Oregon Deer Season 2023-2024 New Dates & Rules!

Oregon deer hunting season 2023-2024 offer ample opportunities for hunters to pursue whitetail and mule deer across the state. Here is a detailed guide to the latest Oregon deer seasons, including dates, regulations, limits, and license information.

Oregon Deer Hunting Season Dates

Oregon has both general and controlled deer hunting seasons spanning the fall months:

General Deer Seasons

Oregon Deer Season	Dates	Deer Type	Weapon
Archery Controlled 100 Series Hunts	Aug 1, 2023 - Nov 16, 2023	Buck	Archery
Controlled 600 Series Hunts	Sep 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024	Antlerless	Any Legal Weapon
Western Archery	Sep 2, 2023 - Oct 1, 2023	Buck	Archery
Controlled 100 Series Hunts	Sep 16, 2023 - Jan 5, 2024	Buck	Any Legal Weapon
Western General (Units 10-30)	Oct 7, 2023 - Nov 10, 2023	Buck	Any Legal Weapon
Muzzleloader Controlled 100 Series Hunts	Nov 6, 2023 - Dec 17, 2023	Buck	Muzzleloader
Western Archery	Nov 18, 2023 - Dec 10, 2023	Buck	Archery
Western Archery	Nov 25, 2023 - Dec 17, 2023	Buck	Archery

Antelope Season

OR Antelope Season	Weapon	Dates
Controlled 400 Series Hunts	Archery	Aug 10, 2023 - Oct 1, 2023
Controlled 400 Series Hunts	Any Legal Weapon	Aug 19, 2023 - Oct 29, 2023
Controlled 400 Series Hunts	Muzzleloader	Aug 30, 2023 - Oct 20, 2023

Elk Season Summary

West Cascade

• Hunting Dates: Nov. 11-17
• Note: General West Cascade Tag

Rocky Mountain

• Hunting Dates: Nov. 11 – Nov. 19
• Note: General Eastern Oregon Rocky Mountain Second Season Tag

Coast Bull Elk (First Season)

• Hunting Dates: Nov. 18 – Nov. 21
• Note: General Western Oregon Coast First Season Tag

Coast Bull Elk (Second Season)

• Hunting Dates: Nov. 25 – Dec. 1
• Note: General Western Oregon Coast Second Season Tag

Western/Eastern

• Hunting Dates: Sept. 2 – Oct. 1
• Note: General Archery Season Tag

Oregon Deer Hunting Regulations

Hunters must abide by the following regulations while deer hunting in Oregon:

• Purchase required licenses and tags. All hunters must have a valid hunting license.
• Wear hunter orange during general and youth seasons.
• Only hunt during legal hours – sunrise to sunset, except youth season (one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset).
• Use legal weapons and ammunition. Options include bows, crossbows, rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders.
• Report all harvested deer within 48 hours.
• Respect all public and private lands. Get written permission to hunt private property.
• Do not operate vehicles off-road except on designated roads and trails.
• Do not hunt within city limits or safety zones.
• Do not shoot from a vehicle or across roads.
• Do not use electronic calls or bait deer. Both are prohibited.
• Know and follow all other ODFW deer hunting regulations.

Oregon Deer Bag Limits

Hunters must adhere to the following deer bag limits for the 2023-2024 seasons:

General Season

• Buck: 1 per season
• Either-sex deer: 2 total per season, only 1 can be antlerless

Youth Season

• Buck: 1 per season
• Either-sex deer: 1 total per season, only 1 can be antlerless

Archery/Crossbow Season

• Buck: 1 per season
• Either-sex deer: 2 total per season, only 1 can be antlerless

Muzzleloader Season

• Either-sex deer: 2 total per season

Additional restrictions:

• No more than 2 antlerless deer per hunter from public lands
• No more than 2 antlerless deer per hunter from private lands

Oregon Deer Licenses, Tags, and Permits

To hunt deer in Oregon, you will need a hunting license plus a tag for each deer you intend to harvest.

Hunting Licenses

• Resident: $34.50
• Non-resident: $172.00

Deer Tags

• General season tags
• Resident: $28.50
• Non-resident: $443.50
• Controlled season tags
• Resident: $28.50
• Non-resident: $443.50

In addition, these other licenses/permits may be required:

• Public land parking permit
• Disable veterans license
• Youth license

Tips for Hunting Oregon Deer

Follow these tips to have a safe, ethical, and successful deer hunt in Oregon:

• Scout – Identify deer signs and patterns on your hunting areas before the season. Consider setting up trail cameras.
• Practice – Sight in your weapons and work on shooting skills ahead of time.
• Be Scent Conscious – Deer have excellent noses. Use scent-eliminating sprays and soaps. Avoid strong fragrances.
• Focus on Food Sources – Set up near deer trails leading to and from food sources at dawn and dusk. Oak trees dropping acorns are prime spots.
• Use the Wind – Always try to approach downwind of deer’s location so your scent blows away from them.
• Stay Quiet and Hidden – Move slowly, take quiet steps, and stay concealed in vegetation to avoid spooking deer.
• Be Patient – Resist urge to move too much. Sit still for long periods while observing and waiting for good shot opportunities.

Frequently Asked Question

Here are some FAQs related to “Oregon Deer Season 2023-2024”:

What are the deer hunting season dates for 2023-2024 in Oregon?

Oregon deer hunting season 2023–2024 offers a variety of possibilities. Opening day is October 7, 2023, with a six-deer restriction and a two-antlered limit. Deer archery season runs from October 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024, with a six-deer bag maximum, including two antlered. Youth Deer Gun season is October 20-22, 2023, with a two-deer bag limit, one of which may be antleried. The 2023 deer muzzleloader season runs from October 28 to November 5. To hunt responsibly, hunters must follow Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife season dates, bag restrictions, and other rules.

What are the bag limits for deer hunting in Oregon for 2023-2024?

Deer bag limits in Oregon for the 2023-2024 season vary by species. Buck deer hunters may harvest one every season. Hunters may take two either-sex deer every season, but only one can be antlerless.

What licenses and tags do I need to hunt deer in Oregon?

You need a valid hunting license. Resident hunting licenses are $34.50 and non-resident are $172. You also need a tag for each deer you intend to harvest. General deer tags are $28.50 for residents and $443.50 for non-residents. Controlled hunt tags are the same fees.

What are some good public lands to hunt deer in Oregon?

Some top public lands for deer hunting include Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, White River Wildlife Area, Tioga Unit (Deschutes NF), and Melrose Unit (Umpqua NF).

Is baiting or feeding deer legal in Oregon?

No. Baiting and feeding deer is prohibited in Oregon.

When do I need to wear hunter orange for deer hunting in Oregon?

Hunter orange is required during the general rifle deer season and the youth deer season. Archery hunters are exempt. Consult the regulations for exact requirements.

Season & Rules source: Oregon Dept. of Wildlife and Fishing