Orvis-endorsed wingshooting lodge two hours from Pendleton, Oregon

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Orvis-endorsed wingshooting lodge two hours from Pendleton, Oregon

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Ruggs Ranch

Orvis-Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge


Phone icon(541) 676-5390 Email iconinfo@huntruggs.com Link iconhuntruggs.com
Heppner, OR

Item #3M1L0000

The Story

Set beneath wide-open skies surrounded by sagebrush plains, in the midst of rolling uplands, Ruggs Ranch is Oregon’s premier wingshooting destination. The land tells a story of authenticity, and the sagebrush carries the legacy of resilience and tradition. With breathtaking vistas and a profound connection to the land, Ruggs Ranch offers a unique blend of adventure and serenity—a place where ruggedness meets refined outdoor pursuits and hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of the hunt or the allure of untouched nature, this is where memories are forged, and the spirit of the west lives on.

Located in Heppner, Oregon, and honored as one of the "Top 25 Best Bird Hunting Towns in America" by Pheasants Forever, Ruggs Ranch offers an unparalleled wingshooting experience on over 120,000 acres of prime upland habitat. Our team of professional guides and their dogs will guide you in pursuit of four species of wild birds: Hungarian Partridge, Chukar, Valley Quail, and Pheasant. With generous limits on wild birds, every outing promises excitement and opportunity. For those choosing a managed hunt, enjoy the thrill of unlimited bag limits throughout two hunts per day, complemented by an extended season running from September through March.

After an exhilarating day in the field, return to our lodge—a haven of rustic charm, refined comfort, and unforgettable hospitality. With well-appointed bedrooms, each featuring an en suite bath, the lodge ensures both relaxation and privacy. Gather around the cozy indoor fireplace, or step outside to savor the glow of the outdoor fire pit beneath the vast Oregon sky. Indulge in the hot tub for a soothing soak, or head to the trophy room for spirited games of pool or shuffleboard. Our exceptional culinary program, specializing in rustic fine dining, transforms every meal into a celebration of flavor, making your time here as memorable as the day's adventures.

Highlights:

  • Wild Hungarian Partridge, Chukar, Valley Quail, and Pheasant
  • Pursue four species of upland birds in one location
  • Guides are highly experienced with a deep commitment to providing an exceptional hunting experience
  • Rates from $3,995 for a three-night, two-day experience
  • Wingshooting season October 1st–March 31st

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Our lodge is a haven of rustic elegance, designed to provide guests with the ultimate retreat after a day in the great outdoors. The main lodge boasts spacious bedrooms, each with en suite baths, ensuring privacy and comfort. A stone fireplace serves as the centerpiece of the gathering area, exuding warmth and charm. Outside, an inviting patio features a fire pit and hot tub, perfect for relaxing under the pristine Oregon sky. For entertainment, the trophy room offers a pool table, shuffleboard, and its own fully stocked bar, while the main lodge features another bar with premium spirits to toast the day’s adventures. Additionally, our Pro Shop provides top-quality gear from renowned brands, ensuring guests are well outfitted.

Experience our clays course, expertly designed by Heyward Cunningham, president of Promatic, Inc., to replicate the natural flight patterns of the birds you'll be hunting. Whether you’re refining your shooting skills or trying the sport for the first time, this course offers an authentic and challenging experience for all levels. It’s the perfect way to prepare for your hunt while enjoying the thrill of the sport.

Food & Drink

Our culinary program celebrates rustic fine dining, with each meal expertly prepared by a professional chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features bold flavors and seasonal dishes, designed to highlight the best of the region. In addition to the exceptional meals, guests can enjoy a daily drink of the day, carefully crafted to complement the flavors of the meal and elevate the dining experience. When dining in the lodge, every meal is an unforgettable journey in taste and hospitality.

What We Provide:

Our wingshooting packages are inclusive of the following:

  • Food, beverage, and lodging
  • Processing of game birds (breasted, cleaned, vacuum sealed, and frozen) in a travel cooler
  • Professional guide and their dogs
  • Preserve Hunting License
  • Unlimited clays shooting
  • No fees per bird
  • Free airport shuttles from the Lexington, Oregon airport

Gear Recommendations/What To Bring:

  • Shotgun in 12, 16, 20, 28, or 410ga
  • Ammunition (also available for purchase in our pro-shop)
  • Wingshooting vest
  • Comfortable hunting boots
  • Hearing protection
  • Lodge shoes
  • Shooting Glasses
  • Upland pants
  • Rain gear
  • We encourage you to bring your own hunting dog!

We carry a large selection of gear in our pro-shop, capable of outfitting you for your wingshooting trip!

Our managed hunting season begins October 1st and concludes March 31st.

Oregon’s wild bird hunting season is dependent upon dates set by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW).

Chukar, Huns & Valley Quail: October 12, 2024–January 31, 2025
Pheasant: October 12, 2024–December 31, 2024

Species:

Our wild and managed bird populations include Pheasant, Valley Quail, Hungarian Partridge, and Chukar.

