ODFW sets Bend hearing on season regulations
ODFW will host a series of public meetings around the state in early May to hear public comment on proposals for big game, game bird, and furbearer hunting and trapping seasons.
The Central Oregon hearing will be in Bend on May 7th from 4-7 p.m. at the ODFW Regional Office, 61374 Parrell Road.
At the meetings, ODFW staff will provide information about big game herd health and populations and propose the number of controlled big game hunting tags to issue for this year. Staff will also review concepts for possible changes to the 2015 big game regulations, including any changes to archery seasons recommended by the Archery Review Public Advisory Committee (ARPAC).
Staff proposals for tag numbers, ARPAC recommendations and other proposed 2015 regulations changes will be available at the meetings and posted on the hunting section of ODFW’s website by May 1.
Upland game bird seasons and furbearer regulations are additional topics open for discussion and comment during these meetings. Upland game bird seasons are reviewed every five years and seasons structures are due for review this year.
Oregon offers general seasons and controlled hunts for big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mtn goat, cougar, and black bear). The number of tags for controlled hunts is limited and hunters must apply for them by May 15 each year (or Feb. 10 for spring bear hunts).
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to adopt 2014 fall big game tag numbers at its June 5-6 meeting in Salem. Concepts for 2015 big game regulations will be presented to the Commission at this June meeting, with final adoption occurring in October. Bird hunting regulations are adopted in August.
The public may provide input on ODFW proposals during public testimony at the June or August Commission meetings in Salem or by sending written comments to odfw.comments@state.or.us, mail to: ODFW Wildlife Division, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302.
