Bird Hunting Season is Here! How to Get Started

Every year, new and experienced hunters throughout the Pacific Northwest look forward to upland bird hunting season from early fall through the end of January. If you’ve ever considered taking up the sport, we’ve put together some of the basics to get you started, including season and license information.

Hunter Education is Essential


Those under 18 years of age must pass a hunter safety course in Oregon and Washington to legally hunt. There are online hunter education courses in Oregon and Washington. Find a location near you, call ahead or register online with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Get Details for Your State


Oregon and Washington have similar requirements for upland bird hunting, including shooting hour restrictions, license requirements and seasons. See season information for Oregon and Washington.

Get a License


License, tag, and permit fees can be found online for Oregon and Washington residents. In Oregon, licenses for those 12 and under are free, while specific upland bird hunting licenses are free for those 16 and under in Washington. Don’t forget to buy a day-use parking and land-use permit if necessary.

Get the Right Gear


A comfortable and successful day of hunting requires a few items, including a shotgun, ammo, and the right clothing.

Upland bird hunting can be done by bow or firearm. A simple 28-inch barrel, 12-gauge shotgun is a good place to start.

If you’re hunting ducks, doves, or turkeys, some camouflage clothing might be necessary. But it’s also a good idea to wear a hunter-orange, upland vest for safety. The proper vest should have plenty of pockets for shells, licenses, your smartphone, and more. You’ll also want to dress for the weather, including waterproof boots, a hat, gloves, and lined work pants. Coastal has a full line of clothing and footwear for your next hunting adventure or day on the job.

Coastal tip: All hunters 18 and under must wear hunter orange in Oregon and Washington.

Find a Place to Hunt


It’s fairly easy to find a place to go bird hunting, as long as you know where to look. Your options include both public lands (legally accessible U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), state forest land, as well as land managed by your department of fish and wildlife) as well as private lands. Birds may be hunted on private land with permission from the landowner. Additionally, there are many companies in Oregon and Washington that offer guided and stocked hunting excursions. Do a search for “guided bird hunts near me” for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is bird hunting season in the Pacific Northwest?
A: Bird hunting season in the Pacific Northwest runs from early fall through the end of January.

Q: Does it cost to have a license to hunt birds?
A: In Oregon, licenses for those 12 and under are free, while specific upland bird hunting licenses are free for those 16 and under in Washington.

Q: Do I have to wear hunter orange to hunt birds?
A: All hunters 18 and under must wear hunter orange in Oregon and Washington.

Q: Can I hunt birds on private land?
A: Birds may be hunted on private land with permission from the landowner.

Start Your Bird Hunting Adventure at Coastal


Your Northwest owned and operated Coastal has your upland bird hunting supplies in stock, including ammunition, vests, waders, decoys, firearms, and calls. While you’re here, check out the camping department for pre-made meals to make your day of hunting even easier.