SALEM – Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are reminding hunters to buy their buck deer tags, fall bear tags and general season cougar tags by the deadline this Friday.

Friday is the last day hunters may purchase tags for controlled buck deer centerfire hunts in eastern Oregon, general season centerfire buck deer in western Oregon, general season fall bear and general season cougar.

Deer tags are $19.50 for Oregon residents and cougar and bear tags are $11.50 each for Oregon residents.

Most rifle buck deer seasons in Oregon begin this Saturday.

Hunters may purchase big game tags at any one of more than 600 license agents in Oregon.

Hunters who want to exchange their tag must do so prior to the seasons for which they are valid, but only at an ODFW office.

ODFW reminds hunters to check with local land managers on fire restrictions before setting camp.

While the weather has recently cooled, it remains extremely dry throughout the state.

Land manager contact information may be found on the ODFW Web site at www.dfw.state.or.us.

For more information on different hunts, consult the 2006 Oregon Big Game Regulations.