Oregon Ballot Petition to Ban Hunting & Fishing Fails

In a significant win for hunters, anglers, and conservationists, Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28, which aimed to ban all hunting and fishing in the state, has failed to qualify for the November ballot. On July 24th, the Secretary of State announced the results of the signature verification process, finding the initiative proponents only submitted around 104k valid signatures, falling below the required threshold to place the initiative on the November ballot.

SCI has actively opposed the initiative since it was first filed, along with similar versions filed in previous years. SCI Vice President of Advocacy Chris Tymeson and SCI Western State and Local Liaison Keely Hopkins both serve on the Oregon Sportsmen’s Conservation Partnership, a coalition of over 30 hunting and fishing conservation organizations that initially united in response to proposed ballot initiative threats. Hopkins was also on the ground in Oregon opposing the initiative, attending events at the Capitol to educate Oregonians about IP 28 and also meeting and speaking with SCI members, including speaking at the SCI Portland Chapter Banquet in February.

This outcome is an important win for science-based wildlife management and the role hunters play in conservation funding. SCI will continue to fight on behalf of our members to protect the freedom to hunt and ensure that hunters always have a seat at the table.