Deer Season In Oregon: Everything You Need To Know To Be Prepared

August, September, and October have been tagged as the most active hunting periods for most big game hunters. And with the deer hunting season being one of the biggest hunting seasons in the state of Oregon, one can never be too prepared. Let’s run through everything you’ll need to get that deer, while still keeping to hunting laws.

When is Deer Season Open in Oregon?

Seasons vary widely depending on the area. On Native American reservations, there are currently no open seasons. Whitetail deer are prohibited at any time except during specific seasons in the Melrose Unit.

Oregon is divided into two sides, and each handles deer hunting differently. On the Western side, the open firearm season is between October 1st and early Nov. One buck with visible antlers is allowed to be taken during this period. This area covers units 10-30.

However, on the Eastern side, there are only several controlled hunts. Therefore, the dates vary widely from area to area. There is no general “open season” in these areas.

On the Western side, the archery season is from late August through September. However, this can vary widely. Usually, one deer is allowed to be taken in certain areas. Still, other units may require that a buck be taken. Once again, Eastern Oregon only has controlled hunts.

Some areas have bag limits with the specific type of deer. For instance, you may be able to take one white-tailed deer or a black-tailed buck. Again, it depends on the area and can vary yearly.

In Eastern Oregon, the dates vary from area to area a lot. Sometimes, only private lands can be hunted on. Therefore, you cannot hunt in some areas unless you have a place to hunt.

Each area also has a limited number of tags, and in some cases, the number may be as low as 22. Therefore, it is vital to apply early to get your spot.

Hunting License Requirements

To hunt, every hunter must have a valid hunting license. Each license expires on December 31st of the year it was purchased, no matter when you purchased it. Therefore, if you purchase a license in July, it is only suitable for that year. You cannot possess more than one valid hunting license at a time.

To hunt deer and other big game, you must also purchase a big game tag. These tags must be valid for the specific species, area, and date you’re hunting. There are certain exceptions to these rules, typically for youth and military members.

You must report on your big game tags by the deadline each year, even if you did not kill any animal. Reporting late results in a small fine.

There are three ways to purchase a license. Firstly, you can purchase them online at MyODFW.com, allowing you to carry your license around on your smartphone. You can also purchase them online and print them for easy access.

Finally, you can purchase them at a sales agent or ODFW office. You can purchase both physical copies or electronic versions. These offices can also provide you with help printing documents you’ve already purchased.

There are several different types of licenses you can purchase, too. For instance, there is a plain hunting license, as well as one that comes with a deer tag of your choice. Of course, the latter is more expensive.

Tags can also be purchased separately as necessary.

Residents and non-residents have different prices for tags. Veterans get discounts on licenses and tags. However, you still have to apply and purchase both.

Tags

Tags can be a bit complicated in Oregon. There are many different types of tags that cover different seasons. Some tags can be purchased together, while others only allow you to purchase one.

Each hunter can only purchase one tag for the Western Oregon Archery Season, Western Oregon General Season, and 100 Series Controlled Deer hunts (which take place in Eastern Oregon). However, hunters are also allowed to purchase one 600 series hunt tag on top of these.

During the Western Oregon seasons, you only have to purchase a tag. However, for the other hunts, you must apply and get a tag in a lottery. Therefore, not everyone who wants to hunt in a controlled hunt can.

Controlled Hunt Tag Applications

As we have previously explained, controlled hunts are a bit different than general hunts. For a controlled hunt, about 75% of tags are awarded to applicants with the most preference points. The other 25% are awarded with no reference to preference points. Therefore, everyone has an opportunity to get a tag.

You may only apply for one hunt per hunt series. There are two different deer series: 100 and 600. The 100 series is for a buck, while the 600 is for antlerless deer.

If everyone who listed the hunt as their first choice successfully receives a tag, the tags are then distributed to those that listed it as their 2nd and later picks. No preference points are considered during this selection process.

Preference points are awarded for various things. However, they are mostly provided to those that do not receive their first choice hunt. Each year you don’t get the tag you want, you are given preference points, improving the chance you will receive it in the future.

Once you are awarded a tag, your preference restarts to zero. Residents who own certain licenses may have a permanent default of one instead of zero, such as disabled veterans.

