Monday, August 3, 2026  |  Oregon's Outdoor Journal
Electronic Hearing Protection for Hunters: Best Ear Pro for the Oregon Field, Blind, and Range

Electronic Hearing Protection for Hunters: Best Ear Pro for the Oregon Field, Blind, and Range

Most Oregon hunters protect their hearing on the range but neglect it in the field. Electronic hearing protection solves that — and actually makes you a more aware, effective hunter. Here is what to choose and why it matters.

By HFR Staff  ·  August 3, 2026
Table Rock Wilderness: A Summer Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Molalla River Country
Backpacking

Table Rock Wilderness: A Summer Backpacking Loop Through Oregon's Molalla River Country

Just 45 minutes from the Portland metro, the Table Rock Wilderness offers old-growth solitude and dramatic basalt plateau views — and almost nobody knows it exists. Here's how to explore it in a weekend.

August 3, 2026
Reloading the 5.56 NATO for the AR-15: Mil-Spec, Varmint, and Match-Grade Loads for Pacific Northwest Shooters
Reloading

Reloading the 5.56 NATO for the AR-15: Mil-Spec, Varmint, and Match-Grade Loads for Pacific Northwest Shooters

The 5.56 NATO is the most-fired centerfire cartridge in America — and one of the most rewarding to handload. Here's how to build everything from bulk varmint ammo to sub-MOA match loads for your AR-15.

August 3, 2026
Oregon's Prineville Unit Archery Mule Deer: Public Land Bucks in Central Oregon's Crooked River Country
Hunting

Oregon's Prineville Unit Archery Mule Deer: Public Land Bucks in Central Oregon's Crooked River Country

The Prineville Unit does not get the press of eastern Oregon's trophy units, but it holds good numbers of mule deer on accessible BLM and Ochoco National Forest land — and the archery pressure is surprisingly light.

August 3, 2026
Sandy River Fall Chinook: Early Run Bank Fishing Before the September Rush
Fishing

Sandy River Fall Chinook: Early Run Bank Fishing Before the September Rush

The Sandy River's fall Chinook run kicks off in August, well before most Oregon anglers realize it. Here's how to get ahead of the crowd and put a chrome fish on the bank before summer ends.

August 3, 2026
Mount McLoughlin: Summiting Southern Oregon’s Highest Volcano and Camping the PCT
Backpacking

Mount McLoughlin: Summiting Southern Oregon’s Highest Volcano and Camping the PCT

At 9,495 feet, Mount McLoughlin is the highest peak in the Southern Cascades and one of Oregon’s most rewarding climbs. Here’s the full guide to the summit trail, nearby PCT camps, and what to expect on Oregon’s forgotten giant.

August 2, 2026
Reloading the .22 Creedmoor: Oregon’s Rising Star for Long-Range Varmints and Open-Country Deer
Reloading

Reloading the .22 Creedmoor: Oregon’s Rising Star for Long-Range Varmints and Open-Country Deer

The .22 Creedmoor delivers .220 Swift-class velocity with better barrel life, broader bullet selection, and the same case head as the 6.5 Creedmoor brass you may already be loading. Here’s a complete reloading guide for Pacific Northwest shooters.

August 2, 2026
Archery Deer at Water Holes: Summer Heat Tactics for Oregon's High Desert August Opener
Hunting

Archery Deer at Water Holes: Summer Heat Tactics for Oregon's High Desert August Opener

When August heat pushes eastern Oregon temperatures past 100°F, mule deer key on water like few other resources. Here’s how to find the right holes, set up invisibly, and execute the shot when a mature buck finally steps in.

August 2, 2026
South Umpqua River Fall Chinook Salmon: Bank Fishing Oregon's Overlooked South Coast Run
Fishing

South Umpqua River Fall Chinook Salmon: Bank Fishing Oregon's Overlooked South Coast Run

The South Umpqua River offers some of Oregon's most accessible fall Chinook salmon fishing, with bank access points from Canyonville to Roseburg. Here's how to time it, rig it, and find the fish before the September crowds show up.

August 2, 2026
Shotgun Patterning and Choke Selection for Oregon Duck and Goose Hunting: A Pre-Season Test Day Guide
Shooting

Shotgun Patterning and Choke Selection for Oregon Duck and Goose Hunting: A Pre-Season Test Day Guide

Oregon's waterfowl season opens in October, but the work happens now. Here's how to run a complete patterning session and dial in the right choke and load combination before the birds arrive.

August 1, 2026