McLane bill rewards poaching tips with free hunting tags

A Central Oregon lawmaker’s proposal to crack down on illegal poaching activities — by offering free hunting tags to tipsters — received its first public hearing Thursday in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

HB 3158, drafted by House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), would provide free hunting tags to Oregonians who report information that leads to the successful prosecution of poaching activities.

“Oregon has a significant problem when it comes to illegal poaching activity,” McLane said.”These crimes place tremendous strains on our law enforcement agencies given the time, effort and cost associated with their prosecution.

“HB 3158 would provide an innovative approach to solving this longstanding problem by providing an incentive for our law-abiding citizens to report potentially unlawful activity when they see it.”

Under the provisions of HB 3158, Oregonians who report a violation of a wildlife law would be eligible for a free controlled hunting tag if their report led to the successful prosecution of a poaching crime. The free tag would be issued for the year immediately after the successful conviction of a poacher. The program would be administered by the Oregon State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

In addition to McLane, HB 3158 is sponsored by Representatives Sal Esquivel, David Brock Smith and Sherrie Sprenger, as well as Democrat Brad Witt.