By Logan Bagett on Saturday, September 17th, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
BURNS, OR – (Press Release from the ODFW)
The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted 2023 Big Game Regulations during a meeting Friday in Burns.
Beginning next year, controlled hunt draw results will be available eight days earlier (on June 12 rather than June 20). Efficiencies from the Electronic Licensing System allow ODFW to make results available sooner. The deadline to change controlled hunt applications will also shift to May 25 (from June 1). The deadline to apply for a hunt remains the same (May 15).
Several new hunting opportunities will also be available next year including a new controlled youth archery tag providing the opportunity to hunt with a “one elk” bag limit in all but five units, a late general season traditional archery deer opportunity in southwest Oregon, and two controlled any legal weapon late deer hunts in western Oregon.
For the full list of Big Game Regulations changes adopted today, visit the link below. The Commission adopted all regulations proposed by staff unanimously. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/22/09_Sep/B/Exhibit%20B_Attachment%203_2023%20Staff%20Proposals_Big%20Game%20Regulations.pdf
In other business, the Commission:
· Appointed Jeff McNerney of Hood River as Landowner Representative to the Access and Habitat Board, which funds projects that provide public hunting access or improve wildlife habitat on private land.
· Amended Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund (OCRF) rules to reduce the time required between grant submission and review.
The Commission also heard from ODFW staff on Chronic Wasting Disease and efforts to model streamflow and temperature to advance understanding of climate change effects, and from Harney County organization, the High Desert Partnership, on collaborative efforts to conserve fish and wildlife in the region.
A recording of the meeting will be available at ODFW’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/ieodfw