Dangerous Oregon Initiative to End Hunting Gains Momentum, Threatens Science-Based Management

Radical new proposal would classify hunting as animal cruelty if approved by Beaver State voters

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Proponents of the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act continue to gather the necessary signatures to place the proposal known as Initiative Petition 28 on the November ballot in Oregon.

This absurd initiative would, in the words of IP28 proponents, “protect… animals from slaughter, hunting, fishing, and experimentation.” If passed, hunting in Oregon would be considered animal cruelty and be completely outlawed. Proponents are in the process of gathering about 120,000 signatures necessary to place the initiative on the ballot, although signatures will not be certified until July. You can read more about this concerning proposal straight from their own website HERE.

While many in the hunting and angling community are focused on this brazen attempt at ballot box biology, this proposal goes far beyond that. IP28 would eliminate animal agriculture, meat processing, and pest control. In addition, it would severely limit options for pet owners when their animals reach the end of their lives. Proponents of IP28 have made it clear: If this petition fails in Oregon, they will try it again in another state they feel may be friendly to this type of proposal.

Delta Waterfowl stands in total opposition to any proposal that will undermine science-based wildlife management. We will work side by side with conservation partners such as the Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Safari Club International and others if IP28 makes the November ballot.

“This is one of the most ridiculous and unreasonable proposals I’ve ever seen in wildlife conservation,” said Chris Hoon, Delta’s senior manager of government affairs for the Pacific Flyway. “The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation rests upon science and sustainable harvest to ensure the conservation of the wildlife we hold dear. This proposal is overwhelmingly bad for ducks and duck hunters, and Delta is prepared to fight IP28 every step of the way.”

Delta is asking for help in this fight. Oregonians can make their voices heard by sharing why hunting is important to them and raising awareness to help stop IP28. Share a short story or record a video of what hunting means to you. Click HERE to join Delta in opposing this anti-hunting proposal and supporting the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting in the Beaver State.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit  deltawaterfowl.org.

For more information, contact Chris Hoon at choon@deltawaterfowl.org.