Can I use trail cams in Oregon?

[vandeman17]

I can't find in the regs anywhere that says I can't use them but just wanted to make sure? What about bait such as salt or mineral licks? We are going to be hunting for elk down there and I was hoping to hang a few cameras on my scouting trips.

[Curly]

I'm curious on the answer as well.  I know that I've seen salt blocks down there while elk hunting, but that's been several years.........I don't know if they've changed the rules.

[bobcat]

I've heard of people baiting deer with apples in Oregon, so I believe it's legal.
I only know of one state where trail cams are illegal, and that is Montana.

[vandeman17]

I've heard of people baiting deer with apples in Oregon, so I believe it's legal.
I only know of one state where trail cams are illegal, and that is Montana.

That is the only state I know of for trail cameras as well. I just wanted to be extra careful just in case. I am planning on going down there this summer and hanging some cameras and putting out some salt. I can't wait!

[KopperBuck]

Not illegal in MT. Just prohibited during open hunting seasons.

Trail cams good to go in OR.

[Upton O. Good]

Suggestion: call the Oregon F&W law enforcement folks and ask them.  I never understand why people ask about legal issues on a forum, you are likely to get incorrect information and that can result in a citation or worse.  There are a lot of "experts" on forums that don't have a clue about the issues they will comment on.  Call the Oregon LE people and avoid potential problems, they will tell you what you need to know.

[vandeman17]

Suggestion: call the Oregon F&W law enforcement folks and ask them.  I never understand why people ask about legal issues on a forum, you are likely to get incorrect information and that can result in a citation or worse.  There are a lot of "experts" on forums that don't have a clue about the issues they will comment on.  Call the Oregon LE people and avoid potential problems, they will tell you what you need to know.

Well maybe that was my recourse but I know we DO have a lot of people on here that are very knowledgeable so I thought I would ask first. You will probably learn this once you have been on here a little while longer but thanks for the "suggestion"

[bobcat]

I don't know about the ODFW, but if you call the WDFW with a question, you've only got about a 50% chance of getting the correct answer.

If you ask on here, your odds are more like 90%, of having your question answered correctly. Yep, we're that good.        

[vandeman17]

I don't know about the ODFW, but if you call the WDFW with a question, you've only got about a 50% chance of getting the correct answer.

If you ask on here, your odds are more like 90%, of having your question answered correctly. Yep, we're that good.        

AGREED! There are a few members on here that are more knowledge then alot of people that I would get on the phone. 

[6x6in6]

Trail cam's are OK in Oregon.  24/7 365, except for seasonal access closures if applicable.
Bait, depends on the species.  Look under the specific critter and either "Regulations" or "Other Regulations" under the Controlled Hunt Series number you are curious about. 
For example, bear on reg's page 35 effectively says "no bait".
For example, antelope on reg's page 31 doesn't say that it's a "no bait" situation.

[vandeman17]

Thank you very much! The only bait I would be putting out is mineral salt for elk. I will check into it and verify! 

[6x6in6]

Thank you very much! The only bait I would be putting out is mineral salt for elk. I will check into it and verify! 

Read carefully!
As an example, Elk Controlled Hunt 200 series used to have a "no attractant" clause up until 2000 or 2001.  Other Elk Controlled Hunts did not at that time.
My hunting partner, who lives and owns property qualifying for LOP tags within the 200's questioned the ODFW in the mid 90's as to why.  The short answer was that ODFW data showed that attractants could be attributed to higher harvest and the bulk of the 200 series was below objective herd numbers.

I only really pay attention elk 200 series info but I also understood where they do apply specific language and restrictions that are not State wide.

[vandeman17]

That is a good point. We will most likely be hunting an OTC unit so I will have to check and read carefully!

[Upton O. Good]

I don't know about the ODFW, but if you call the WDFW with a question, you've only got about a 50% chance of getting the correct answer.

If you ask on here, your odds are more like 90%, of having your question answered correctly. Yep, we're that good.        

AGREED! There are a few members on here that are more knowledge then alot of people that I would get on the phone. 

Having worked as a biologist in both state and federal fish and wildlife agencies, it is amazing how many times I'd see someone breaking the law and when I explained the issue to them I would hear "But my buddy said it was legal.".  Give that one to the judge and enjoy his response. 

Contact a LE agent who works the area you will be hunting, not administration person answering the phone. Ask for the specific location in the regs that defines the issue you need to know about. If he/she can't cite it, then ask them to check on it and get back to you.  Get the agent's name and badge number for reference, believe me, most LE folks want to help you avoid breaking the law.  Or you can ask someone you've met on a forum whom you probably don't know, and go from there.  You're call.

While you're talking with LE, chat with them about the animal populations, migration patterns, "secret" locations they might know where you're success might improve, they'll help you out.  Sure, you might run into one of the few that carry a "heavy badge" but they'll loosen up when they figure out you're just trying to stay within the law.

[Opportunist]

     Exactly!