ODFW to host free upland game bird hunts for youth at Ladd Marsh this September
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, August 7th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
UNION COUNTY – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) recently announced a series of free upland game bird huts for youth hunters (17 and under) across the state next month, including Union County. This is an opportunity for young hunters to gain experience and confidence in their hunting abilities and test what they’ve learned in hunter safety courses. As written by ODFW in a recent announcement:
” ODFW and partners release pen-raised pheasants for each special hunt, giving youth a unique hands-on hunt opportunity. Some hunt events include safety presentations, shotgun skills clinics, a hunter safety field day prior to the hunt, volunteer mentors, and trained dogs.”
The Union County hunt is scheduled for September 19-20 at the Ladd Marsh Wildlife area, 59116 Pierce Road. No pre-registration is required. Check in begins at 7:00 a.m., with the hunt running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Only federally approved nontoxic shot is allowed, with all youth hunters aged 12-17 required to have a valid hunting license, upland game bird validation, and valid hunter safety education card. Hunters 11 and under do not need a license but are still required to have a hunter education certificate.
For more information, call 541-963-4954.
