Learning About Oregon Hunting Opportunities

Photos Courtesy of ODFW

(SALEM, Ore) —  

For the last 15 years or so, ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) has hosted a variety of educational classes on many topics. These include hunting, fishing and other outdoor education subjects, and are usually focused on current seasonal activities. For example, two current courses coming up this month deal with waterfowl hunting. The first will be held this Sunday December 14^th at the Cabela’s located in Tualatin. The course is titled Waterfowl Hunting Clinic 101, and is designed for persons who are wanting to learn about this topic, but may not have access to a friend or relative who can teach them the basics.

According to Mark Newell, ODFW Outdoor Skills Project Coordinator, attendees will get to learn about all the basic skills and knowledge they’ll need to get started. Students will be taught how to identify the different types of ducks found here in Oregon. You’ll learn the difference between “puddle” ducks and “divers”. The instructors will explain the regulations, and how to know which birds you can harvest, how many you can take, when you can shoot them and where. Some specific hunting areas will be discussed, including Sauvie Island and Fern Ridge. Decoy use will also be covered, including types of decoys and different patterns in which to set them. Concealment is a significant factor when it comes to waterfowl, who seem to have excellent vision. Some simple solutions will be offered, alleviating the need to spend a week’s income on your hunting clothes if it’s not in your budget.

You will also learn about waders (breathable vs. neoprene, stocking foot vs. boot foot, etc.) and why certain types may work best in certain situations. Warm clothing is another necessity, especially as we move deeper into winter. Learning about appropriate materials (no cotton or denim!) and the principle of multiple layers will make your outdoor experiences more enjoyable. Another staple skill of waterfowl hunting is calling. Instructors will demonstrate different types of calls, which ones you may want and why. Once you’ve actually harvested your birds, cleaning a duck could be a daunting task. Instructors will have a few actual ducks at the course, and will demonstrate some simple techniques to clean your birds, and prepare them for cooking.

 

Classroom instruction is helpful, but in-the-field experience is always a skill multiplier. Two weeks after this introductory course, on Saturday December 27^th, ODFW will hold a follow-up class at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Here you will get an opportunity to practice the skills you’ve learned, including calling, decoy setting and identifying the birds. Space in these classes is limited. As I write this article, there are 11 of 30 seats left in the first class, and only 4 out of 15 places left for the 27^th. Information on these classes is available online at www.ODFWCalendar.com. You can register for any of them using your angler/hunter ID# or Oregon driver’s license#. If you have any questions, contact Mark Newell at ODFW at 503-947-6018.