Forest grouse and mourning dove seasons began statewide Saturday, September 1, as did western Oregon mountain quail. A week later on September 8, special seasons for sage grouse, and Canada geese start, and on September 15, band-tailed pigeon hunting begins.

The early Canada goose season targets resident geese that damage agricultural crops and, as a result, several national wildlife refuges, Fort Stevens State Park, Summer Lake Wildlife Area, and Gold Island in the Snake River are not open for this season.

The month of September also provides many youth the opportunity to learn game bird hunting skills. The Statewide Youth Waterfowl Weekend is September 22-23, and hunters must be 15 or younger to participate. Youth upland hunts are planned throughout the state on September 15-16 and on September 22-23.

More information may be found through local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife offices or the 2001-2002 Oregon Game Bird Regulations.

A summary of all the game bird seasons can be found on ODFW's website at www.dfw.state.or.us. Click on Wildlife Main Page.

Hunters planning to hunt waterfowl or upland game birds this fall and winter can now pick up a copy of the new regulations and purchase their state upland and waterfowl game bird validations at any license agent throughout the state. Hunters 16 years and older gearing up for goose seasons also need to purchase a federal waterfowl stamp through most post offices.