Hunting season is OPEN...Maybe
By Johnathon Mink
Voice Staff Writer
Posted 10/29/2009
In this economy, people must feed their family, of course, but breaking the law is not worth it. Poaching has become a large problem in our state, especially in our region.
Northeast Oregon is well known for being one of the best areas to hunt in the state. The problem is that people take advantage of the large amounts of game species.
According to James Cadwell, a biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, illegal harvest will lower the amount of tags for sale, and the cost of these tags will increase. Much of forest capital could easily be closed down if poaching continues.
Cadwell said the most common violations are borrowing and lending, shooting out of season, in-season but wrong sex or antler class and exceeding the bag limit. In all cases fines are issued along with losing the animal in question.
Other possible punishments include paying the state a fair price for the animal, hunting rights being revoked for two years or more, or losing vehicles and equipment used in the poach.
A hunter can pay fines up to $6,250 and possibly face losing hunting rights in Oregon and many other states.
Severe punishment for repeat offenders can include the $6,250 fine and up to one year in jail. Felonies can also be placed on the hunter's permanent record.
None of these laws are set in concrete, and each case is situational; the District Attorney has leeway to change figures and fines.
The Fish and Wildlife division of the Oregon State Police created a program called "Turn-In-Poachers" (T.I.P.). This program enables a person to report someone breaking game laws, which in turn earns the caller a reward.
Landowners frequently call in because of trespassing and poaching on their property-they do not have to post signs on their fence lines to prosecute trespassers. A map is a crucial tool to the hunter.
Patrols are conducted everywhere, and though there may not be an officer in sight, they are out there. Oregon State Police Officer Daren Chandler reported that Ladd Marsh has issues with poaching. Ladd Marsh is only open to hunting in-season on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Officer Chandler suggests that when in question, always call first to make sure of hunting protocol. The regulation handbook is free, and ignorance is no excuse. When in doubt call ahead, get permission and consult the regulations.
These regulation booklets can be found at any sports retail store. Read Carefully.
ODFW: (541) 963-2138
State Police: (541) 963-7175
