Hunting for Visitors to Oregon

[keluangus]

I'm going to be in Portland, Oregon for a contract job from June 05, for 6 months. I've heard of the all the fab upland hunting there, and would love that chance for it. I'd like to shoot gamebirds and just small game like rabbits & squirrels (1 deer would be too much for 1 guy to eat up). Can anyone tell me:
1. How difficult is it to get a gun/hunting license? Is hunting license required for rabbits?!!
2. Where can I hunt - do the public hunting grounds offer reasonable # of game?
3. Do I really need a dog for hunting gamebirds? Can't have one - only 6 months there.
4. I've never done upland shooting (ditto skeet or claybirds) - would the learning curve be really tough?
5. Would a 20g pump like the benelli nova be suitable for both my objectives?
Thanks for your kind assistance.

[RedDogRunner]

the upland season won't be until the fall, if you're still there in October, pheasant opens the first or second weekend.
The Willamette Valley is where they were introduced into this country. Don't know if the hunting is good there or not! But, I do know, that eastern Oregon is real good for pheasant. But, that is a pretty far drive from the Portland area.
The gun you're talking about would do just fine! A non-resident license should be a minimum of $50 or more now, I last bought one in 1985, so its probably more now!
There are also a lot of chukar(Hungarian Red Legged Partridge) along the snake river, and Huns are plentiful in Oregon. Go to the Oregon fish and wildlife site for additional info!