Agency Mission, Principles and Priorities

Agency Mission

Our mission is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

NEW: Responsive Management survey of Oregon residents perceptions of ODFW - Summary (pdf)

Survey of Oregon residents perceptions - Full report (pdf)

Survey of Oregon Residents Perceptions - Excerpts (pdf)

Survey of Oregon Resident Perceptions - Commission presentation (1/20/17)

Survey of Oregon Resident Perceptions - Recording of Commission presentation (1/20/17)

ODFW Budget

See our Budget Information page. Approximately half of the department’s budget comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and a federal excise tax on fishing and hunting related equipment. Though ODFW manages fish and wildlife for all Oregonians, only approximately 10 percent of ODFW’s budget comes from Oregon’s general tax dollars and the lottery.

Governance

Oregon’s fish and wildlife policies are set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission, a seven-member volunteer board. Its monthly meetings are open to the public. Commission members are appointed by the Governor.

The Commission appoints ODFW’s director. Curt Melcher was appointed as ODFW director February of 2015.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

See our DEI page for info on Affirmative Action and Workplace Inclusion Plans.

Location and staff

ODFW is headquartered in Oregon’s capitol city of Salem. The agency works through a regional management structure that allows for fish and wildlife management at the local, watershed level. Its local field offices are divided into two regions (West and East) with four to six watershed districts in each of those regions.

Want to work for ODFW? Positions are advertised on our Jobs page.

Doing Business with ODFW

Most of ODFW's purchasing and contracting under $10,000 occurs within ODFW regional offices and ODFW Programs. Purchases of over $10,000 are done through ODFW Contract Services on OregonBuys. Opportunities to participate in competitive purchases can be found on the state's e-procurement website OregonBuys. For more information, contact ODFW Contract Services at ODFW.ContractsInbox@odfw.oregon.gov, 503-947-6131.

Want to grow your business in Oregon?  Visit OregonBuys to register your business to be able to participate in the State's competitive bidding process. 

ODFW License Agents

Information for License Agents

Connect with ODFW

Visit our social media page to find links to our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr pages. Sign up for email alerts or RSS feed or visit or call one of our local offices, hatcheries or wildlife areas.