Oregon Closes Fishing and Hunting to Nonresidents
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has closed all hunting, fishing, crabbing and clamming to nonresidents due to concerns about spreading the coronavirus. The closure will be lifted when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, and travel is deemed safe. While seasons remain open to Oregonians, residents are also encouraged not to travel to hunt and fish.
The decision comes after ODFW received feedback from rural communities concerned about people visiting to hunt and fish and placing additional burdens on their limited resources.
“Rural communities are concerned about the potential impact of COVID-19 on medical and emergency services, search and rescue and their citizens. Some have asked us to close seasons to reduce travel,” said ODFW Director Curt Melcher. “We would like to keep seasons open to give locals an outlet during this difficult time, but that doesn’t mean it’s OK to travel to these communities. Stick close to home and fish at your local lake, pond or river and do not go crabbing or clamming unless you live on the coast, and then only to places where access is still open.”
ODFW anticipates there will be opportunity for nonresidents who have already purchased a 2020 license to participate in hunting, fishing or shellfish opportunities later in the year. ODFW will refund nonresident spring bear and spring turkey tags and reinstate preference points for spring bear hunters. Email [email protected] or call 503-947-6101 to arrange for a refund.
Nonresidents interested in applying for a fall controlled hunt may still apply online at https://odfw.huntfishoregon.com/login and the deadline to apply remains May 15, 2020.
