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HUNTING SEASONS IN OREGON 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 OR hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from mule deer to elk to ducks. Whether you’re glassing a rutting buck atop Cascade foothills, slipping through coastal fir groves for black‑tailed deer, or running decoys for mallards in Willamette Valley wetlands, Oregon’s mountains, forests, and marshes deliver premier big game and small game opportunities under clear regulations.
What Is There to Hunt in Oregon?
Oregon supports a diverse array of game:
Big Game: Mule deer, black‑tailed deer, Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, black bear, cougar, bighorn sheep (limited draw)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, gray squirrel, mountain quail, chukar, ring‑necked pheasant, ruffed grouse
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal, wigeon), Canada geese, snow geese, coots, rails, mourning dove
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, bobcat, fox, raccoon, beaver
From shrub‑steppe east to coastal rainforests, Oregon’s varied habitats sustain healthy state animal populations and well‑timed seasons.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Oregon?
On private lands with landowner permission—and the appropriate license—you may take unprotected or nuisance species such as coyote, ground squirrel, beaver, and raccoon any time of year with no closed season and no bag limits. Public Wildlife Management Units enforce posted season dates and method restrictions—always verify before you hunt.
Oregon Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Mule & Black‑Tailed Deer
Archery: Sept 15 – Oct 15, 2025 (Zone dependent)
General Rifle: Oct 25 – Nov 30, 2025
Muzzleloader: Nov 25 – Dec 5, 2025 (selected units)
Late Buck: Jan 2 – Jan 10, 2026 (few zones)
Tags allocate by draw or over‑the‑counter in low‑pressure Units. Bag limit: one buck per season.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Archery (OTC in Elk Units): Sept 1 – Oct 1, 2025
General Rifle: Oct 10 – Nov 7, 2025
Muzzleloader: Nov 20 – Dec 1, 2025
Controlled Hunts: Variable by zone (draw only)
Elk harvests manage populations in eastern and coastal ranges; one bull or cow per tag.
Pronghorn Antelope
General Rifle: Sept 10 – Oct 5, 2025 (Units 2 & 3)
Limited‑Entry: Sept 15 – Sept 25, 2025 (Unit 4 draw)
Antelope tags awarded by quota draw; bag limit of one buck per season.
Black Bear & Cougar
Bear Archery: Aug 15 – Sept 30, 2025
Bear Rifle: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2025
Cougar Season: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 2026 (quota tags)
Bear and cougar hunts require successful draw; harvest reporting and mandatory sealing preserve data.
Oregon Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Game & Small Mammals
Cottontail Rabbit & Hare: Oct 1 – Mar 31, 2026 (8 rabbits/hares/day)
Gray Squirrel: Year‑round; no closed season
Pheasant (WMAs): Oct 15 – Jan 31, 2026 (2/day)
Chukar & Quail: Sept 1 – Mar 31, 2026 (8/day)
Grouse & Woodcock: Sept 1 – Nov 30, 2025 (3/day)
Shotguns with non‑toxic shot required; dogs permitted on public lands per WMA rules.
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Early Teal: Sept 6 – Sept 26, 2025
Regular Duck Seasons: Nov 14 – Dec 12 & Dec 26 – Jan 31, 2026 (zones split)
Goose: Nov 14 – Jan 31, 2026 (Canada & white geese)
Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025 (25 & 15/day)
Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025; Dec 1 – Feb 28, 2026
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; Federal Duck Stamp, HIP, and state waterfowl stamp required
Pacific Flyway migrations draw hunters to coastal bays and interior reservoirs; daily duck limit is 7 with species sub‑limits.
Bag Limits by Species
Mule & Black‑Tailed Deer: 1 buck/tag
Elk: 1 bull or cow per tag
Pronghorn: 1 buck per tag
Bear & Cougar: 1 per tag
Ducks: 7/day; sub‑limits on teal, mallard, pintail
Geese: 5/day
Rails & Coots: 25 & 15/day
Pheasant, Chukar, Quail: 2, 8, 8/day respectively
Rabbit & Hare: 8/day
Coyote & Squirrel: No limits on private lands
Bag limits ensure sustainable harvests across big and small game species.
