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IP28 nets 34,000 signatures, $10k from PETA
Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) is the latest iteration of the egregious initiative seeking to criminalize killing an animal in Oregon for any reason other than self defense.
This petition, previously known as IP13 and IP3, would make it illegal to hunt, fish, trap mice or gophers, teach using animals, raise and slaughter animals for food, and breed animals.
Since the initiative first came to Oregon in 2021 with the intent of making the 2022 ballot, it has not received attention or support from any major national animal-rights organizations.
That changed when they received a $10,000 contribution from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This development signals a major shift in support for such an outlandish idea and should concern everyone monitoring the initiative.
As of this writing, the initiative has gathered more than 34,000 signatures since it was approved to begin collection for the 2026 ballot in July. This is the largest number of signatures raised in the history of the initiative and is predominantly due to their ability to use paid signature gatherers. The PETA donation ensures that they will be able to continue paying signature gatherers on their way to the 117,000 signature threshold to gain the ballot.
OHA works with two opposition coalitions, one sportsmen’s-focused and one focused on farming and ranching organizations. Our work to educate Oregonians to the detrimental effects of IP28 will continue in earnest.
IP3 fails to make 2024 ballot, resets as IP28 for 2026
Initiative Petition 3, IP3, has failed to submit the necessary signatures to qualify for the 2024 general election ballot. The initiative seeks to criminalizing the killing of all animals, including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, for any reason other than self-defense which would outlaw all legal hunting, fishing, trapping, as well as raising animals for food.
The proponents have refiled for the 2026 ballot and received a new initiative petition number: IP28. While their campaign funds can be transferred from the old initiative to the new one, the signatures gathered under IP3 cannot be counted for IP28. They will now have two years to gather approximately 120,000 signatures before the July 2026 deadline.
OHA will continue to monitor the proponent’s efforts and keep our membership informed of any developments.
ODFW Commission selects new agency Director
After a nearly five month process, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) Commission selected the next agency Director at the May 10 meeting. Debbie Colbert, perviously the Deputy Director of the agency, has been selected to take the helm following Curt Melcher’s retirement earlier this year.
On May 3, the Commission’s selection committee announced the names of the four potential candidates and selected two to move forward in the final selection process before the full Commission on May 10. The other candidate put forward was Katelyn Lovell, an environmental lawyer employed by the City of Portland. After a short public meeting and a six hour executive session, the Commission returned with an offer of employment to Debbie Colbert.
Director Colbert has a deep resume in wildlife management with many years of previous experience with ODFW and Oregon State University. She holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.S. in Oceanography, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Oceanography, giving her an extensive science-based background.
In addition to her impressive background, Director Colbert possesses a strong understanding of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and a deep appreciation of the role hunters and anglers play both in conservation and in funding the agency.
OHA looks forward to working with Director Colbert as we continue our work to promote healthy wildlife populations, protect and improve important habitat, and ensure Oregon’s hunting heritage is sustained.
OHA engages in search for ODFW’s next director
ODFW is on the cusp of a new era with the retirement of current Director Curt Melcher.
Effective April 1, Director Melcher is retiring, and the current ODFW Commission is tasked with the selection of the new agency leader.
The Commission and Governor Kotek are at the helm of the selection process with the Governor’s office facilitating the recruitment and selection process and the Commission making the final selection from the winnowed list of applicants.
Selection of a new director is scheduled for the May 10 Commission meeting.
OHA has been engaged with Commission members, as well as decision-makers in the Governor’s office, to express our concerns and advocate for a director who can effectively lead the agency through a hotbed of social topics while remaining focused on science-based wildlife management.
An extensive background in wildlife management, as well as a strong understanding and belief in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, are crucial attributes OHA has put forth to decision-makers. Additionally, a knowledge of the principles of wildlife research and how to apply those in an unbiased manner is another key characteristic a successful director should possess.
Another important attribute is fiscal responsibility for the agency and to the rate-paying stakeholders made up of hunters, anglers and trappers. Understanding and appreciating that these stakeholders contribute 47 percent of the agency’s budget is key to managing and conserving wildlife.
OHA will continue to work with the Commission members, as well as the Governor’s office, to express the views and needs of the sportsmen and women in Oregon.
OHA succeeds in securing critical funding to fight spread of CWD
OHA came out of the 2024 legislative session with one of the most meaningful wins for Oregon’s wildlife: additional funding to increase monitoring and testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The funding allocated $1.9 million to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory located at Oregon State University for increased lab capacity and the establishment of in-state testing for CWD samples. In addition, ODFW received $795,000 for increased personnel capacity in the Wildlife Laboratory and the hiring of several seasonal positions to increase sample collection.
CWD, which is contagious and 100-percent fatal to deer and elk, has been found in Idaho deer very close to the Oregon border.
Securing this funding was a two-year process. In 2023, we authored HB 2532, which originated the CWD funding request. That bill passed unanimously out of its policy committee but died in Ways & Means when it did not rise to the top of the list for necessary funding. With a legislature focused on housing, homelessness, and addiction, getting their attention on wildlife is an uphill battle.
This multi-year process is a great example of the constant work needed to maintain OHA’s legislative presence. Much of the foundational work is done during the interim time between legislative sessions: working with legislators and their staff to develop legislation, participating in collaboratives to develop concepts, and building relationships in and out of the Capitol.
OHA’s 2023 victory with HB 3086, which changed the regional selection for the ODFW Commission, was due in part to the relationships formed with our Tribal partners. The full force of the environmental coalition was brought against that bill and, frankly, the sportsmen’s community would not have prevailed if it had not been for Tribal leadership weighing in on the importance of ODFW’s Commission being represented by more regions of the state outside the Portland metro area.
When HB 2532 died at the end of the 2023 session, it was OHA’s relationships with legislators that afforded us the opportunity to bring it back to life in 2024 in HB 4148. And when HB 4148 also died, it was OHA’s tenacity and willingness to work across the aisle that secured the funding for CWD in the final budget bill of the session.
OHA is already looking ahead to the 2025 session and working with decision makers to bring our future legislative concepts to life. In the legislature, the off-session is where we put in the work to build the relationships, collaboratives, and legislative concepts that further our mission statement to protect Oregon’s wildlife, habitat, and hunting heritage. We don’t stop working for our members, and for all of Oregon’s sportsmen and women, at the end of legislative session, rather that’s when we’re just getting started.
Measure 114 found unconstitutional, components blocked
Harney County Judge Raschio issued his ruling on November 21 regarding the Measure 114 litigation at the state level, permanently blocking the measure’s implementation and ruling it as unconstitutional. Two major factors contributed to his findings, the permit to purchase scheme of Measure 114 and the the ban on the sale, transfer, and manufacture of magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The State is expected to appeal the ruling which will likely end up before the Oregon Supreme Court.
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