SALEM, Ore.-The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is hosting free pheasant hunting events for youth hunters across the state, including Eastern Oregon, this September.
Hunters age 17 and under who have completed hunter education by the time of the event they plan to attend are eligible to participate.
“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.
The hunting events are free, however, 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.
Licenses and validations are available to purchase online and youth hunters can register for a free pheasant hunt by clicking on “classes and workshops/outdoor skills” in their MyODFW account.
Pen-raised pheasants are released for each special hunt, giving youth a unique hands-on hunt opportunity in a controlled setting with a focus on safety and success, according to ODFW.
Safety presentations, shotgun skills clinics, a hunter safety field day prior to the hunt, volunteer mentors and trained dogs will also be available at some hunt locations.
Youth pheasant hunts in Eastern Oregon
- Irrigon Wildlife Area: Online registration required for hunting on September 20 that will also include a shotgun skills clinic. More information on this hunt is available by calling 541-276-2344
- Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in La Grande: No advance registration for this September 13-14 hunt is required. More information on this hunt is available by calling 541-963-4954
More details about free youth pheasant hunts in Oregon is available online, or by contacting Shaanette Frederiksen, 503-947-6002 Shaanette.r.frederiksen@odfw.oregon.gov.
