Public meetings on revised dog and raptor training rules

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW will host several public meetings to present proposed new rules related to the training of hunting dogs and raptors and competitive field trials for hunting dogs.

The purpose of the revision is to relax and clarify the current rules, which are inconsistent with most commercial and recreational dog and raptor training taking place.

For example, dog trainers have been releasing their privately-raised game birds (pheasants, chukars) to train their hunting dogs without realizing that a permit is needed to release the birds. State statute defines game birds by taxonomic family and the term “wildlife” includes all game birds, meaning no distinction is made between captive-raised and wild-born birds.

“ODFW wants to revise the rules so they provide an opportunity to conduct dog training and competitive trials for hunting dogs while remaining consistent with statutes, policies and mandates,” explained Brandon Reishus, ODFW assistant game bird biologist.

ODFW will accept public comments on the proposed revised rules at the public meetings. Comments can also be sent to odfw.comments@state.or.us; ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97302; fax (503) 947-6330. Comments received before Jan. 20, 2011 will be included in the February 2011 Commission packet. 

ODFW staff are scheduled to present final draft rules to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for potential adoption at their Feb. 4, 2011 meeting in Salem. Public testimony will also be taken at this meeting.

All meetings listed below begin at 6:30 p.m. See ODFW’s backgrounder on the revision and the draft revised rules for more information.

Nov. 22 – Springfield
Oregon Dept of Forestry
3150 E. Main St

Nov. 23 – Clackamas
Monarch Hotel
12566 SE 93rd Avenue

Nov. 29 – La Grande
Blue Mountain Conference Center
404 12th Street

Nov. 30 – Bend,
Bend Public Library
601 NW Wall Street

Dec. 1 – Klamath Falls
OSU Extension Service Meeting Room
3328 Vandenberg Road

Dec. 2 – Central Point
Rogue Watershed District Office
1495 E. Gregory Road

Dec. 6 – Boardman
(Columbia Basin)
2 Marine Drive