Hunters age 17 and younger can sign up for free upland bird hunts being planned at 11 locations across the state in September.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks pheasants at these special hunts to give youth a head start on regular pheasant season, which starts in October. Quail and dove may also be hunted. Volunteers from Oregon Hunters Association and other groups often bring trained hunting dogs to guide participants. Some events also begin with a shotgun skills clinic.

Most of the events are only open to youth who have passed hunter education. An adult 21 years of age or older must accompany the youth to supervise but may not hunt, according to ODFW. Hunters and supervisors must wear a hunter orange hat, eye protection and a hunter orange vest.

To register, sign up online, with a licensed sales agent or at an ODFW office that sells licenses. Two locations, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area in Eugene and Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in La Grande, don’t require advance registration. More details and regulations are available on the ODFW website.

Central and Eastern Oregon hunt areas and dates include:

• Baker City Area (private land) — Sept. 27-28

• Irrigon Wildlife Area (between Irrigon and Umatilla) — Sept. 20-21

• John Day area (private land) — Sept. 13-14

• Klamath Falls (Klamath Wildlife Area) — Sept. 13-14

• La Grande (Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area) — Sept. 20-21

• Madras (Willow Creek area) — Sept. 20-21

• The Dalles/Wamic (White River Wildlife Area) — Sept. 27-28

Contact: https://or.outdoorcentral.us/or/license.