Oregon 2026 Hunting Regulations: What Changed
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Oregon redrew the entire eastern mule deer map for 2026 — not a tweak, a full replacement. If you hunted eastern Oregon deer last year and plan to apply for the same tags this spring, read carefully before you assume anything carries over.
"ODFW essentially deleted most previous mule deer hunts and replaced them with new ones. If you are planning to apply for the same area you hunted in 2025, you need to verify the new hunt that covers your preferred ground before the application deadline."
This is the kind of change that catches people off guard in March when draw results come back wrong. The unit you've been building points for may now be split into two or three areas — or reclassified entirely for a different weapon type or species. Pull up that interactive map at myodfw.com before you put in your application.
"Of the 22 identified herds, 14 are classified as 'extreme concern' and 5 at 'very high concern.'"
That's 19 of 22 herds in serious trouble. The tag cuts make sense in that context — but it also means eastern Oregon mule deer hunting is genuinely in a rough stretch, not just bureaucratic caution. A 171,700 animal estimate with that many herds flagged is not a population that's quietly recovering.
"It is unlawful to hunt, locate, or scout, for the purpose of hunting any wildlife with infrared, including thermal, or any other 'night vision' sight or equipment except trail cameras."
The specific callout that a thermal device attached to a scope is illegal even when powered off is worth noting. If you run a thermal for coyotes or cats and then switch over to big game hunting the same day, that device needs to come off the gun — not just get switched off. OSP seized 14 thermal units in one bust in Clackamas County last December, so they're clearly paying attention to this.
If you've hunted eastern Oregon mule deer in the last few years — what area were you in, and have you figured out yet which new Deer Hunt Area covers your ground?
Read the full article in The Handbook → | By The Boise Gun Club Team
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