Last updated Aug 11, 2026 10:21am0
ODFW introduces youth to bird hunting – The Nugget Newspaper
ODFW will host a series of free upland game bird hunts for youth hunters starting in September. The hunts will take place around the state and youth hunters (age 17 and under) who have completed hunter education by the time of the event can sign up now for a hunt at https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/youth-upland-game-bird-hunts.
ODFW and partners release pen-raised pheasants for each special hunt, giving youth a unique hands-on hunt opportunity. Some hunt events include safety presentations, shotgun skills clinics, a hunter safety field day prior to the hunt, volunteer mentors, and trained dogs.
Photo by Scott Branch
Dog handler Pat Wray assists youth hunter at a pheasant hunt.
All youth hunt events are free, but registration is required for some.
Youth hunters ages 12-17 must have a valid hunting license ($10), an upland game bird validation ($4), and carry a valid hunter safety education card (orange temporary or permanent card). Children ages 11 and under do not need a license but are required to have a hunter education certificate. Purchase the necessary documents before the event, online or at a license sales agent. Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.
“Youth pheasant hunts are a great opportunity for young hunters to experience early success and put the lessons learned in hunter safety education to work in the field,” said Jered Goodwin, ODFW hunter education coordinator.
Youth upland game bird hunt dates and locations:
• September 12–13 – Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Lane County. No advanced registration required. East and West Coyote and Fisher Butte units open to hunting. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact 541-935-2591.
• September 19–20 – Denman Wildlife Area, Jackson County. Registration required online. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hunt each day Contact: 541-826-8774.
• September 19–20 – John Day Area – private lands, Grant County. Registration required online. The hunt will take place on private land in the John Day Valley. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: 541-575-1167.
• September 19–20 – Klamath Wildlife Area, Klamath County. No advanced registration required. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: 541- 883-5732.
• September 19–20 – Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Multnomah County. Registration required online. Hunting will occur only on Eastside hunt units. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hunt each day. Contact: 503-621-3488, opt 2.
• October 24–25 – Youth Chukar Hun, Lower Klamath Hills regulated hunt area. Contact Klamath Chapter OHA at 541-883-8326 to register, spots are limited. The bag limit is two chukar. Mentored youth hunter program will apply to this hunt; it is within season dates. Only federally approved nontoxic shot allowed. More information is available on pages 26–27 of the Oregon Game Bird Hunting Regulations.
This is a partial listing of opportunities. For more information visit https://myodfw.com/workshops-and-events/youth-upland-game-bird-hunts.