Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hunting and fishing are popular on the Willamette National Forest.
In Oregon, licenses and regulations for hunting and fishing are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). Learn about Oregon fishing & hunting regulations and how to get a license.
Please remember: It's your responsibility to know property boundaries and respect nearby private lands while hunting on the national forest.
Lake and Pond Fishing
The Willamette National Forest provides an endless number of fishing opportunities for all anglers. Beautiful rivers and streams, high elevation lakes, reservoirs, and small ponds offer just about every setting for fishing.
River and Stream Fishing
In Oregon, licenses and regulations for hunting and fishing are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW). Learn about Oregon fishing & hunting regulations for information about how to get a license and what rivers and lakes have additional fishing regulations.
Hunting
All hunting is managed and regulated by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Some areas of the Forest have special regulations, so be sure to check for current regulations before heading out.
Hunter education is required for any hunter under age 18 in Oregon. It’s recommended for adults new to hunting, too, or as a refresher for veteran hunters.
Please hunt safely and be sure of your target. Remember, you are sharing the woods with other people working and recreating close by!
Planning on hunting in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington or Three Sisters Wilderness areas? Visit the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit information page to familiarize yourself with special rules for some hunters.
When on Forest Service land remember that:
- All firearms and bows with arrows should be cased and unloaded while in a recreation area or other public areas.
- Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be.
- Shooting across bodies of water or a Forest Service road is prohibited.
- Shooting into or within any cave, mine or open shaft is prohibited.
- Private land is interspersed with public land and you must obtain written permission from the private landowner to hunt on their property. Obtain a map and use caution to ensure you don't inadvertently stray off public land onto private.
- Only portable stands or blinds are allowed. Check with your local ranger district for restrictions and time limits.
Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:
- Before visiting areas affected by wildfire, make sure to review the 4 Steps for Safety.
- Check weather reports before embarking on a hunting trip.
- Tell someone where you will be hunting and when you will return.
- Be familiar with the area you want to hunt. Bring a map and compass.
- Carry a basic survival kit and be prepared for an unexpected overnight stay in the field. The survival kit should contain a rope, a knife, water, waterproof matches, an emergency shelter, and first aid supplies.
- Dress properly and be prepared for the worst possible conditions.
- Wear hunter orange as your outermost gear so that you are visible to other hunters. Do not wear white or tan during deer season.
- Always treat your weapon as if it is loaded, even if it isn't, and know where your hunter partners are located at all times.
- If accompanied by a dog, the dog should also wear hunter orange or a very visible color on a vest, leash, coat or bandana.
- Carry a spare set of dry clothing. Utilize layering techniques to pull away moisture while retaining body warmth. Always bring rain gear.
- Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.
- Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Other recreationists are enjoying the forest as well.
- Your cell phone may save your life, but do not count on it. Many areas of most forests are not within signal range.
Remember: You are responsible for the safety of yourself and for those around you.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target shooting is allowed on national forest or grassland unless restricted. Check with the local ranger district for restrictions before using an area for shooting. All federal, state, and county regulations apply to public lands and all firearms must be legally registered in accordance with state and local laws.
The Willamette National Forest does not maintain any designated shooting areas. Please select your shooting area with care – you are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.
Target shooting is NOT allowed in the following areas
- In or within 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area
- Across or on a national forest or grassland road or body of water
- In any manner or place where any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge
- Into or within a cave
The following is prohibited while target shooting
- Firing tracer bullets or incendiary ammunition
- Exploding targets such as tannerite
- Disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property
- Abandoning any personal property or failing to dispose of all garbage, including targets, paper, cans, bottles, appliances
In general, you should target shoot only if you
- Use approved targets. Check with the local ranger district for specific restrictions, such as the type of targets used (i.e. cardboard targets, paper targets, clay pigeons)
- Use approved targets along with a safe, ”bullet-proof” backstop. Do not to attach your targets to vegetation or structures, such as; trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks
- Help reduce the risk of wildfire. Carry a fire extinguisher (or shovel and water). After shooting, be sure to check the target area for any signs of fire
Practice safe gun handling by
- Treating every gun as if it is loaded.
- Never letting the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keeping your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
- Making sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Are not in possession of alcoholic beverages while discharging a firearm.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Clear Lake Area
Clear Lake Day Use Area
Cleator Bend Group Campground
Cold Water Cove Campground
Cougar Crossing Campground
Cougar Crossing Day Use Area
Cougar Reservoir Area
Cove Creek Campground
Cove Creek Group Campsite
Daly Lake Trailhead