[ODFW-News] Friday deadline looms for Oregon deer hunters

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 	
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 947-6020	
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009	

For Immediate Release	Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Friday deadline looms for Oregon deer hunters

SALEM - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife today reminded hunters to buy their buck deer tags, fall bear tags and general season cougar tags by the Friday deadline.

Friday, Oct. 3, is the last day hunters may purchase tags for controlled buck deer centerfire hunts in eastern Oregon, general season centerfire buck deer in western Oregon, general season fall bear and general season cougar. Deer tags are $14.50 for Oregon residents and cougar and bear tags are $11.50 each for Oregon residents. 

Most rifle deer seasons in Oregon begin Saturday, Oct. 4. Last year, 202,499 people hunted deer. As of Sunday, Sept. 28, 135,334 tags had been sold. 

"There's really no telling why people wait til the last minute, but they do," said Tom Thornton, ODFW's big game program manager. "The earlier they can get to a license agent to buy their tags, the better chance they have to avoid lines."

Hunters may purchase big game tags at any one of more than 600 license agents in Oregon. Hunters who want to change their tag may do so before either hunt begins, but only at an ODFW office.

ODFW also reminds hunters to check with local land managers on fire restrictions before setting camp. While the weather has recently cooled, it remains extremely dry throughout the state. Land manager contact information may be found on the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us.
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Information and Education Division
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 947-6002