Why It Matters: Black bear management in Oregon is a current success story with the population showing steady growth and variety in age classes represented. In spite of the demonstrated success, groups who oppose the hunting of charismatic megafauna and predators made an effort to end spring black bear seasons at a recent ODFW Commission …
Why It Matters: As the hot, dry summer months drag on, many western states are being impacted by drought and fire conditions. Heat, fire, and reduced water flows are having an impact on fish and wildlife, leading to access restrictions as state fish and wildlife agencies scramble to balance wildlife health, public safety, sporting access, …
Outdoor Activities Heating Up in the West, but Not in a Good Way Read More »
Why It Matters: After serving as Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for ten years, Curt Melcher retired from his role with the department. The search for the next Director started in January 2024 immediately following Director Melcher’s announcement. The ODFW Commission announced finalists on May 3, 2024. Both candidates were …
New Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Announced Read More »
Why It Matters: As population studies wrap-up, commissions convene, and court decisions are announced, management and regulatory conversations begin anew. While wolves are only one species among thousands, the decisions being made with wolf management have ripple effects throughout wildlife conservation as well as hunting and trapping opportunities. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is working …
Why It Matters: Recent detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Idaho County, Idaho, amplified the need for proactive CWD testing and mitigation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. As a result, the neighboring state of Oregon is seeking to increase its surveillance and testing efforts. This process can be costly, and funding is needed to …
Why It Matters: With the success of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in Washington D.C., the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) next set out to create a network of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses; and, in 2004, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) was launched. Currently, there are approximately 2,000 state legislators who are members of individual …
Oregon Sportsmen’s Caucus Holds First Meeting of the 2024 Legislative Session Read More »
Why It Matters: Oregon’s hunters, anglers, and trappers have long played a vital role in funding conservation and wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” structure, Oregon’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for the Oregon …
Why It Matters: Oregon’s law-abiding hunters and recreational shooters have long played a vital role in funding conservation and wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” structure, Oregon’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for the …
Appeal Filed in Federal Lawsuit Over Oregon’s Measure 114 Read More »
Why it Matters: In recent years, hunting and fishing tournaments have come under fire by “animal rights” organizations who don’t like the idea of animals being taken for a prize or reward. These groups, such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Project Coyote, have been organizing in numerous states against these …
Coyote Calling Contests Are Back in the Crosshairs in Oregon Read More »
Why It Matters: Oregon’s law-abiding hunters and recreational shooters have long played a vital role in funding conservation and wildlife management efforts throughout the state. Under the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” structure, Oregon’s sportsmen and women generate tens of millions of dollars each year for the …
Notice of Intent to Appeal Filed in Legal Battle Over Oregon’s Measure 114 Read More »