MADRAS, OR -- Kids can sign up now for free pheasant hunts in Madras and other cities, offered by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Participants must be 17 or younger and have completed hunter education by the time of the event.

The Madras pheasant hunt is September 16 and 17, with two hunts each day. Other locations include Eugene and Klamath Falls. The hunts are free, though participants need a valid hunting license ($10 for youth 12 and older, free for age 11 and under) to hunt. Youth hunters age 12-17 also need an upland game bird validation ($4). Purchase before the event, online or at a license sales agent. Licenses and validations will not be sold at the events.

See page 26-27 of the Oregon Game Bird Regulations for more information, or visit https://myodfw.com/articles/youth-pheasant-hunts for the local contact for each hunt.