License & Tags Information for Oregon Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters must carry a valid Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) license and appropriate tags:
Resident Hunting License: $35; Nonresident: $240
Big Game Tags: $12–$370; OTC or draw application
Waterfowl Stamp & HIP: $20; Federal Duck Stamp required
Furbearer License: $50; includes bobcat, coyote, nutria
Hunter Education: Certification mandatory for hunters under 18 and new licensees
Licenses fund habitat management, fish and wildlife research, and enforcement; draw applications open mid‑summer.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
ODFW authorizes:
Archery: Compound, recurve bows, crossbows (season dependent)
Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (slugs & buckshot) during rifle seasons
Muzzleloaders: Single‑shot black‑powder firearms during designated windows
Dogs & Bait: Permitted for waterfowl retrievers and upland hunting on designated WMAs; predator hunts on private lands
Ensure compliance with caliber, draw weight, and non‑toxic shot requirements to maintain legal, ethical hunts.
Regulations & Resources
ODFW regulations cover:
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset (small game may extend to legal sunset)
Hunt Unit Maps & Boundaries: Detailed GIS maps for big game units and WMAs
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for deer, elk, pronghorn, bear within 48 hrs via Online License System
Special Areas: Wildlife Areas, bird refuges, CWD surveillance zones
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW): https://myodfw.com/big-game-hunting/seasons
HUNTING SEASONS IN MONTANA 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 MT hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer and elk to moose, turkey, and ducks. Whether you’re glassing bulls atop alpine ridges, slipping through timber for bear, or running decoys for ducks along the Yellowstone, Montana’s vast plains, mountains, and riparian corridors deliver world‑class big game and small game under clear regulations.
What Is There to Hunt in Montana?
Montana supports a legendary roster of game species:
Big Game: Elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black and grizzly bear, antelope
Upland & Small Game: Ruffed and dusky grouse, pheasant, sharptail grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrels
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal, canvasback), geese, swans, coots, rails, mourning dove
Predators & Furbearers: Coyote, wolf (depredation hunts), fox, beaver, muskrat, bobcat
Montana’s diverse terrain—from eastern prairies to western mountains—offers opportunities year‑round for rifle, bow, and shotgun hunters.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Montana?
On private lands with landowner permission, several species carry no closed season and no bag limits: coyote, prairie dogs, beaver, and muskrat. These off‑season hunts aid predator control and ecosystem balance. Public‑land rules vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).
Montana Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Seasons differ by unit and draw status—always check FWP regulations before planning.
Elk
Archery: Aug 15 – Sept 30, 2025
General Rifle: Oct 1 – Nov 10, 2025
Secondary Rifle: Nov 15 – Dec 5, 2025
Muzzleloader: Oct 11 – Oct 20, 2025
Most elk tags require a draw; general over‑the‑counter tags available in specific WMUs. Bag limit: one elk per season.
Deer (Mule & Whitetail)
Archery: Sept 1 – Oct 15, 2025
General Gun: Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2025
Muzzleloader: Dec 1 – Dec 10, 2025
Secondary Gun: Jan 5 – Jan 15, 2026
Montana offers generous archery and rifle windows. Bag limits vary by unit: typically one buck per season.
Moose
Draw Only: Sept 15 – Oct 31, 2025
Moose hunts are limited‑entry; only one moose per hunter in a lifetime. Tags allocate through a lottery draw.
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat
Draw Only: Aug 10 – Dec 31, 2025
Trophy hunts for sheep and goat require years of preference points; permit only one animal per season.
Bear (Black & Grizzly)
Black Bear Spring: Apr 15 – June 15, 2025
Bear Fall: Sept 1 – Oct 15, 2025
Grizzly (WMU XX): Early Sept, draw only
Bear seasons allow bait, hound, and archery methods per WMU regulation. Harvest reporting is mandatory.
Montana Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Birds & Small Mammals
Grouse & Partridge: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Pheasant: Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2025 (specific WMUs)
Rabbit & Hare: Oct 1 – Mar 31, 2026
Shotgunners and upland hunters traverse grasslands and woodlots for fast‑paced small game action.
