Free Youth Hunt Offered Near Hermiston

Registration is now open for ODFW’s free pheasant hunts for youth (age 17 and under) happening around the state in September.

The events are being held in Baker City, Central Point, Corvallis, Eugene, Hermiston, John Day, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Portland, The Dalles (Tygh Valley). See dates below and register online.

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 may also be hunted. Volunteers often bring their trained hunting dogs to hunt with participants. Some events also begin with a shotgun skills clinic, so participants can practice clay target shooting before hunting.

These events are only open to youth who have passed hunter education. (ODFW has 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.

“If your child made it through hunter education but is still new to the sport, this is a great way to get them started,” says James Reed, ODFW hunter education coordinator. “These events happen before regular pheasant seasons open and are a great opportunity for kids to get out hunting.”

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 by ODFW at the clinics 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 – 17, free for age 11 and under) to hunt. Youth hunters age 12-17 also need an upland game bird validation ($4). Licenses can be purchased online. Licenses and tags will not be sold at the events.

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

Below are the dates for the upcoming youth hunts:

• Baker City area, Sept. 24 and Sept. 25
• Central Point, Denman Wildlife Area, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.
• Corvallis (near Camp Adair), EE Wilson Wildlife Area, Sept. 24 and Sept. 25.
• Eugene, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area, Sept. 10 and Sept. 11.
• Hermiston, Irrigon Wildlife Area, Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, sign up for morning or evening hunt.
• John Day area, Sept. 17 and 18.
• Klamath Falls, Klamath Wildlife Area, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.
• La Grande, Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.
• Madras, Gateway Canyon Preserve, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18, sign up for one of several three-hour hunting shifts.
• Portland, Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18
• Tygh Valley/The Dalles, White River Wildlife Area, Sept. 17 and Sept. 18.