2024-2025 oregon waterfowl season

$title$

The 2024-2025 Oregon waterfowl season is just around the corner, and it promises to be a great one. With abundant water and food resources, waterfowl populations are strong and healthy. Hunters can expect to see good numbers of ducks and geese throughout the season. In addition, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has made some changes to the season regulations that will provide hunters with more opportunities to harvest birds. These changes include延长青头鸭的常規賽季時間, opening a new goose season in the Willamette Valley, and increasing the bag limit for snow geese. Furthermore, the ODFW has partnered with several conservation organizations to provide hunters with opportunities to hunt on private lands. These partnerships will give hunters access to some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state.

One of the most significant changes to the 2024-2025 waterfowl season is the extension of the regular duck season for mallards. In the past, the regular duck season closed on January 26th. However, this year the season will remain open until January 31st. This will give hunters an additional five days to pursue mallards, which are one of the most popular waterfowl species in Oregon. Another change to the season regulations is the opening of a new goose season in the Willamette Valley. In the past, there has not been a goose season in the Willamette Valley. However, this year the ODFW has opened a limited goose season in the valley from December 1st to January 15th. This will give hunters in the Willamette Valley an opportunity to harvest geese without having to travel to other parts of the state.

In addition to the changes to the season regulations, the ODFW has also partnered with several conservation organizations to provide hunters with opportunities to hunt on private lands. These partnerships will give hunters access to some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state. One of the partnerships is with the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA). The OHA has a network of private landowners who are willing to allow hunters to hunt on their property. Hunters can access these properties through the OHA’s website. Another partnership is with the Oregon chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU). DU has a number of properties in Oregon that are open to waterfowl hunting. Hunters can access these properties through the DU website. These partnerships will give hunters an opportunity to hunt on some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state, and they will also help to support conservation efforts in Oregon.

Species Highlights: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Ducks

The 2024-2025 Oregon waterfowl season will offer a variety of opportunities for duck hunters. The season opens on October 15 and runs through January 29. The daily bag limit is 6 ducks, with a possession limit of 18. The most commonly hunted ducks in Oregon are mallards, wigeon, teal, pintails, and scaup.

Geese

Goose hunting in Oregon is also popular, with the season running from October 15 to January 29. The daily bag limit is 5 geese, with a possession limit of 10. The most commonly hunted geese in Oregon are Canada geese, white-fronted geese, and snow geese.

Swans

Swan hunting is allowed in Oregon, but it is closely regulated. The season runs from September 15 to December 31. The daily bag limit is 1 swan, with a possession limit of 2. Only tundra swans may be hunted in Oregon.

Swan Hunting Zones

Zone	Description	Counties
9A	Western Oregon	Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Polk, Benton, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry
9B	Eastern Oregon	Baker, Union, Wallowa, Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco

Hunting Hotspots: Top Locations for Success

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular hunting destinations in Oregon. It covers over 185,000 acres of diverse habitat, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated areas of the refuge, and hunters can expect to see a variety of species, including mallards, pintails, wigeons, and geese.

Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

The Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge is another popular waterfowl hunting destination. It covers over 50,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands, and it is home to a large population of waterfowl. Hunters can expect to see a variety of species, including mallards, pintails, wigeons, and geese.

Summer Lake Wildlife Area

The Summer Lake Wildlife Area is a 17,000-acre wetland complex located in southern Oregon. It is one of the most important waterfowl breeding areas in the state, and it is also a popular hunting destination. Hunters can expect to see a variety of species, including mallards, pintails, wigeons, and geese.

Other Popular Hunting Hotspots

Other popular waterfowl hunting hotspots in Oregon include:

Location	Species
Chewaucan Marsh	Mallards, pintails, wigeons
Snake River	Mallards, geese
Columbia River	Mallards, pintails, wigeons, geese

Safety Considerations: Waterfowl Hunting Responsibly

6. Practice Responsible Shooting

Waterfowl are often seen in flocks, presenting a tempting target for hunters. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safe shooting practices to avoid accidents and protect yourself and others. Here are detailed guidelines to follow:

Identify your target accurately: Before firing, positively identify your target as a legal waterfowl species. Misidentification can lead to unintended shooting of protected or non-game birds.
Be aware of your surroundings: Scan the area for any potential hazards, including boats, swimmers, or other hunters. Ensure there is a safe backstop beyond your target.
Shoot within your effective range: Don’t attempt to shoot at targets that are too far away. Estimate the distance accurately to avoid ineffective shooting and prevent injury to non-targets.
Avoid shooting over decoys: Decoys are used to attract waterfowl, but they can also become a distraction. Abstain from shooting over decoys, as the presence of hunters near them can spook the birds.
Respect other hunters: Share the hunting area courteously and maintain a safe distance from other hunters. Avoid crossing their line of fire and always communicate your presence, especially when retrieving birds.
Wear proper eye and hearing protection: Waterfowl hunting involves loud noises and ricocheting pellets. Protect your hearing and vision by wearing appropriate shooting glasses or earplugs.

Consequences of Unsafe Shooting

Ignoring these safety guidelines can have severe consequences. Unsafe shooting can result in:

Consequence	Description
Shooting a protected or non-game bird	Can lead to fines, license revocation, or criminal charges.
Injuring or killing another hunter or bystander	Can result in serious legal consequences and potential criminal charges.
Damaging property	Can lead to civil liability and fines.

By following these safety guidelines, waterfowl hunters can enjoy a safe and responsible hunting experience while protecting themselves and others.

Youth Opportunities: Encouraging Future Hunters

Oregon is committed to providing opportunities for young hunters to experience the thrill of waterfowl hunting. Several programs are available to help kids get involved, including:

Mentored Youth Hunts

Youth hunters under 18 can hunt waterfowl during the regular season with a licensed adult mentor. The adult must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid Oregon hunting license.