If you cannot hunt the year you get selected, you can ask for a preference point saver. This system allows you to forfeit your chance and save your preference points. Otherwise, you restart to zero whether you purchased a tag or not. You cannot apply for different hunts within the same series that year after deciding to save your points.

Applying for a hunt is simple. First, you need to pick a hunt to go on. You can select up to five choices. However, the odds of getting into the first hunt are far higher than the later choices. If you wish to apply with friends or family, be sure to apply as a party and not as an individual.

However, when applying with a party, everyone in that party must be able to hunt and purchase a separate application. All the party’s preference points are then combined and divided evenly to determine the group points.

You must complete your application before the deadline, including correcting any mistakes. It is best to apply early to provide time for adjustments if needed. Errors can be corrected, but there needs to be enough time before the drawing to do so.

Next, you simply have to wait for the draw results. If you were successful, you’d need to collect your tag before the hunt begins.

There are sometimes leftover tags available for sale online. These tags are those that were not purchased by those who “won” them.

In the event that a hunt is canceled, you will be notified. This rarely occurs, and it is usually the result of a disease outbreak or winter kill that lowered the population unexpectedly. You will be allowed to change your hunt preference in this case.

Only 5% of deer tags can go toward non-residents. Non-resident applications receive no preference. Guides and outfitters are allowed to market non-resident tags for business purposes. About one-half of all non-resident tags are provided through this program.

Youth Hunting

Oregon offers several youth hunts that provide an increased chance of success for hunters between the ages of 12 and 17. To participate, youth must purchase a combination license or a Youth Sports Pac. Then, they must purchase preference points or participate in a controlled hunt drawing.

Before hunting, the youth must undergo a hunters education course. The certificate of completion must be kept on them unless they are on land owned by their parents. This course can be completed online or in a traditional setting.

Youth must also wear hunter orange whenever they are hunting with a firearm. This orange must be visible from all directions (hats are recommended).

Only youth participating in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program may participate in hunting big game if they are under 11 years old. Any youth over 13 may hunt if accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. This program allows youth to be mentored by an experienced hunter.

First-time hunters can participate in the Youth First Time Hunt Program. This allows youth to receive a tag of some sort for those who have not previously succeeded in a controlled hunt drawing. This program allows youth to hunt even after being unsuccessful in a drawing.

Deer Season Types

There are three main types of deer seasons in Oregon. However, not all of these happen everywhere. The Eastern and Western parts of the state do things very differently, which can sometimes lead to confusion.

Buck Season – Any Legal Weapon Season

During this season, residents may bag one buck with visible antlers (excluding white-tailed deer). Any legal hunting weapon may be used.

This season can further be divided into the Western side of the state and the Eastern side of the state. The Western side has a “General Season,” meaning anyone can purchase a tag. The Eastern side has a “Controlled Season” with tags only being available via lottery.

During this time, you may hunt with any legal hunting weapon. The exclusions to this include automatic firearms, .22 caliber rifles, semiautomatic with a magazine capacity of above five cartridges, tracer or full-metal jacket bullets, infrared, laser, night vision, or other sights that project a beam.

You may also use a bow during this period, as well. All bows must have a draw strength of at least 40 pounds. Only long bows or recurved bows are allowed in “traditional bow-only” seasons. Compound bows may be used during other archery seasons. Broadheads must not be barbed and be at least 7/8″ wide.

Buck Season – Archery Season

There are several types of archery seasons in different places. Once again, Eastern Oregon requires that all tags are received via lottery, and each area opens on a specific date. Therefore, be sure to check the specific hunt you want to go on and apply.

On the Western side, things are done differently. In some areas, you may take either one deer or one deer with visible antlers. It depends on where you are hunting. The dates also differ depending on where you are in the state.

Sometimes, these seasons start early, stop, and then start again. They are typically longer than the all-weapon season.

Once again, you cannot harvest white-tailed deer in most circumstances. The only exception is in the Melrose Unit when this species is specifically listed in the bag limit. For obvious reasons, you may also not hunt with a firearm during this period.

Anterlerless Deer Season

In some circumstances, there is also an antlerless deer season. During this time, all legal weapons may be used. Of course, you cannot harvest white-tailed deer. In some cases, you can harvest antlered deer during this time, too.

Regulations and General Safety Information

Below is a list of some simple hunting regulations. This is not an extensive list by any means. Therefore, be sure to look at the complete regulations before going hunting, especially since they can differ by area.

