Youth Hunting in Oregon

Is there an age limit to hunt in Oregon while supervised by an adult?

Under the Mentored Youth Program, children 9-13yoa can hunt on adult tags, but they always have to be supervised.

At what age can an unsupervised child hunt in Oregon?

At age 12, they can go through a hunters education course, and get their own license and tags, but they still need to be supervised.

Is hunter education required? If yes, what age is hunter education required?

All hunters 17 years and younger must take and pass a Hunter Education Class before hunting. There are exceptions for youth ages 9-13 participating in the Mentor Youth Hunter Program (per ODFW Youth Hunting/Fishing Requirements).

Can a child hunt if supervised? What is the age range where supervision is required and are there any caveats?

Any youth 13 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult 21 years of age or older while hunting on property other than land owned by their parent or legal guardian (per Oregon eRegulations). However, a youth may participate in the mentored youth hunter program– and a dedicated youth hunt– without first passing an approved hunter education program, provided the youth (per ODFW Mentored Youth Hunter Program):

  • Is 9 through 15 years of age (effective January 1, 2018). Youth must be 9 at the time of enrollment. At age 16, a youth is no longer eligible to participate in the mentored youth hunting program. From age 16 through 17, a youth must pass an approved hunter education program and possess his or her own license and/or tags.
  • Hunts while accompanied by a supervising hunter who is 21 years of age or older and who has a valid license and tag(s) for the dates, area and species being hunted.
  • Annual registration is required.
  • Has in possession proof of registration.
  • Reviews and acknowledges understanding of material on safe hunting practices provided by the department.
  • Follows all regulations regarding hunting in the given wildlife management unit, management area or location.
  • Remains under the immediate control of the supervising hunter at all times while the youth is in possession of any legal weapon for the hunt.

At what age is a hunting license required in Oregon?

The age is determined by the type of animal being hunted (per ODFW Youth Hunting/Fishing Requirements).

To hunt big game, youth ages 12-17 need a Youth License and all necessary tags, and must be age 12 by the time of their hunt.

To hunt upland birds and waterfowl, Youth 13 and younger must answer HIP (Hunter Information Program) questions so the HIP validation appears on their license. Youth 14-17 must purchase the correct bird stamp and answer the corresponding HIP questions. Youth 16-17 hunting waterfowl, must buy a federal duck stamp along with a Youth License, waterfowl bird stamp and the waterfowl HIP validation.

To hunt turkey, beginning Jan. 1, 2016, all hunters ages 12 and older need a Youth License (includes Angler, Hunter, Shellfish, and Columbia River Basin Endorsement). Youth hunters must also purchase the Juvenile Turkey Tag ($10.50).

To hunt small game (rabbits and squirrels), youth 11 and younger do NOT need a license. Youth 12-17 need a Youth License.

At what age can a person hunt unsupervised? This question doesn’t appear to be answered by the ODFW. A youth under 12 without adult supervision cannot hunt. But any age above this with their own tag, they appear to be able to hunt.

Any other caveats/nuances that the reader would need to be aware of?
Point Saver Program: Youth 9-17 can apply for point savers by purchasing a Youth License (includes Angler, Hunter, Shellfish, and Columbia River Basin Endorsement, per ODFW Youth Hunting/Fishing Requirements).

Non-resident hunters can participate as a youth or a supervising hunter in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program (per ODFW Mentored Youth Hunting Program).

No person younger than 18 years of age shall hunt with any firearm for any game mammal or upland game bird (excluding turkey) unless the person is wearing in a manner visible from all directions a hat or exterior garment of hunter orange (per Oregon eRegulations).

No youth 11 years of age or younger may hunt for big game except for youth participating in the Mentored Youth Hunter Program (per Oregon eRegulations).

Mentored Youth Hunting in Oregon

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How old do you have to be to hunt in Oregon?

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How old do you have to be to fish in Oregon?

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How old do you have to be to get a hunting license in Oregon?

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How old do you have to be to get a fishing license in Oregon?

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Juvenile Game Violations

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Additional Questions About Youth Hunting in Oregon

For further questions, call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at: 503-947-6000. As of summer 2021, you can press the following to get though to a human: 3, 1, 4