SALEM, Ore.-The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will once again host free hunting events for youth across the state, including Eastern Oregon, this September.
The free hunting events are for hunters aged 17 and under, who have completed or will complete, hunters education by the time of the hunts.
“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.
Some of the hunts will feature safety presentations, shotgun skills clinics, hunter safety field days, volunteer mentors, and trained dogs.
Pen raised pheasant will be released for each hunt, offering a hands-on hunting opportunity, according to ODFW.
All youth hunting events are free but hunters between the ages of 12 and 17 must have a valid hunting license, an upland game bird validation, and carry a valid hunter safety education card.
A youth hunting license is $10, and the upland game bird validation is $4, both documents are available for purchase online or through license retailers.
Free youth pheasant hunts in Eastern Oregon
- Grant County: September 19-20 on private lands in the John Day Valley. Hunts will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. More information is available by calling 541.575.1167
- Union County: September 19-20 in the Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area. Check in for hunts at 7 a.m. at the Ladd Marsh Headquarters at 59116 Pierce Road. Hunts will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day. More information is available by calling 541.963.4954
- Morrow County: September 26 in the Irrigon Wildlife Area. Two hunts will be held, one from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and another from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. More information is available by calling 541.276.2344
The youth pheasant hunts are free, but registration is required. A full calendar of hunts and registration details is available online through ODFW.