Waterfowl & Migratory
Ducks & Geese: Oct 15 – Nov 20 & Dec 1 – Jan 31, 2026
Youth Waterfowl Day: Early Sept weekend
Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; HIP, Federal Duck Stamp, and state waterfowl license required
Montana’s irrigation reservoirs and riverine wetlands host migrating flocks—decoys and non‑toxic shot required.
Bag Limits by Species
Elk, Moose, Sheep, Goat: 1 per permit
Deer: 1 buck per season (unit dependent)
Bear: 1 per season (black or grizzly)
Grouse/Partridge: 8 per day
Pheasant: 3 per day; 6 in possession
Ducks: 6 per day; species sub‑limits
Geese: 5 per day
Rabbit & Hare: 8 per day each
Coyote & Furbearers: No limits, landowner permission required
Bag limits support healthy wildlife populations and sustainable big game and small game hunts.
License & Tags Information for Montana Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters need a valid Montana FWP license and appropriate tags:
Resident Combination License: $25
Nonresident Combo: $445
Big Game Tags: $12–$387; draw required for elk, moose, sheep, goat
Deer & Antelope Tags: $12 (resident); $165 (nonresident)
Waterfowl Validation & HIP: Required for ducks and geese
Hunter Education: Mandatory for hunters born after Jan 1 1972
Licenses fund habitat conservation and wildlife management; apply in draw window and purchase validations prior to hunts.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Montana authorizes:
Archery: Compound, recurve, crossbows (archery seasons)
Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (slugs & buckshot)
Muzzleloaders: Single‑shot black‑powder firearms
Dogs & Bait: Allowed for bear and furbearers in designated areas; waterfowlers use decoys
Follow weapon regulations for caliber, draw weight, and non‑toxic shot requirements.
Regulations & Resources
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations cover:
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
WMU Boundaries & Maps: Detailed online by management unit
Harvest Reporting: Big game and turkey within 24 hrs
Special Areas: Tribal lands, wilderness areas, CWD zones
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP): https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/seasons
With structured seasons, clear bag limits, and accessible license systems, Montana delivers unparalleled hunting adventures for elk, deer, moose, turkey, waterfowl, and predators. Prepare your bow or rifle, secure proper tags, and immerse yourself in Big Sky State’s rich wildlife legacy during the 2025–26 season.
HUNTING SEASONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 SD hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to pronghorn to ducks. Whether you’re glassing a rutting buck on the Missouri River breaks, slipping decoys for teal over prairie potholes, or tracking coyote year‑round on private ranchland, South Dakota’s prairie grasslands, badlands, and wetlands deliver premier big game and small game opportunities under clear regulations.
What Is There to Hunt in South Dakota?
South Dakota supports a wide array of species:
Big Game: Whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk, moose (Unit 1 draw), bighorn sheep (draw), mountain lion (quota), wild turkey (limited draw)
Small Game & Upland Birds: Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, ring‑necked pheasant, sharp‑tailed grouse, gray partridge, fox & gray squirrels
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal, pintail), Canada geese, snow geese, coots, rails, mourning dove
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, bobcat, fox, beaver, muskrat
From Black Hills foothills to east‑river marshes, hunters pursue healthy state animal populations year‑round.
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in South Dakota?
On private lands with landowner permission—and a valid license—nuisance species like coyote, beaver, and muskrat carry no closed season and no bag limits, aiding predator control and fur‑harvest. Public Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) and Game Production Areas enforce posted season dates and method restrictions.
South Dakota Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Whitetail & Mule Deer
Archery: Sept 15 – Nov 9, 2025
Youth Firearms: Nov 1–2, 2025
General Firearms: Nov 29 – Dec 7, 2025 (east river); Nov 22 – Nov 30 (west river)
Muzzleloader: Dec 8 – Dec 14, 2025
Late Antlerless: Jan 2 – Jan 18, 2026 (remaining tags)
Tags over‑the‑counter or draw; bag limit: one buck per license plus antlerless deer with extra tags.
