Comment on 2027 Big Game Regulations until Aug. 11

SALEM, Ore.—ODFW is accepting public comments on the proposed 2027 Big Game Regulations and other agenda items the Commission will consider at their September meeting in La Grande.

Comment using the links embedded with each agenda item provided on the September meeting agenda page. The deadline to submit written comments is Aug. 11 at 8 a.m.

An earlier public comment deadline was recently introduced to ensure the department has adequate time to thoroughly review and thoughtfully incorporate public feedback into the final proposed rules. It also gives Commissioners—who volunteer their time—more opportunity to carefully read, reflect on, and consider public input before they are asked to take action at the meeting.

These proposals will be considered by Oregon's Fish and Wildlife Commission on Sept. 18. Public testimony will be accepted at the meeting, both in-person and remotely. Individuals wishing to provide virtual testimony must register no later than 48 hours before the meeting. To provide in-person testimony, sign up online or using the forms provided at the meeting.

Issues the Commission will consider:

2027 Big Game Regulations: No major changes are proposed but hunters should be aware of a few bag limit changes. Comment until Aug. 11 at this link ; see the staff proposal for more information.

One proposed change would modify Western Coast Elk general seasons by shifting the spike-only bag limit hunts from the second period to the first period to evenly distribute hunters across the two periods. Additionally, three Wildlife Management Units would shift from two any bull elk bag limit periods to one any bull period and one spike-only period to raise bull ratios back up to bull ratio management objectives.

The other would reduce cow harvest in the West Cascades hunt by removing antlerless elk from the bag limits of the General Archery Season Tag, Santiam Unit Traditional Bow hunt (216R1), Cascade Muzzleloader tag (200M), and for holders of an Oregon Hunting and Fishing Disability Permit (PDP tag). The Cascades Elk population continues to be below population management objectives.

Access and Habitat funding: The Commission will be asked to approve funding for projects that open public hunting access to private land or improve wildlife habitat. Projects were recommended by the A&H board. Use this link to comment.

Sale of John Day Watershed District Office and land in Pendleton: The Commission will be asked to approve the sale of its old Pendleton office site of 40.54 acres to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The land is located within the boundaries of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and includes a fish acclimation facility that has been operated by CTUIR for many years. Use this link to comment.

Coquille Wildlife Area Acquisition: Use this link to comment on proposal to add 528 acres of land in Coos County adjacent to the existing Coquille Wildlife Area, expanding it to 1,224 acres.

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