What you need to know about Oregon's draw system for big game hunts to help you prepare to apply. If you're considering applying in Oregon, this article is for you
The Beaver State offers a diverse range of big game species and varied terrain along with ample public land and a combination of controlled and over-the-counter (OTC) tags, creating numerous opportunities for hunters. Species like mountain goat and bighorn sheep are conservatively managed, allowing many to grow to trophy sizes, which contributes to high success rates for hunters. Mule deer and elk management vary by game management unit; some units yield a significant number of mature animals while others focus on providing enjoyable hunting experiences with friends and family or opportunities for meat procurement. Unsuccessful applicants for controlled tags earn preference points, enhancing their chances in future drawings. Additionally, some tags are reserved for clients designated by outfitters while others are specifically allocated for youth hunters.
Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles to learn in-depth research and application tips when it comes time to apply in Oregon.
Controlled tags are issued to winners of an annual computerized tag lottery. Unsuccessful applicants receive a preference point per species every year when they apply for a first choice hunt, but do not draw a tag. All applicants must buy a nonrefundable hunting license to apply for tags.
A maximum of 3% of tags for antelope and a maximum of 5% of tags for controlled deer, elk and bear hunts can be issued to nonresidents. No less than 5% and no more than 10% of all bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat tags will be issued to nonresidents. Less than the maximum percentage may be issued as nonresident applications receive no preference other than existing preference points in the drawings. The Guides and Outfitters Program impacts the number of nonresident tags available in the drawing.
Party applications are accepted for deer, elk and turkey with no size limit. No party applications are accepted for mountain goat or bighorn sheep. A group application will have their points averaged and will round up to the next whole number if the average is .51 or above and down to the whole number if the average is .50 or below. A group application is treated as a single application where, if selected, all applicants will receive a tag provided there are enough tags to satisfy the size of the group. If there are not enough tags, no one on that application will receive a tag. Parties will not be split if the nonresident maximum is reached for any hunt or if not enough tags remain in the hunt for all party members to draw. Parties composed solely or partially of nonresidents will not be eligible to receive tags in a hunt after the nonresident maximum is reached.
Learn more information about hunting applications, draw systems, hunt regulations, tag allocations, and more in our State Profile sections:
Preference points are considered only for first choice hunts.
In each hunt choice, 75% of tags are issued to applicants who have preference points.
Applicants who have more preference points than others are drawn first.
25% of tags for each hunt choice are issued randomly.
Leftover tags after the preference point drawing are added to 25% the random tag pool.
Tags issued to outfitters' clients are part of the nonresident quota.
Hunters may apply for only a preference point rather than a tag if they do not want to hunt in a given year.
Hunters should not apply for any tag they do not want. Select your first hunt choice wisely because all accumulated preference points are forfeited if you draw your first choice tag.
