ODFW: Sign up now for free youth pheasant hunts

Youth hunters (age 17 and under) can sign up now for ODFW’s free pheasant hunts happening around the state in September.

The events are being held in Central Point, Corvallis, Eugene, Irrigon/Umatilla, John Day, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Portland/Sauvie Island and The Dalles (Tygh Valley). See dates below and register online (see Register for a Class/Youth Upland Hunts), at a license sales agent or at an ODFW office that sells licenses. Note that the Ladd Marsh and Fern Ridge hunts do not require advance registration.

ODFW and partners stock pheasants at these special hunts that give youth a head start on regular pheasant seasons, which don’t begin until October. Quail and dove also can be hunted. Volunteers often bring their trained hunting dogs to hunt with participants. Some events begin with a shotgun skills clinic, so participants can practice clay target shooting before hunting.

These events are open only to youth who have passed hunter education. (ODFW has many hunter education classes and field days available before the events.) An adult 21 years of age or older must accompany the youth to supervise but may not hunt.

“Youth pheasant hunts are a great chance for young hunters to find early success and put the lessons learned in hunter education classes to work in the field. The experience and memories they make during these hunts will stick with them their entire life,” says Brandon Harper, ODFW hunter education coordinator.

ODFW stresses safety during the hunts. Both hunter and supervisor must wear a hunter orange hat, eye protection and a hunter orange vest–equipment provided at the clinics by ODFW to anyone who doesn’t have it. Hunters also need to check in and out of the hunt.

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 online, at a license sales agent or ODFW office that sells licenses. Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.

While most areas have a hunt both Saturday and Sunday, youth hunters may sign up for only one hunt. They are welcome to hunt stand by on the other day.

Find more details about each hunt, including who to contact for more information, on the Workshop and Events page of MyODFW.com.

Central Point, Denman Wildlife Area, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. Corvallis (near Camp Adair), EE Wilson Wildlife Area, Sept. 29 and Sept. 30. Eugene, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. Registration not necessary but appreciated. Irrigon Wildlife Area (between Irrigon and Umatilla), Sept. 22 and Sept. 23. Sign up for morning or evening hunt (morning only on Sunday). Klamath Falls, Klamath Wildlife Area, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. Additional hunt on Oct. 20 when Miller Island Unit open to youth hunters only on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 10 a.m. Call 541-883-5732 from more information. John Day Valley, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. La Grande, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. No advance registration required. Madras, private lands, Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. Sign up for one of several three-hour hunting shifts. Portland, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. Tygh Valley/The Dalles, White River Wildlife Area, Sept. 15 and Sept. 16.