SALEM, Ore. –ODFW will host a series of public meetings around the state to present and accept public comment on proposals for big game hunting seasons, upland game bird hunting seasons and furbearer regulations.

At the meetings, ODFW staff will provide information about big game herd health and numbers, propose the number of controlled big game hunting tags to issue this fall and review concepts for 2010 big game regulations. Tag proposals and the upland game bird season framework will be available online at ODFW’s website in early May.

Oregon offers both general seasons and controlled hunts for big game (deer, elk, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mtn goat, cougar, and black bear). The number of tags for controlled hunts is limited and hunters must apply for them by May 15 each year.

The framework for Oregon’s upland game bird hunting seasons is reviewed every five years. This is the year when changes can be suggested for 2010-2014 seasons. Meeting attendees can also make suggestions or comments about furbearer (bobcat, fox, coyote, beaver, etc.) hunting and trapping regulations.

ODFW staff will also discuss proposed new youth big game hunts and mandatory hunter reporting issues at the meetings. Reporting hunt results for each and every big game and turkey tag purchased became mandatory for hunters in 2008. But so far, most hunters are not reporting. Rates for fall 2008 hunting seasons range from just 2 percent for general fall bear tag holders to 63 percent for pronghorn tag holders.

The information hunters provide through mandatory reporting is critical for ODFW to accurately determine game harvest and set hunting seasons. Currently there are no penalties for not reporting, but penalties and/or incentives may be introduced for future hunting seasons if hunters continue to not report.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider ODFW staff recommendations and adopt final 2009 tag numbers and 2010 big game regulation concepts at its June 5, 2009 meeting in Salem. Game bird hunting regulations will be adopted at the Aug. 7, 2009 meeting in Salem. Furbearer regulations will be up for consideration by the Commission in summer 2010.

Interested individuals may also provide input on hunting regulations during public testimony at the Commission meetings. Written comments can be sent to ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97303 or e-mailed

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