Salem, Ore.—The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted 137,015 controlled hunt big game tags for this fall’s hunting season at yesterday’s meeting in Salem. Draw results will be available on June 20.
The Commission also considered changes to the 2016 big game hunting regulations. While it won’t make a final decision until the October meeting, the Commission indicated support for most staff proposals including:
A new Special Opportunity/ Premium Hunt series that would offer an opportunity to draw an additional deer, elk, or pronghorn tag with a longer season. These tags would be very limited but available in most areas. Tags would be allocated through the regular controlled hunt draw process but would not use preference points.
Changing renewal period for hunters with a disability permit from every two years to every five years.
Conducting new and continued cougar target areas to reduce cougar damage to livestock, limit human safety problems, and reduce impacts on ungulate populations. Units still under consideration are: Melrose, SW McKenzie/NW Indigo, South Paulina/N Wagontire, Steens Mtn, Warner, and Interstate.
Increasing Wenaha any-bull rifle and archer tags to 40 (from 35), a reduction from original staff proposal to allow 45 tags. (Hunts #256Y1 and 256R1.)
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
