Oregon Deer Season 2025-2026 New Dates & Rules!
Hey there, outdoor enthusiast! If you’re dreaming of pursuing majestic bucks across Oregon’s diverse landscapes, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need for the 2025-2026 cycle, from precise dates and wildlife zones to licensing details and regulations. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned tracker, we’ve got you covered 🌲.
🗓️ Quick Glance: Oregon’s 2025 Deer Opportunities
Here’s a snapshot of key periods for popular species:
| Species | Method | Open Date | Close Date | Zones/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black-Tailed | Archery | Aug 30, 2025 | Sept 28, 2025 | Western Units (e.g., 11, 12, 14, 22, 24, 27, 28) |
| Black-Tailed | Any Legal Weapon | Oct 4, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | Western Units (10-30) |
| Mule Deer | Controlled Hunts | Varies | Varies | Eastern Oregon (draw-only; apply by May 15) |
| White-Tailed | Limited Hunts | Dec 1-14, 2025 | Dec 2-15, 2025 | Specific units (e.g., Sled Springs, Baker; private land muzzleloader) |
🏹 All Deer Seasons: Archery, Rifle, and More
Black-Tailed Deer
These elusive forest dwellers are a hallmark of Oregon’s western regions. Populations are thriving, offering great opportunities for over-the-counter tags .
- Archery:
- Dates: Aug 30 – Sept 28, 2025.
- Zones: Units 11, 12, 14, 22, 24, 27, 28, and others like South Indigo (Unit 21) with specific boundaries .
- Details: Perfect for quiet stalking in lush coastal forests. Remember, broadheads must be at least 7/8″ wide, and bows require a 40-lb minimum draw weight .
- Any Legal Weapon (General Season):
- Dates: Oct 4 – Nov 7, 2025.
- Zones: Western Units 10-30 .
- Details: The classic rifle period. Hunter orange isn’t mandatory for adults, but it’s wise for safety .
Mule Deer
Found east of the Cascades, these animals are managed under a new herd-range system starting in 2026 to align with biological patterns .
- Eastern Oregon Archery: Entirely controlled hunts (draw-only) .
- Controlled Hunts: Dates vary by unit, typically falling between October and November. Applications are due by May 15, 2025 .
- Example Hunts: Wilson Unit (Nov 1-30), Dixon Unit (Nov 15-Dec 7), or Umpqua for white-tailed blends .
White-Tailed Deer
Limited to specific regions, these hunts are highly specialized:
- Northeast Whitetail Muzzleloader:
- Dates: Dec 1-14, 2025 (Sled Springs), Nov 17-30, 2025 (Baker) .
- Details: New private-land muzzleloader hunts in Chesnimnus, Snake River, and Imnaha Units (Dec 2-15, 2025; 10 tags each) require mandatory CWD testing .
- Columbian White-Tailed: Restricted to Umpqua and North Bank Habitat units (draw-only) .
🐑 Additional Deer-Related Opportunities
Elk
While not deer, elk are a prized big game pursuit in Oregon with seasons often overlapping:
- General Archery: Aug 30 – Sept 28, 2025 (statewide) .
- Any Legal Weapon: Varies by region, e.g., West Cascade (Nov 8-14, 2025) or Coast Bull Elk (Nov 15-18 and Nov 22-28, 2025) .
- Tags: Required separately; controlled hunts dominate eastern regions .
⏳ Oregon Late Deer Seasons Snapshot
For those looking to extend their time afield:
| Season Type | Dates | Zones | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Extension | Nov 8-9, 2025 | Western General Zones | For ages 12-17 with unfilled tags |
| Late Archery | Nov 15-Dec 7, 2025 | Units 25, 29, 30 | Traditional archery only in Unit 26 |
| Muzzleloader (WT) | Dec 1-14, 2025 | Sled Springs, Baker | Rut-focused hunts |
📜 Oregon Deer Regulations List
Knowing the rules ensures a safe and successful trip:
- Harvest Reporting: Mandatory within 24 hours via online or paper tagging .
- Weapon Restrictions:
- Muzzleloaders: No scopes; only round balls or federally approved nontoxic shot .
- Archers: No electronic devices; mechanical broadheads allowed if ≥7/8″ wide .
- CWD Precautions: While not yet detected in Oregon, mandatory testing applies in some new whitetail hunts .
- Hunter Orange: Not required for adults, but youth under 18 must wear a fluorescent orange hat or exterior garment .
🎟️ Oregon Deer License & Tag Fees
Planning your adventure? Here’s the cost breakdown:
| License/Tag Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting License | – | $172 | Required for all hunters |
| General Deer Tag | Varies | $443.50 | Controlled or general |
| Youth Hunting License | – | $10 (ages 9-17) | |
| Application Fee | $8 | $8 | Per species |
Note: Prices for residents vary; check official sources for exact rates. Controlled hunt applications require a non-refundable fee .
✅ Oregon Deer License Requirements
Before you head out:
- Basic Hunting License: Required for all hunters .
- Deer Tags: Must be purchased for the specific season (archery, rifle, etc.). General tags are over-the-counter for western seasons, while eastern hunts require draws .
- Hunter Education: Mandatory for hunters 17 and under unless in the Mentored Youth Program .
- Youth Mentored Program: Allows youth 9-15 to hunt without a license under supervisor guidance .
❓ Oregon Deer Hunting FAQs
Q: Can non-residents draw controlled hunt tags?
A: Yes, but only 5% of controlled tags are allocated to non-residents, making them highly competitive .
Q: What’s new for 2025?
A: Three new white-tailed muzzleloader hunts on private land in Chesnimnus, Snake River, and Imnaha units, plus increased antlerless tags in SW Oregon .
Q: Are there preference points?
A: Yes! Oregon uses a preference point system where 75% of tags go to applicants with the most points. Points are retained until you draw your first choice .
Q: Where can I hunt white-tailed deer?
A: Primarily in northeast units like Sled Springs or Baker, and limited Columbian white-tailed in Umpqua/North Bank .
Q: Is baiting allowed?
A: No, baiting is prohibited in Oregon.
🌲 Parting Thoughts
Oregon offers a rich mosaic of deer pursuit opportunities, from the coastal blacktails to the high desert mule deer. With clear dates, well-managed tags, and breathtaking landscapes, your next adventure awaits. Remember to check zone-specific rules, apply for draws early, and always prioritize safety and ethics in the wild.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Regulations can change, so always verify details through the 🔗 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife before your trip.
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