Welcome to the thrilling world of turkey hunting in Oregon! Oregon provides hunters with a unique chance to immerse themselves in the exhilarating chase of these beautiful birds because of its abundant turkey populations and varied hunting seasons. Another thrilling season, brimming with the hope of catching that coveted tom or relishing the challenge of an autumn hunt, will arrive in 2023. This page will cover the Oregon Turkey Season 2023, including dates, regulations, bag limits, and other vital information to maximize your hunting experience. So be ready for an exciting turkey hunting adventure in Oregon’s magnificent surroundings by putting on your gear and enhancing your abilities.
Oregon Turkey Season 2023 & Bag Limits
Residents and young hunters may take full advantage of this enthralling experience thanks to affordable prices for turkey tags and hunting permits. Turkey’s populations have steadily increased due to Oregon’s effective conservation efforts, enabling spring and autumn shooting seasons to develop.
OR Spring Turkey Hunt
| Spring Turkey | Season Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Statewide) | Apr 15 - May 31, 2023 | One male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard Season bag limit 3 |
OR Youth Turkey Hunt
| Spring Youth Turkey | Season Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Apr 8 - 9 | One male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard. Season bag limit 3 |
| Statewide | Apr 15 - May 31 | One male turkey or a turkey with a visible beard. Season bag limit 3 |
Fall, Turkey Hunt
| Fall Turkey | Season Dates (*TBC) | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Western Oregon Fall (WMUs 14-30) | Oct 8 - Jan 31 | Two turkeys of either sex Season bag limit 2 |
| Eastern Oregon Fall (WMUs 36-38, 40, 43 - 45, 48 (area north and west of the N Fork John Day Rvr), 49, 51, 52, 53 - 65, and 67) | Sept 1 - Nov 30 | One turkey of either sex Season bag limit 1 |
| Eastern Oregon Fall (WMUs 36-38, 40, 43 - 45, 48 (area north and west of the N Fork John Day Rvr), 49, 51, 52, 53 - 65, and 67) | Dec 1 - Jan 31 | One turkey of either sex Season bag limit 1 |
| Eastern Oregon Fall (WMUs 46, 47, 48 (area south and east of the N Fork John Day Rvr), and 50 | Oct 8 - Nov 30 | One turkey of either sex Season bag limit 1 |
| Eastern Oregon Fall (WMUs 46, 47, 48 (area south and east of the N Fork John Day Rvr), and 50 | Dec 1 - Jan 31 | One turkey of either sex Season bag limit 1 |
Note: Fall Season dates are tentative and to be confirmed (*TBC)
Turkey Hunting Licenses
| Description | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting | $34.50 | $172.00 |
| Sports Pac | $196.50 | N/A |
| Youth Sports Pac | $55.00 | |
| Youth Turkey Tags (Spring or Fall) | $10.50 |
Oregon Turkey Tags
Oregon turkey hunters may use paper or electronic tags. Hunters must choose one upon purchasing. The owner must promptly confirm paper tags by writing the date, time, and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) where the turkey was taken. Turkey tags should be visible and firmly affixed. Hunters may bag the tag to preserve it readable. Before usage, sign the paper tag. Reproducing/photocopying/resizing unsigned tags is forbidden.
The owner must confirm electronic tags using the MyODFW smartphone app. The tag is verified by clicking “Validate” on the tag picture, following the instructions, and then hitting “Save”. A confirmation number appears. The tag owner’s name, date of birth, ODFW ID number, harvest date, and confirmation number must be written in ink on a material of the owner’s choosing (such as flagging tape, duct tape, or paper in a plastic bag) and firmly fastened to the turkey where visible.
No matter the tagging technique, the information or paper tag must always be readable. Electronic tags must keep the validation information or paper tag on the carcass or preserved portions.
Tagging ensures correct paperwork and compliance with Oregon’s turkey hunting rules.
| Tagging Requirements | Paper Tags | Electronic Tags | All Tags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validation Process | • As soon as possible, stamp the tag with the harvest date and time as well as WMU. • In plain sight, carefully fasten the turkey's tag. | • By selecting "Validate" on the MyODFW mobile app, verify the tag right away. • Write the relevant information on your preferred material. | • The required information must be legible at all times. |
| Additional Notes | • Consider protecting the tag with a plastic bag to preserve its legibility. • Before using the tag in the field or after purchasing it, sign it. • Tags that are unsigned or copies are forbidden. | • The confirmation number and the tag owner's details must be inscribed in ink on the material of your choosing. • Securely fasten the turkey's tag. | • The electronic validation information or paper tag must remain with the carcass or preserved parts. |
| Resized Tags | • Tags may not be electronically or physically resized from their original size. |
Turkey Regulations
- All turkey hunters must have a valid turkey tag to comply with hunting laws. Tags are available all season. Turkey hunting prohibits shotguns greater than 10 gauge and shot sizes larger than No. 2. The General Hunting Regulations explain permissible hunting tactics. Spring is dog-free, but autumn is. Check the Shooting Hours for hunting hours. Following these rules will make turkey hunting safe and legal.
- Fall, turkey hunters are limited to two turkey tags. The Eastern Oregon, Fall Turkey Tag, can only be one of these two tags. To hunt responsibly, hunters must follow these rules.
- Private property hunters need authorization between December 1 and January 31. State, county, and federal governments do not possess private lands. Hunters must follow these rules and get permission before hunting during this time.
- Over three spring bird tags are illegal. Spring turkey hunters are limited to three tags. Hunters must follow this rule and the spring turkey tag limit.
- During the hunting activity, one youth may be accompanied by an adult (age 21 or older) not participating in the hunt. Adults oversee and help young hunters. Youth hunters may hunt safely and under adult supervision with this provision.
- Hunters may contact 503-947-6301 or report online at odfw.wufoo.com/forms/hunters-please-report-banded-turkeys/.
- Sports Pac buyers may choose a spring turkey tag or an autumn turkey voucher. The autumn turkey tag coupon is redeemable on July 1.
Note: For a complete list of hunting licenses and regulations, visit the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife website.
FAQs related to the Oregon Turkey Season
When are the turkey hunting seasons in Oregon?
Both a spring and a fall turkey hunting season exist in Oregon. The start of the spring season is usually in mid-April, and it lasts until the end of May. The autumn season lasts for 10 weeks and begins in the middle of October.
What are the bag limits for turkey hunting in Oregon?
The seasonal restrictions on bags change. Hunters are typically permitted to take two turkeys of any sex during the autumn hunting season. A hunter may normally take one bearded or male turkey during spring. Reviewing the rules that apply to each season and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) is crucial.
What licenses and tags are required for turkey hunting in Oregon?
Any hunter who is older than 12 must possess a current hunting license. A special juvenile license that allows for fishing and shellfishing may be purchased by children between the ages of 12 and 17. In addition, before going hunting, sportsmen must get a wild turkey tag. There is a limit on how many tags may be acquired and owned. Hunters are often only allowed two autumn turkey tags in the fall, and only one may be a general eastern Oregon fall turkey tag. Normally, hunters are only permitted to have three spring turkey tags.
Can hunters hunt on private lands in Oregon during the turkey season?
On private property, hunting is allowed from December 1 to January 31 during the turkey season, but hunters must have the required authorization from the landowners.
Are there any restrictions on hunting on tribal lands or other specific areas?
Hunting is prohibited on authorized and tribal lands within the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s outer boundaries. It’s crucial to observe and abide by the unique rules and restrictions established by tribal organizations or other land management organizations.
How can hunters report banded turkeys in Oregon?
Hunters may report banded turkeys by calling 503-947-6301 or online at the designated website (odfw.wufoo.com)
