License Requirements: Big Game Hunting

What You Need

In order to hunt big game in Oregon, a hunter must have the following:

• Valid Oregon hunting license
• A big game tag valid for the dates, area, and species being hunted
• Youth hunters age 12-17 must complete a valid Hunter Safety course. Adults 18+ are not required to complete a hunter safety course to hunt in Oregon.

Some licensing exceptions apply to youth, active duty military, veterans, and landowners. For information about these exceptions and other details on Oregon hunting license requirements, please visit the ODFW Licensing Page.

Purchasing Your Hunting License

It’s easiest to buy a hunting license online on the ODFW Electronic Licensing System. This site is a portal for all license, permits, tags, and controlled hunt drawings. You can still buy licenses and tags in stores or your regional ODFW office if you prefer to interact in person. But in all truth, it’s far quicker for customers and ODFW to handle this work online.

RESOURCE  ODFW tutorial on how and where to buy a hunting license

RESOURCE  Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations (PDF online version)

PRO TIP  Download a copy of the PDF regulations (from the ODFW website) and save the file to the “Books” app on your iPhone. This way you’ll have a digital copy in the field when you want to double check season dates, point restrictions, and other rules.

PRO TIP   Get several hard copies of the Oregon Big Game Regulations available at local sporting goods stores or ODFW offices. Keep one in your car and another at home.

Purchasing Your Big Game Tag

Big game tags can also be purchased online or in-person at an ODFW office or point of sale. Tags must be purchased before the date your hunt starts. For example, if your hunt starts on November 1, then the latest you can buy the tag is 11:59pm on October 31. Now, there is an exception to this rule to help hunters who forgot about the deadline or couldn’t get their tag on time.

Missed the Tag Sale Deadline?

Late tag purchases can be made by signing an affidavit stating that you DID NOT attempt to hunt on that tag yet and paying an exception fee of $25.50 along with regular cost of tag.

As of March 2022, after-the-deadline tag sales can be completed online through the hunter’s account or at a license sale agent. Add the tag to your ODFW online licensing system cart and you will be prompted to attest that you did not hunt and the fee will be added to your cart. Call ODFW Licensing Services at 503-947-6101 to learn more.

Paper or Phone?

In Oregon, your hunting license and tags can be either a paper tag or an online document. When you buy a license online — or at the store — you’ll be asked to choose one or the other. Paper tags are traditional and feel very official, and many people like them for these reasons. Electronic tags are easy to use, cannot be lost or damaged like paper tags, and are just as official as paper tags. There are pros and cons to either. Check out the guide below for an in-depth look at how to sign up for and use the Electronic Licensing System (ELS).

RESOURCE  Guide to using Oregon’s ELS

Other Requirements

Hunters might need additional permits to hunt on private land or state wildlife area. These situations vary by area and are too complex to address here. Before hunting, make sure to know the rules about the area you plan to hunt and arrange for an extra permits or passes that you might need.

Check out our lesson on Finding a Place to Hunt for more tips on navigating hunting access requirements.