Region/Terrain:

Ruggs’ terrain is quintessentially Eastern Oregon—rugged, rural, and steeped in natural beauty. Its rolling hills, water features, and open spaces make it a picturesque setting, ideal for ranching and outdoor pursuits. The rolling hills and grasslands provide relatively easy terrain for those who prefer less strenuous activity. Open fields near creek valleys are accessible for hunters who may have mobility limitations or who prefer shorter, more straightforward walks. Many parts of the terrain are suitable for accessing by all-terrain utility vehicles, allowing hunters with limited mobility to reach prime upland habitat.

Ruggs Ranch is located 18 minutes away from the 4300' Lexington, Oregon airport, which will accommodate most intermediate size aircraft. The nearest commercial airport is located just 1.5 hours away in the Tri-Cities (PSC).

Typical Weather:

Fall (September–November)

  • Temperatures: Highs in the 70s ° during September to the 40s-50s °by November. Nights can drop into the 20s-30s°.
  • Precipitation: Rainfall increases slightly in late fall, though still moderate compared to other parts of Oregon.
  • Conditions: A mix of sunny and cooler days with crisp, clear nights. Early fall is vibrant with changing foliage, while late fall becomes more overcast and chilly.

Winter (December–March)

  • Temperatures: Daytime highs range from the upper 30s to mid-50s°F, with nighttime lows often dipping into the 20s° or lower.
  • Precipitation: Winter brings more rain, with occasional snowfall. Snow accumulation is typically light.
  • Conditions: Days can range from partly sunny and mild to overcast with rain or snow.

The climate at Ruggs is typical of Eastern Oregon—semi-arid with significant temperature swings between day and night and across seasons. The dry conditions, coupled with the varied seasons, contribute to the region’s rugged charm and make it a prime location for outdoor activities.

Our wingshooting packages start at $3,995 for a three-night, two-day experience.

A 15% gratuity will be added to the cost of your hunt and distributed evenly between all staff members. This does not include the gratuity for your guide, we suggest a minimum gratuity of $100 per person, per day for your guide and ask that you provide this gratuity directly to your guide at the conclusion of your trip.

What species of birds can I hunt at the lodge?

We offer the opportunity to hunt upland game birds such as Hungarian Partridge, Chukar, Valley Quail, and Pheasant.

Do you really have wild birds?

Our lodge offers a unique wingshooting experience with both wild and managed game bird populations. This approach ensures diverse hunting opportunities and a consistent, high-quality experience for all our guests. Our expansive property is home to a thriving population of wild game birds, including Hungarian Partridge, Chukar, Valley Quail, and Pheasant. These birds inhabit the natural landscapes of our rolling hills, grasslands, and rugged canyons, providing a truly wild experience. To complement the wild bird population, we also maintain a carefully managed population of game birds. This allows us to offer an extended hunting season, abundant opportunities, and the option for managed hunts with unlimited bag limits. The managed birds are raised and released in a way that mimics their natural behaviors, ensuring a realistic hunting experience.

Will I be hunting the same parts of the ranch for wild birds as I would for a managed hunt?

No, while there are many parts of our ranch that have a mix of wild and managed bird populations, our wild bird hunts take place away from our managed properties where wild bird populations naturally exist. Our wild bird hunts are 100% wild birds, it’s something we take great pride in being able to offer to our guests.

When is the hunting season?

Our managed hunting season runs from October 1st through March. The wild bird season starts mid-October through the conclusion of January.

What is included in the wingshooting package?

Our packages include a guide with their personal string of professionally trained dogs, accommodations, all meals, beverages, field transportation, and bird processing.

Can I bring my own dog?

Yes, we encourage you to bring your own hunting dog!

What are the accommodations like?

Our lodge features a rustic yet luxurious design, with each bedroom offering en suite baths. Amenities include a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, hot tub, and a trophy room with a pool table and shuffleboard.

What kind of meals are provided?

We specialize in rustic fine dining, with a culinary program that emphasizes hearty, gourmet meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Is the lodge family-friendly?

Yes! Non-hunting family members are welcome and can enjoy the lodge’s amenities, outdoor recreation, or simply relax in a beautiful setting.

Do I need a hunting license?

Yes, all hunters are required to have a valid hunting license. A preserve license is included and provided for managed hunts. A license for wild bird hunts will be required from the ODFW and we can assist with the application process if needed.

What is the terrain like?

The terrain varies from rolling hills and grasslands to rugged canyon areas, accommodating hunters of different physical abilities. Many areas are accessible by foot or UTV.

Is there a bag limit?

We offer both wild bird hunts with state-regulated bag limits and managed hunts with unlimited bag limits, allowing for a customized experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

If a cancellation, decrease in number of hunters or length of stay occurs, we require a 30-day notice in writing/email or the fees will be charged according to the original reservation.

Are there activities for non-hunters?

Absolutely! Non-hunters can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, or relaxing at the lodge with amenities like the hot tub and games in the trophy room.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, additional nights and hunting days can be arranged based on availability. Contact us to customize your experience.

If you have further questions, feel free to contact us directly—we’re here to help you plan an unforgettable wingshooting adventure!

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