Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission votes in Bend to ban coyote, other ‘unprotected mammal’ killing contests

(Update: Adding video, approval of rules, comments from the public, ODFW)

Five commissioners supported new rules; one abstained

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted Friday with five in support and one abstention to prohibit contests for the taking of coyotes and other unprotected mammals after hearing testimony from more than 40 people at their meeting in Bend.

Brian Fowler, deputy administrator of the Wildlife Division for ODFW, told us earlier Friday, "If the commission approves this rule change, it would not go into effect today, it would be effective upon filing the new rules with the secretary of state's office, which would happen likely in the next month or two months."

Last December, ODFW denied a petition from the Humane Society of the United States to end coyote killing contests in Oregon.

On Friday, the topic was back on the table for commissioners, as the public let their feelings be known.

The rule change will prohibit contests targeting native unprotected animals such as coyotes, rabbits and rodents.

ODW said the new rules adopted Friday "are in line with the commission’s regulatory authority. They establish a definition for contests and make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, conduct, or participate in a contest that has the objective of killing unprotected mammals native to Oregon." 

Brad Witts, a Central Oregon hunter, sounded off with, "No. 1, you're helping to preserve the interests of your constituents -- namely, Oregon's hunting heritage."

Portland resident Kim Norris also spoke at the forum, saying, "Not only do killing contests promote unfair chase and unethical hunting practices, but the majority of Oregon residents do not support these contests."

ODFW says the commission has the authority to regulate the take of unprotected mammals. But state statutes adopted by the Oregon Legislature classify coyotes and some other unprotected mammals as predatory animals when they are causing agricultural damage on private land.

Predatory animals are defined in statute and do not include carnivores like bears, cougars and wolves, which are classified as game mammals.  

Under state statute, the Fish and Wildlife Commission does not have the authority to regulate the take of predatory animals. Statutes state, “the Commission shall not prescribe limitations on the times, places or amounts for the taking of predatory animal” (ORS 496.162) and “nothing in the wildlife laws is intended to deny the right of any person to control predatory animals” (ORS 610.060). Another statute, ORS 610.105, also recognizes that landowners or their agents can control predatory animals on their property. 

While acknowledging that the commission does not have the regulatory authority to prohibit contests in all situations, Chair Mary Wahl described the new rules as “a step we can take that is within our authority.”  

ODFW said it was met with overwhelming support from the public in favor of prohibiting contests.

One of the supporters, Bend resident John Luce, explained his feelings: "I ask the Fish and Wildlife Commission to please do the right thing and ban wildlife killing contests, joining multiple other states who have already done so."

Mark Salvo, conservation director for the Bend-based Oregon Natural Desert Association, testified, "Coyotes are a key predator for Oregon's High Desert, and in fact are important to the conservation of sage grouse."

Hunters, farmers and conservation groups also spoke out about the new rule, which won't prohibit landowners from killing coyotes and other animals, if they threaten livestock on private property.

Fowler confirmed, "So this proposal does preserve the rights of a landowner, for them or their agent to take coyotes and animals that are classified as predatory under the agricultural predatory animal laws. So it wouldn't affect a landowner's ability to protect their animals on their own property."

Notable, the issue summary (which is viewable below) states: "The proposed rule will not prevent a landowner from using a contest as a manner of controlling predatory animals on their property as authorized pursuant to ORS 610.105."

On Thursday, the commission members toured the area, including stops to visit the High Desert Museum and discussion of updates to the Mule Deer Management Plan, Sierra Nevada red fox research, Oregon spotted frog management and other issues.

Here's the issue summary that was before commissioners on the rule to ban contests for taking of coyotes and other unprotected mammals: