Applications for Big Game Controlled Hunts Due May 15
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, April 28th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON – (Information from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) ODFW would like to remind hunters that applications for 2023 big game controlled hunts is May 15. Unlike general season hunts where tags may be purchased over the counter, controlled hunts require advanced registration into ODFW’s controlled hunt drawing for the opportunity to earn a tag from a limited pool. Some tags are distributed to hunts via preference points while others are left completely random. As written in ODFW’s online instructions:
“Most tags (75 percent) are awarded based on preference points. Every year you don’t draw your first-choice tag on deer, elk, pronghorn and spring bear hunts, you get a preference point, which increases your odds the following year. The remaining 25 percent of tags are awarded randomly amongst all remaining first-choice applicants, so you always have a chance to draw your first-choice hunt. Controlled hunts are divided into hu nt series based on species, and then further divided into hunt numbers based on location. Hunters can apply once in each hunt series each year.”
Registration for a controlled hunt tag can be done online but requires the hunter to have already purchased either an annual hunting license, combination license or Sportspac. Registration links and further instructions can be found at How to apply for a controlled hunt | Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (myodfw.com). Additional big game season information can also be read in the 2023 Oregon Big Game Hunting Regulations guide. A free pdf of the guide can be found at 23ORHD.pdf (eregulations.com).
