Oregon May Vote on Hunting and Fishing Ban

Oregon residents could see a proposal to ban hunting and fishing on the ballot this November. The initiative, known as petition 28, seeks to broaden the state’s animal cruelty laws to include bans on hunting, fishing, and livestock slaughter, according to reports from The Oregonian. This petition has reportedly gathered over 120,000 signatures before the July 2 deadline.

The Executive Director of the Oregon Hunter Association indicated earlier this year that the organization would oppose the proposal if it made it to the ballot.

David Michelson, one of the petition organizers, expressed hopes that their campaign would raise awareness about the needs of animals being harmed. He called for society to reconsider hunting practices, suggesting that alternatives could meet human needs without compromising animal welfare. When asked about the potential impact on Oregonians who rely on hunting for their livelihood, Michelson empathized with their concerns and reassured them about addressing economic security in a future where killing animals might not be an option.

Currently, there are over 330,000 licensed hunters and 500,000 anglers in Oregon, and more than 80,000 people work in agriculture in the state. The recreational hunting and fishing industry contributed roughly $1.2 billion to Oregon’s economy in 2019, per state wildlife authorities.

Michelson noted that the initiative wouldn’t prohibit non-lethal wildlife management strategies. He mentioned ongoing research into alternatives like sterilization vaccines for controlling animal populations. The campaign also proposes a transition fund to assist those affected by the changes, focusing on retraining, income support, and food accessibility.

As for the timeline, it won’t be known if the initiative qualifies for voting until late July, when signature verification concludes. Meanwhile, efforts to gather more signatures continue.