Oregon Raccoon Hunting: License Requirements & Regulations
No hunting license is required to shoot raccoons in Oregon — but this applies only to landowners/agents on their own land under specific conditions.
The Legal Basis: ORS 498.012 & OAR 635-050-0005
Oregon law allows landowners or their agents to take (kill) predatory animals — including raccoons — on land they own or lawfully occupy without a hunting license, provided:
- It's for protection of livestock, crops, or property (not sport/recreation)
- No license/tag required only on that property
- All other wildlife laws apply (seasons, methods, waste prohibitions)
Critical Distinctions
| Scenario | License Required? | Notes |
|---|
| Landowner on own land, protecting property | No | Predatory animal provision |
| Landowner on own land, recreational hunting | Yes | General hunting license + furbearer permit |
| Anywhere else (public land, others' land) | Yes | Hunting license + furbearer permit |
| Trapping (anywhere) | Yes | Furtaker license required |
Additional Regulations
- Season: No closed season for predatory animals on private land (protection). General furbearer season: Nov 15 – Feb 28 (varies).
- Methods: Firearms, archery, dogs allowed. No artificial lights from vehicles. No poison.
- Waste: Illegal to waste edible portions (ORS 498.016) — but raccoon not typically eaten.
- Reporting: Not required for predatory animal take on own land.
- Carcass disposal: Follow local ordinances; don't dump on roads/public land.
Urban/Suburban Considerations
- City/county ordinances may prohibit firearms discharge — check local codes
- Live trapping & relocation: Often illegal (disease spread, territorial conflict). Euthanasia by professional preferred.
- Nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) licensed by ODFW — hire for complex situations
Always verify current Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) regulations before acting. This summary is not legal advice.
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