Back on March 14th, we covered the possibility that Oregon was trying to ban coyote calling contests. In that article, multiple Oregon Representatives gave the impression that the ban was nearly a forgone conclusion. However, HB 2728 has now died in the Senate.
Oregon Coyote Contest Ban
HB 2728, which would have banned coyotes from being in contests for cash or prizes, mowed through the House by a vote of 32-14 in April. However, The Energy and Environment Committee failed to schedule a voting session on the bill. Such a session would have had to been scheduled by May 14th.
“It’s wrong that we allow people with a different moral view of subjects in rural communities to pass laws against them. It seems like a majority of Oregon, over the last decade, have passed laws that allow for more custom and culture, and personal choices to be acceptable.” – Rep. Mark Owens speaking on the bill, back in March, 2021
As a result, HB 2728 is effectively dead as it currently sits. There is a good chance that this bill will be revived in some capacity. After all, this is the third time that a bill similar to this has tried to get through the Oregon legislature. Likewise, the Represtiaive that sponsored the bill, Brad Witt, seems to be motivated to ban coyote contests.
“It is past time we put an end this is a vestige of a bygone era of non-fair chase wildlife management.” – Rep. Brad Witt
The case for coyote contests in Oregon has been hotly contested. Each side has stated why they are for or against the contests. Both Rep. Brad Witt, and Rep. Mark Owens spoke about the bill in the last few months.
They [the contests] allow the dispatch of some coyotes around calving grounds and are historically done when the cows begin to calve.” – Rep. Mark Owens
