Why It Matters: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Commission’s recent updates to hunting and fishing regulations aim to balance wildlife conservation with recreational opportunities. However, continued legislative restrictions on things like predator management threaten effective management of species like mule deer, which are declining due to both predation and habitat challenges.
Highlights:
- New 2026 hunting regulations shift Eastern Oregon mule deer hunts from Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) to deer herd ranges to better align with their movements and more evenly distribute hunter effort.
- An ODFW presentation showed mule deer populations are on a downward trajectory with predation, habitat, and human impacts (vehicle strikes and outdoor recreation like mountain biking) having negative effects on population.
- Commissioners identified legislative restrictions on management tools as a limiting factor for effective management moving forward.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission convened on September 12, 2025, to finalize the 2026-27 sport fishing and 2026 big game hunting regulations. A key focus of the meeting was updating regulations to address Oregon’s declining mule deer populations, particularly in Eastern Oregon. After extensive research involving GPS collar data, ODFW introduced a significant change to mule deer hunting by transitioning from WMUs to deer herd ranges. This shift aligns hunting areas with the natural movement patterns of individual mule deer herds, aiming to improve hunter distribution and reduce pressure on struggling populations. Specific changes include controlled hunts in units like Heppner, Fossil, and Biggs, with tag numbers adjusted based on their data to promote sustainable harvests.
However, the Commission expressed deep concerns over broader challenges facing mule deer. Charts presented during the meeting illustrated a troubling downward trend in mule deer numbers, driven largely by predation and habitat loss. Commissioners voiced frustration that legislative actions, such as Oregon’s 1994 ballot initiative banning hound hunting, and more recent predator management regulations, have stripped away critical tools for managing predator populations while the department works to improve habitat. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) emphasizes that the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, which relies on science-based management and sustainable use, is undermined by such ballot initiatives and referenda. These measures often prioritize emotional appeals over data-driven strategies, leading to unintended consequences for species like mule deer.
The Commission’s efforts reflect a commitment to adaptive management, but the loss of tools can tie their hands or hinder efforts. As ODFW navigates these challenges, the balance between public input, legislative collaboration, and scientific wildlife management remains critical to ensuring the long-term health of Oregon’s mule deer and other species.