• Mammals can only be hunted from 1/2 before sunrise to 1/2 after sunset.
• You may not hunt or chase any wildlife from a motor-propelled vehicle. This includes aircraft, boats, and cars.
• You may not use drones or aircraft to help spot game. If you are told the location of animals, you may not hunt them for eight hours.
• You may not operate an ATV or snowmobile with loaded firearms or bows unless you have a concealed carry permit or are a law enforcement officer (current or retired).
• You may not shoot game animals from a boat unless the motor has been shut off and the movement caused by the motor has ceased.
• You may not cast artificial light on an animal you plan to hunt. It is illegal to possess a hunting instrument and use a spotlight.
• It is illegal not to allow an employee of ODFW, wildlife law enforcers, or landowner of the land you’re hunting on to inspect your license, tag, or permit.
• Animals may not be disguised before being processed and when in transit from the field, including the disguising of the animal’s sex.

Of course, hunting is inherently dangerous because it involves firearms. Therefore, you should take care to treat your firearm with respect. Don’t shoot unless you’re certain about the ID of your target and what is behind your target. Every bullet must be accounted for, even those that miss.

If you’re hunting from a tree stand, be sure to use safety equipment. Most hunting accidents occur due to tree stand falls. Therefore, using harnesses and ensuring that they are correctly attached is vital.

Often, people understand that firearms are dangerous, but they are much less concerned with fall risks.

Chronic Wasting Disease in Oregon

Chronic Wasting Disease is an infection of the brain that is 100% fatal in deer, elk, moose, and similar animals. While this disease is widespread throughout North America, it has not been spotted in Oregon. However, the state has taken steps to ensure that the disease stays out of the population.

When field dressing an animal, you should wear latex gloves. While this condition hasn’t yet been passed to people, the more exposure the virus gets, the more likely it will adapt to humans. Therefore, limiting contact is vital (especially since there is no known cure for this disease).

This disease is similar to mad cow disease. A human variant is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and is absolutely fatal. Death occurs within 1 year of onset, and there is no known cure. While this disease is distinctly different from CWD, the last thing anyone wants is another degenerative neurological disease to pass on to people.

You should also bone out all meat but do not saw through the bone (especially the backbone, where the virus would be most concentrated in an infected deer). Minimize handling of the brain tissue and avoid consuming meat from an animal that tests positive for the disease.

What to Do After a Deer is Harvested

Once you have harvested a deer, your first step should be to tag the animal. There are two ways to do this, depending on your type of tag: paper and electronic.

For paper tags, you should write the harvest date on the tag and the Unit where the kill was made. Next, put the tag in a plastic bag and attach it to the animal in plain sight. Be sure to sign the tag before using it.

Electronic tags are used via the MyODFW app. After harvesting the deer, verify the tag by clicking the “validate” button on the app next to the tag. Then, follow the prompts to verify, ensuring that you click “save.”

Next, write down your name, date of birth, ODFW ID number, harvest date, and confirmation number on a material of your choice (paper in a plastic bag, duct tape, etc.) and attach it to the animal.

Whenever the animal is transferred to another individual (including for processing), include a record of the transfer. This should include the tag to ensure the harvest was legal.

You must have proof of the animal’s sex when transporting an animal. This may be the antlers if the deer has them, and it can also be the animal’s reproductive organs. You must also attempt to retrieve any deer that you shoot. Failure to do so can result in fines.

Fines for Not Following Regulations

There are many different laws in Oregon that govern hunting, and the punishment for disobeying these varies widely. For instance, there is a huge difference between a violation ticket and a federal-level citation. In Oregon, hunting violations must be done in a “criminal mental state.” However, this can mean many things.

The most common hunting violation is taking an animal outside of the legal hunting period. Often, this is outside the hunting time (aka. at night). Hunting with artificial light is also common. Hunting trespassing can also occur, often when a hunter unknowingly wanders onto someone else’s land for hunting purposes.

On the first offense of most hunting laws, Oregon law requires that the person’s license be suspended for 36 months, the firearm in question is forfeited, and restitution must be paid. In some cases, poaching is a felony. However, this rise in penalties has only occurred in recent years.

In some cases, you may have to pay up to $50,000 due to poaching. Therefore, it is vital to know the laws before you go hunting. Otherwise, you may not be going hunting again any time soon.

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