Calling in Fall

You can’t beat the Oregon outdoors this time of year. Hunting seasons are kicking off for big game and game birds. Fall salmon seasons are in full swing. The return of "er" months means better crabbing, too. All seasons open offer high adventure. They also require a license, so don’t forget to buy yours before you go afield. You can buy licenses on your phone in minutes.

Get in on Fall Salmon Action

Thousands of chrome-bright fall salmon have returned to Oregon waters and thousands more are arriving daily. Many anglers have already taken home trophy pics and fillets for the table but you are not too late. From casual to intense, there’s a fall salmon fishery open for every angler’s taste.

Sea-run Cutthroat are Aggressive

Sea-run cutthroats are trout that fight above their weight class and now is a great time to target them. A lot of their habits are mysterious, but their reputation for striking and fighting are well documented. And you won’t find a more beautiful fish in the river.

Cooler Months, Hotter Crabbing

September is the first month that ends in “er.” And according to the old salts on the Oregon coast, that means crabbing is only going to improve. Take the traps and rings if you go salmon fishing at the coast or make a special trip for crabs. Either way, your stomach will thank you.

Classes Help New Hunters

ODFW offers classes online and in person for adults brand new to hunting. Coming up in early October, waterfowl hunting workshops are being held at several locations. See our schedule of in-person workshops and events now.

Big Game Hunting Forecast

How did deer and elk fare last winter in your favorite unit? Was there enough rain to send them into fall in good condition? Is this a good year to hold out for that older buck or bull you dream of? Find out by reading the Big Game Hunting Forecast. ODFW wildlife biologists from across the state share their observations from the field.

Hunters: First Line of Defense

Hunting season offers ODFW biologists their best opportunity to gather samples to test deer and elk for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a highly contagious, always fatal, untreatable wildlife disease. CWD could already be lurking in Oregon. Detecting it early is critical because if left unchecked, CWD could  impact future hunting opportunities. Please get your animal tested and help ODFW protect deer and elk for the future. Hunters who do are entered to win a prize, courtesy of Oregon Hunters Association.

Fee Pheasant Hunts Offer Fun and Success

ODFW stocks pen-raised birds in the fall for special hunts in western Oregon, where natural pheasants are few. Hunts are held Denman Wildlife Area near Medford Sept. 22-Oct. 10; E. E. Wilson near Corvallis Sept. 29-Oct. 31; Fern Ridge near Eugene Sept. 8-Oct. 5; and Sauvie Island near Portland Sept. 22-Oct. 5. Check current game bird regulations for more details.

Sighting in is Vital to Success

There is nothing funny about missing the shot that should have filled your tag and your freezer. Avoid the bitter taste of failure and sight in your rifle before hunting season. Volunteers are ready to help at shooting ranges across the state. There are also opportunities to test lead-free ammunition at no cost.

Northern red-legged frogs are only a few inches long but will travel up to three miles between summer and winter homes, often forced to cross busy Portland highways to get there in a real-life game of frogger. Learn about northern red-legged frogs.

Support Species with a 'Case for Conservation'

Bi-Mart and Pabst Brewing Co. have partnered with ODFW to create a ‘Case for Conservation,' which is a unique way for you to support conservation efforts of Oregon's at-risk species. You can support these species by purchasing a ‘Case for Conservation' (30 pack case of Pabst) exclusively available at Bi-Mart now through September 15, 2025. Pabst will donate $1 per case sold to conservation efforts of Oregon's at-risk species at the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. This partnership helps ODFW, Bi-Mart, and Pabst raise awareness about the species in need and celebrate the fish and wildlife that contribute to make Oregon a wonderful place to live and recreate.

Pondering Prickly Porcupines

Porcupines may be one of Oregon's most recognizable wildlife, but surprisingly little is known about them—especially in Central Oregon. ODFW's Ochoco District biologists are conducting a study to get a better understanding of their distribution. It's a timely effort as porcupine will soon be added to the list of Oregon's Species of Greatest Conservation Need due to a decline in observations of them. Read about the porcupine study to learn more and for link to report porcupine sightings in the region.

Catch of the Month Photo Showcase 

Congratulations, Manfred Jackson, on this 24" Sprague River Redband!

Want a chance to showcase your awesome catch to other anglers? Excited about your latest fishing trip? Snap a great photo while wildlife viewing? Proud picture of your recent harvest? Share your best photos and videos with us. Chosen photographs and videos will be displayed in the Catch of the Month spotlight in an upcoming issue of the ODFW Monthly Messenger, ODFW Photo Gallery and may be used in promotional materials.

If you know of or suspect crimes against fish, wildlife, or habitat, please contact OSP Dispatch at: 800-442-0776 for the Northern Command Center or 800-442-2068 for the Southern Command Center; or call *OSP (*677) from a mobile device. Or email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov.

ODFW Messenger: Monthly Edition | September 2025

The ODFW Messenger is a monthly email which highlights some of the best seasonal opportunity available, and we’ll cover content for fishing, hunting, clamming, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and everything in between. Consider the Messenger your short list for the best adventures in the current season. Lastly, we want to thank you for your continued readership and hope you’ll share it with your friends.