Register now for free youth pheasant hunts happening statewide in September

SALEM, Ore.—Youth hunters (age 17 and under) who will have completed hunter education by the time of the event can sign up now for ODFW’s free pheasant hunts happening around the state starting in September, https://myodfw.com/articles/youth-pheasant-hunts

ODFW and partners stock pheasants at these special hunts that give youth a head start on regular pheasant seasons. Volunteers bring their trained hunting dogs to some events. Some events also host a shooting skills session before the hunt.

ODFW recommends youth register in advance for most events, but walk-ins are also welcome if space allows, see the youth pheasant hunts page for more details. Register by logging in to the youth’s account at MyODFW’s Licensing page. Then go to Purchase from the Catalog and look under the Category/ Class/Workshop / Outdoor Skills. Final details about the event will be emailed to the address within the account.

The hunts are free, though participants need a valid hunting license ($10 for youth 12 and older, free for age 11 and under) to hunt. Youth hunters age 12-17 also need an upland game bird validation ($4). Purchase before the event, online or at a license sales agent. Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.

Some areas will host the event both Saturday and Sunday. Youth who register for one day are welcome to hunt stand by on the other day.

“Youth pheasant hunts are a great chance for young hunters to find early success and put the lessons learned in hunter education to work in the field,” said Jered Goodwin, ODFW hunter education coordinator.

See page 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information, or see https://myodfw.com/articles/youth-pheasant-hunts for the local contact and more details about each hunt.

Youth pheasant hunt dates and locations:

• Central Point, Denman Wildlife Area, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
• Coquille, Coquille Valley Wildlife Area, Sept. 28 and Sept. 29
• Eugene, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Sept. 7 and Sept. 8. No advance registration required.
• John Day Valley (Prairie City), private lands, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
• Klamath Falls, Klamath Wildlife Area, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15. No advance registration required.
• La Grande, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
• Madras, private lands, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
• Monmouth (near Camp Adair), EE Wilson Wildlife Area, Sept. 28 and Sept. 29. Call 541-745-5334 or email shawn.k.woods@odfw.oregon.gov to register prior to event.
• Pendleton/Umatilla area, Irrigon Wildlife Area, Sept. 21
• Portland, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15
• Tygh Valley/The Dalles, White River Wildlife Area, Sept. 14 and Sept. 15

Photo: Keegan at last year’s youth pheasant hunt at EE Wilson Wildlife Area in 2023. Photo by Doug Krause