In June of this year, a ballot initiative was submitted to the Oregon secretary of state. This has the potential to end all hunting and fishing within the state. As a result, multiple forms of livelihood and recreation are in danger.
In short, this is what the proposal would change:
IP 13 would effectively make any injury to an animal arising from the following activities a crime:
- Treatment of livestock transported by owner or common carrier.
- Rodeos or similar exhibitions.
- Commercially grown poultry.
- Use of good animal husbandry practices.
- Slaughtering of livestock in compliance with state law.
- Fishing, hunting, and trapping that are otherwise lawful under state law.
- Wildlife management practices under color of law.
- Lawful scientific or agricultural research or teaching that involves the use of animals.
- Reasonable measures to control vermin or pests.
- Reasonable handling and training techniques.
If this ballot initiative were to move forward, hunting and fishing for any purpose in Oregon would be illegal. Exceptions to these rules changes would be few and even raising cattle for meat production would become a crime.
In addition, a similar initiative was shut down in Colorado. Thankfully it was deemed a violation of the state constitution. What does this mean for you and me?
It means that those who oppose hunting are not going to back down. Likewise, hunters and fishers should do the same. Our job is to come together and stand up for our rights. That is to say that we need to do our part to ensure future generations have the same opportunities.
Not only would this impact hunters but also wildlife managers. They depend on the revenue from license and tag sales for their budgets. As a result, no hunting would mean less help for wildlife.