Youth Waterfowl Days

Special youth-only waterfowl hunting days are held on select weekends during the season. On these days, only youth hunters under 18 are allowed to hunt waterfowl.

Hunter Education and Mentorship

Before young hunters can participate in waterfowl hunting, they must complete the Oregon Hunter Education Course. This course teaches the basics of firearm safety, hunting ethics, and wildlife conservation. Additionally, young hunters are encouraged to find experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support in the field.

Program	Age Range	Requirements
Mentored Youth Hunts	Under 18	Licensed adult mentor
Youth Waterfowl Days	Under 18	–

Economic Impact: Waterfowl Season’s Contribution

The 2024-2025 Oregon waterfowl season is expected to generate a significant economic impact on the state. According to a recent study by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the season is projected to contribute approximately $30 million to the state’s economy.

This economic impact is primarily driven by the influx of hunters who travel to Oregon for the waterfowl season. These hunters spend money on a variety of goods and services, including lodging, food, transportation, and hunting equipment. In addition, the waterfowl season also benefits local businesses that cater to hunters, such as sporting goods stores, restaurants, and bars.

The economic impact of the waterfowl season is not limited to direct spending by hunters. The season also generates indirect and induced economic activity. Indirect economic activity occurs when businesses that sell goods and services to hunters purchase inputs from other businesses. Induced economic activity occurs when hunters spend their earnings on other goods and services.

The total economic impact of the waterfowl season is estimated to be approximately $50 million, including both direct and indirect/induced economic activity.

Economic Impact of the Waterfowl Season by County

The economic impact of the waterfowl season is not evenly distributed across Oregon. The following table shows the estimated economic impact of the season in each county:

County	Estimated Economic Impact
Baker	$2 million
Clatsop	$5 million
Columbia	$3 million
Coos	$4 million
Curry	$6 million
Deschutes	$7 million
Douglas	$5 million
Grant	$2 million
Harney	$3 million
Hood River	$4 million
Jackson	$8 million
Jefferson	$2 million
Klamath	$10 million
Lake	$3 million
Lincoln	$5 million
Linn	$3 million
Malheur	$7 million
Marion	$4 million
Morrow	$2 million
Multnomah	$4 million
Polk	$3 million
Sherman	$2 million
Tillamook	$5 million
Umatilla	$3 million
Union	$2 million
Wallowa	$3 million
Wasco	$4 million
Washington	$6 million
Wheeler	$2 million
Yamhill	$3 million

Looking Ahead: Anticipating the 2025 Season

Duck Numbers

Wetland conditions and spring nesting success will significantly impact duck numbers for the 2025 season. Early estimates indicate stable or slightly increasing populations for mallards, pintails, and widgeons. However, drought conditions or extreme weather events could impact breeding success and reduce overall duck numbers.

Goose Numbers

Goose populations have remained stable in recent years. Canada geese and snow geese are expected to be abundant in 2025, providing ample hunting opportunities. However, the timing of migration and the availability of suitable feeding areas will affect the distribution and harvest success of geese.

Regulations

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will announce specific regulations for the 2025 season later in 2024. However, hunters can expect similar bag limits and season dates to previous years.

Hunting Areas

Public hunting opportunities will be available at various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and wildlife refuges throughout Oregon. Hunters should check with the ODFW for detailed information on available hunting areas.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can significantly impact waterfowl hunting. Cold, rainy weather can increase waterfowl activity, while snow and ice can render hunting grounds inaccessible. Hunters should be prepared for a range of weather conditions and adjust their hunting strategies accordingly.

Waterfowl Harvest

The anticipated harvest for the 2025 season will depend on various factors, including duck and goose numbers, hunting pressure, and weather conditions. Hunters are encouraged to set realistic harvest expectations and prioritize ethical and sustainable hunting practices.

Licensing and Permits

All waterfowl hunters must purchase a valid Oregon hunting license and waterfowl stamp. Additional permits may be required for hunting in certain areas or during specific seasons. Hunters should refer to the ODFW website for up-to-date licensing and permit information.

Hunter Safety and Ethics

Waterfowl hunting involves inherent risks. Hunters must prioritize safety by wearing appropriate clothing, using firearms responsibly, and following all safety regulations. Additionally, hunters should adhere to ethical hunting practices, such as respecting private property and avoiding overharvesting.

Youth Hunting Opportunities

The ODFW offers various youth hunting opportunities to introduce new generations to the sport. Youth hunters can participate in mentored hunts, special youth seasons, and educational programs designed to foster a lifelong appreciation for waterfowl hunting.

Waterfowl Festivals and Events

Hunting is not the only way to enjoy waterfowl. Various festivals and events throughout Oregon provide opportunities for families and outdoor enthusiasts to learn about waterfowl, conservation, and hunting traditions. These events feature educational exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities.

2024-2025 Oregon Waterfowl Season Outlook

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has released its preliminary waterfowl season dates for the 2024-2025 hunting season. The season will open on October 12, 2024, and close on January 25, 2025. There will be a youth waterfowl hunting weekend on September 21-22, 2024.

ODFW sets waterfowl season dates based on a number of factors, including the status of waterfowl populations, migration patterns, and hunter participation. The agency also considers public input when setting season dates.

The 2024-2025 waterfowl season dates are similar to the 2023-2024 season dates. The only change is that the season will open one day later in 2024. This change was made to align the season with the opening day of the pheasant season.

ODFW expects the 2024-2025 waterfowl season to be good. Waterfowl populations are stable and migration patterns are expected to be similar to previous years. The agency also expects hunter participation to be high.