both seasoned hunters, newcomers, and youngsters on their first trip.
So whether you're planning a weekend expedition or an extended hunting adventure, here’s a breakdown of all the 2025 season dates.
Key Dates to Circle on Your Hunting Calendar
With Oregon hunting season fastly approaching, it’s time to circle those calendar dates to apply for those applications (and prepare!). While the application dates change each year, the latest 2025 Oregon hunt codes are listed at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Explore their yearly guide, which includes all the latest regulations and season dates.
In general, the application period for a controlled hunt opens early in the year and ends May 15, 2025, with results available by June 12, 2025.
General Hunting Seasons of Oregon (and Exact 2025 Dates)
Thanks to an incredibly diverse ecosystem, Oregon offers some unique hunting. Experienced hunters can seek our elusive Columbian blacktail deer and even apply for a rare, once-in-a-lifetime tag for California bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats. In addition, the state offers limited hunts for Columbian white-tailed deer, a protected subspecies, and challenging spot-and-stalk bear hunting. In other words, Oregon is a highly sought-after destination for seasoned and adventurous hunters alike. Below, we explore all the games that are offered.
Big Game Seasons
Oregon's big game hunting is categorized into general and controlled hunts. General hunts are accessible over-the-counter, while controlled hunts require applications and are unit-specific.
DEER SEASON
General Archery: Late August through late September | Aug. 30 - Sept. 28, Nov. 15 - Dec 7, Nov. 22 - Dec. 14
Controlled 100 Series Hunts (Eastern Oregon): Dates vary by unit, but they typically land in the fall between October and early November. Check the Department of Fish and Wildlife for more exact dates.
Youth Controlled Hunts: Special windows in early fall and late November | Sept. 29 - Oct. 15, Nov. 15 - Nov. 26
ELK SEASON
General Archery (Statewide): Late August to late September | Aug. 30 - Sept 28
Any Legal Weapon (Western Units): November 8 – 28, varying by unit
Any Legal Weapon (Eastern Units): November 8 – 16, specific to certain units
Controlled 200 Series Elk Hunts: Dates vary based on weapon type and location, so refer to official regulations
BLACK BEAR SEASON
General Statewide Season: Aug. 1 – Dec. 31
Spring Season (Controlled): Typically April through May, by tag only (deadline: Oct. 3)
COUGAR SEASON
Year-round Statewide: Jan. 1 – Dec. 31
PRONGHORN ANTELOPE
Controlled Hunts Only: Typically in August, with varying end dates into the fall | Aug 1 - Nov 30
Upland Game & Turkey Seasons
For those interested in upland game birds and turkey, the 2025 seasons offer ample opportunities:
WILD TURKEY
Spring Season (Statewide): April 15 – May 31
Fall Season (Eastern Oregon): September through January (with Eastern Oregon fall hunts often on private lands) | Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, Dec 1 - Jan 31, 2026
Fall Season (Western Oregon): Sept. 31 - Jan 31, 2026
UPLAND BIRDS
Ruffled and Blue Grouse: Open September 1 and run through January
Chukar & Hungarian Partridge: Typically start in mid-October through January | Oct 12 - Jan 31, 2025
Rooster Pheasant: Mid-October through December | Oct 12 - Dec. 31, 2025
Quail (Western Oregon): Sept. 1 – Jan. 31, 2025
Quail (Eastern Oregon): Oct. 12 – Jan. 31, 2025
Waterfowl & Migratory Bird Seasons
Waterfowl hunters have lots to choose from and can look forward to the following 2025 hunting seasons:
DUCK, GOOSE, AND MERGANSER
Start in mid-October and run through late January, depending on the zone
Youth and Veteran days often fall in late September or early October
Zone 1: Oct. 12 – 27, Oct. 31 – Jan. 26, 2025
Zone 2: Oct. 12 – Dec. 1, Dec. 5 – Jan. 26, 2025
DOVE SEASON
Zone 1: Sept. 1 – 30 (first half), Nov. 15 - Dec. 14 (second half)
Zone 2: Sept. 1 - Oct. 30 (with some areas offering a second split later in the fall)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON
Statewide: Short, early fall season typically mid to late September | Sept. 15 - 23
Helpful Planning Tips for Oregon Hunting Season
Once you have your sights on what you’re after this hunting season, remember to plan ahead and prepare. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Get the Right Hunting License & Tags: These are found available online through ODFW or at local license agents. Either way, make certain you obtain the correct tag for your weapon type and hunting area.
Scout Your Area and Terrain: Download digital maps or plan a preseason visit to get a better sense of the landscape and accessible routes you will need to prepare for.
Check Local Regulations: Each and every wildlife unit may have unique rules on the types of weapons, access to hunting areas, and the specific season dates. Always double-check the latest ODFW regulations before heading out.
Ready for Hunting Season?
Get ready for Oregon’s hunting season by investing in a quality hunting tent. If you don’t know exactly what shape and size of hunting tent is best suited for your style of hunting or game, take time to consider the durable features you would need in the wilderness. Explore our thorough guide on selecting a hunting tent to discover what’s right for you.
Once you have your shelter covered, be sure to stock up with other essentials like a wood stove and other hunting gear. Check out Beckel’s handy hunting gear checklist to get started.