Department of Fish & Wildlife

Notice to Hunters

In an effort to make these regulations easier to understand, at times simplified language is used. ODFW’s intention is for these summarized regulations to be consistent with the actual language in Oregon statutes and administrative rules, but in the event of an inconsistency the statutes and administrative rules take precedence. The actual wording of relevant Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules can be found at: odfw.com/oars and oregonlaws.org/oregon_revised_statutes.

wildlife restoration

The Wildlife Restoration Program funds projects and programs to enhance your outdoor experience, using an excise tax from purchase on:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Bows and arrow components

Since 1939, Oregon has received over $340 million to support numerous programs, such as:

• 12 State Wildlife Area acquisitions
• Wildlife Area operations and maintenance
• Hunter Education Programs
• Wildlife Research
• Wildlife Habitat Programs
• Shooting Range Grants

Drought, Fire, and Hunting

• Hunters should be aware of drought conditions and risk of fire in their hunting units
• ODFW will not close hunting seasons due to drought or fire
• Landowners/managers control access, so check on access and road closure information in advance
• If all access to a hunt unit is closed due to fire restrictions and ODFW determines hunters lost their opportunity to hunt, ODFW will evaluate the situation after the season(s) close
• If ODFW determines compensation for lost access is warranted, ODFW will notify the affected hunters of their options
• For additional drought information, see myodfw.com/articles/impact-drought-fish-and-wildlife

Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has not yet been found in Oregon, but it has been found in Idaho near Oregon’s northeastern border. The Department has increased its monitoring efforts throughout the state due to the proximity of CWD to Oregon. House Bill 3152, passed in 2021, requires vehicles transporting wildlife or wildlife parts to stop for inspection if they encounter a Department-operated wildlife inspection station. Refer to page 18 for details. The Department will be operating wildlife inspection stations for CWD sample collection during some fall hunting seasons. Cooperation and sample collection by successful deer and elk hunters in Oregon is needed. Hunters submitting samples will be able to view test results within 4-6 weeks on ODFW’s website. For more information on CWD, ways to submit samples, and how to view results, please visit: myodfw.com/cwd

Thank You for Protecting Oregon’s Rich Cultural Heritage

• Cultural resources in Oregon include both Indian and early Euro-American archaeological sites, burials, and sacred objects.
• Cultural sites are not a renewable resource. Once taken or damaged they are lost forever.
• They are protected by law on public and private land. Disturbing them can lead to serious penalties.
• Further information is available at oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/technicalresources.aspx