ODFW Season: Oct 6, 2018– Jan 31, 2019; Daily Bag Limit:8 (24 in Possession)
Upland game bird hunting is a popular activity in Central Oregon. One of the most common game birds is the chukar, a type of partridge that can be found on the steep, rocky slopes of the Deschutes River valley. Both the Chukar and its food source, cheat grass, were introduced to Oregon in the 1950s. Since then, the bird population has flourished in the Oregon high desert.
The birds’ preference for treacherously sloped habitats makes them among the most difficult game birds to hunt. “They have the disconcerting habit of running uphill, usually faster than a hunter can follow, and they fly downhill at hissing speed.” To increase your chances of bagging these birds, try approaching them from uphill or from a contour and go with a trained birddog.
- Like mourning doves, band-tailed pigeons are another of Oregon’s migratory upland game birds. The season is short, September 15 – 23, with a 2-bird daily limit. If you go, be sure to get your band-tailed pigeon permit first.
- The seasons and bag limits for upland game birds are unchanged from last year and match the Oregon Upland Game Bird Hunting Season Framework. Sage Grouse: A conservative, controlled five-day season will again occur this year with no changes from 2000. Oregon is only expected to harvest close to 3 percent of the estimated fall population,.
- Along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California, this auk is generally found very close to rocky shores. Pairs may nest in colonies or in isolation. It is strikingly patterned in the breeding season, when the red-orange legs and mouth lining may be important signals in courtship.
- Season dates and bag limits for game birds are listed on pages 14-16. A shooting hours table is located on page 13. Season dates and bag limits can change from year to year. Oregon has a Northwest Permit Goose Season with special regulations. Information about this season is located on pages 18-20.
Oregon Pigeon Season
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also suggests bringing the following:
McMurray Hatchery hatches the highest quality day-old baby chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys and other fowl. We carry the widest selection of rare and exotic breeds, and poutry supplies to assist homesteaders, small farmers, hobbyists and backyard flocks. See dates by zones on Game Bird Seasons. Mourning Dove, Band-tailed Pigeon: Statewide: Sept. 16, 2020: Wilson’s Snipe: Statewide: See dates by zones on Game Bird Seasons. Crow: Statewide: Oct. 31, 2021: Goose: Statewide, except closed in the Northwest Permit Zone. See dates by zone on Game Bird Seasons.
- Good, sturdy boots
- Plenty of bottled water
- Sufficient food and shells for the day
- Binoculars
Hunters can search for chukar (and pheasants) on both private preserves and public (BLM) land. We recommend booking a hunt with Sage Canyon Outfitters to ensure the best time and increase your chances of bagging this elusive bird.
Additional hunting hints & tips: https://myodfw.com/articles/how-hunt-upland-game-birds
ODFW resources: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/upland_bird/index.asp
Oregon Game Bird Seasons http://www.eregulations.com/oregon/game-bird/game-bird-seasons/
Oregon Game Bird Pigeon Seasons
2018-2019 Game Bird Shooting Hours: https://myodfw.com/articles/2018-19-game-bird-shooting-hours
Pigeon Games Free
Lower Deschutes Wildlife Areas Map: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/maps/wildlife_areas/lower_deschutes_features_ownership.pdf
Imperial River Company, Maupin OR
Lodging and Rafting on the Lower Deschutes River
https://deschutesriver.com/
irc@deschutesriver.com