ODFW seeks input on big game
May 24th, 2005 by Administrator
ODFW seeks input on big game changes BEND - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host six public meetings in the High Desert Region in May to accept public comment on proposals for the 2005 big game controlled hunting seasons.
ODFW staff will offer a review of big game hunting season dates for 2005, as well as a review of big game regulations, information about herd health and populations, and proposed deer and elk tag recommendations.
The following public meetings are scheduled in the High Desert Region:
ONTARIO: Monday, May 2, 7-9 p.m., Malheur County Extension Office, 710 SW 5th Ave.
LAKEVIEW: Tuesday, May 3, 6-9 p.m., Lakeview Eagle’s Lodge, 27 South E Street
THE DALLES: Tuesday, May 3, 7-9 p.m., ODFW Fish Screens Shop, 3561 Klindt Drive
REDMOND: Wednesday, May 4, 7-9 p.m., Redmond High School, 675 SW Rimrock
KLAMATH FALLS: Tuesday, May 10, 7-9 p.m., OSU Extension Office, 3328 Vandenberg Rd
BURNS: Thursday, May 12, 7-9 p.m., Museum Club Room, 18 West D Street
The meetings also will include review and discussion of proposals from the Archery Hunting Review Committee, a public working group representing hunters. The committee recently completed a two-year review of archery hunting issues statewide and produced a series of proposals for the 2006 hunting season that address hunter crowding, herd management and mandatory hunter education. The Department has reviewed and analyzed the committee’s recommendations, and will provide its general proposals to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission for consideration at its May meeting.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will set the number of tags available for the 2005 controlled hunts at its June 10 meeting in Salem. The Commission also will consider the recommendations from both the department and the Archery Hunting Review Committee at that meeting, and will direct the Department to develop possible changes for the 2006 archery seasons for Commission action at its October 2005 meeting in Salem.
Oregon offers general season and controlled season hunts. During the controlled seasons, the number of tags is limited and hunters must apply for them by May 15. There is no limit to the number of general season tags sold.
Interested individuals also may testify at the May 13 Commission meeting in Prineville and the June 10 meeting in Salem. Written comments can be sent to ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303 or e-mailed to Thomas.L.Thornton@state.or.us