Pronghorn Antelope
General Firearms & Archery: Sept 15 – Sept 30, 2025
Limited‑Entry (draw): Oct 1 – Oct 15, 2025
Antelope tags manage herd numbers; bag limit one buck per tag.
Elk & Moose
Elk Archery: Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2025 (Units 1–3 OTC; others draw)
Elk Rifle: Oct 10 – Oct 25, 2025
Moose (Unit 1 draw): Sept 15 – Sept 30, 2025
One bull or cow per tag; draw only for high‑demand units.
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Lion
Sheep (draw only): Aug 15 – Dec 31, 2025
Cougar (quota): Feb 1 – Mar 31 & Aug 1 – Oct 31, 2025
Trophy hunts require permit; harvest reporting mandatory.
Wild Turkey
Spring Draw: Apr 1 – May 15, 2026
Fall Archery: Sept 15 – Oct 15, 2025 (WMAs)
Turkey permits via draw; one bird per tag.
South Dakota Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Upland Game & Small Mammals
Rabbit & Hare: Oct 1 – Mar 31, 2026 (8/day)
Squirrel: Year‑round; 10/day
Pheasant: Oct 10 – Jan 31, 2026 (3/day)
Grouse & Partridge: Oct 1 – Jan 31, 2026 (3/day each)
Shotguns with non‑toxic shot required; dogs permitted in WPAs under posted rules.
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Early Teal: Sept 6 – Sept 27, 2025
Ducks & Geese: Oct 26 – Nov 27 & Dec 16 – Jan 31, 2026 (zones split)
Youth Waterfowl Day: Sept 19–20, 2025
Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025 (25 & 15/day)
Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 9; Dec 1 – Jan 15, 2026 (15/day)
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; Federal Duck Stamp, HIP, and state waterfowl stamp required
National Wildlife Refuges and WPAs host migrations; daily duck limit 6 with species sub‑limits.
Bag Limits by Species
Whitetail & Mule Deer: 1 buck; antlerless by extra tag
Pronghorn Antelope: 1 buck per tag
Elk & Moose: 1 per permit
Bighorn Sheep & Cougar: 1 per permit
Wild Turkey: 1 per tag
Ducks: 6/day; sub‑limits apply
Geese: 5/day
Rails & Coots: 25 & 15/day
Pheasant: 3/day; 9 possession
Rabbit & Hare: 8/day
Coyote & Furbearers: No limits on private lands
Bag limits support sustainable harvests and population health.
License & Tags Information for South Dakota Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters must carry a valid SD GFP license and required permits:
Resident Hunting License: $32; Nonresident: $140
Deer Tags: $10; antlerless $5
Antelope Tags: $10; draw zones $15
Elk/Moose Tags: $30–$150; draw only
Waterfowl Stamp & HIP: $7; Federal Duck Stamp required
Furbearer License: $12; includes coyote, muskrat, beaver
Turkey Permit: $15; draw application
Licenses fund habitat conservation, wildlife management, and enforcement; draw applications open early spring.
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
SD GFP authorizes:
Archery: Compound, recurve bows, crossbows (Zones 1–5 archery seasons)
Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (slugs & buckshot) in rifle seasons
Muzzleloaders: Single‑shot black‑powder firearms during December season
Dogs & Bait: Allowed for waterfowl retrievers; predator control on private lands
Ensure compliance with caliber, draw weight, and non‑toxic shot requirements.
Regulations & Resources
SD GFP regulations cover:
Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset (small game may extend to legal sunset)
Game Management Unit Maps: Online GIS for all big game and waterfowl zones
Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for deer, antelope, elk, moose within 48 hrs via Outdoor Campus portal
Special Areas: National Wildlife Refuges, WPAs, and CWD monitoring zones
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP): https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/nav/HuntingandTrappingHandbook_2024.pdf
With structured seasons, defined bag limits, and accessible license systems, South Dakota delivers exceptional hunts for whitetail deer, pronghorn, ducks, and predators. Prepare your bow or rifle, secure proper tags, and explore the Mount Rushmore State
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