Upland Game Bird Hunting NEW: 2020 CDFW Wildlife Area Operational Changes due to COVID-19 The Department plans to operate wildlife areas and refuges to provide recreational opportunities for the upcoming waterfowl season while keeping hunters and department staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Band-tailed pigeons are a valued game bird offering a different type of pursuit than any other game bird. Hunting of band-tailed pigeons has been allowed in all states within the species’ range except Texas. However, hunting seasons have been periodically closed due to concern about overharvest. Proposed changes to 5-year Upland Game Bird Hunting Framework. 2020 Proposed Upland Changes (pdf) 2020-2025 Proposed Oregon Upland Game Bird Season Framework (pdf) Related news release. Oregon's rich and diverse habitats support 12 different species of upland game birds; many provide hunting opportunities. Request your game bird validation stamp. Band-tailed Pigeons prefer forest edges-open sites bordered by tall conifers, a habitat type often found in city parks and suburban developments. In the early breeding season, mineral springs and tidal flats become important. Towards the end of the breeding season, many birds migrate to higher elevations to feed on ripening fruits.
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. Game pigeon sea battle power ups. Since then, the bird population has flourished in the Oregon high desert.
Oregon Game Birds
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.
Oregon Pigeon Season
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also suggests bringing the following:
- 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/
2018-2019 Game Bird Shooting Hours: https://myodfw.com/articles/2018-19-game-bird-shooting-hours
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