OHA Hoodview Chapter

Public Comment Sought on Proposed Upland Game Bird Framework for 2005 - 2010

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesting public comment by July 19, 2004 , on proposed changes to upland game bird hunting season guidelines for the 2005 – 2010 hunting seasons. Department staff will ask the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt the proposed framework at the Commission’s August 6, 2004, meeting in Gresham.

Q&A - Fast Facts About Chronic Wasting Disease

Q: What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
A: CWD is an untreatable, fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in deer and elk. The disease belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases. The disease attacks the brain, spinal and lymph tissues of infected deer and elk. CWD is similar to mad-cow disease in cattle and to scrapie in sheep.

Q: How is CWD spread?
A: It is not known exactly how CWD is spread. It is believed that the agent responsible for the disease may be spread both directly (animal-to-animal contact) and indirectly (from soil or another surface to animals). The most common mode of transmission is thought to be from infected animals’ saliva.

Q: Where has it been found?
A: CWD is known to infect free-ranging deer and elk in Colorado and Wyoming; and free-ranging deer in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Saskatchewan. It has been diagnosed in elk in game ranches in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Q: How can I tell if a deer or elk has CWD?
A: Infected animals begin to lose bodily functions and display abnormal behavior such as staggering or standing with very poor posture. An infected animal may have an exaggerated wide posture, or may carry its head and ears lowered. Infected animals become very emaciated (thus the term ‘wasting’ disease) and will appear in very poor condition. Infected animals often will stand near water and will consume large amounts of water. Drooling or excessive salivation may be apparent.

Q: What should I do if I see an animal that shows CWD symptoms?
A: Never shoot animals that look sick. If you see a deer or elk that appears sick, accurately document the location of the animal and immediately contact the nearest Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife office or call ODFW headquarters at 1-503-872-5268. Do not attempt to touch, disturb, kill or remove the animal.

Q: What precautions should I take when hunting?
A: CWD has not been shown to affect humans at this time. However, health officials advise hunters not to consume meat from animals known to be infected with CWD. Health officials also suggest hunters routinely take the following precautions – wear latex or rubber gloves when field dressing carcasses; minimize handling of brain and spinal tissues; wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing is completed; and avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of harvested animals. In addition, hunters should take the precaution of requesting that each animal is processed individually, without meat from other animals being added.

Q: Where can I learn more about CWD?
A: Web sites with information about CWD and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases include:
• http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahps/cwd/index.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/bse/bseparentqa.htm
•http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife/whealth/issues/CWD/index.htm
• http://wildlife.state.co.us/cwd/
• http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/cwd/cwdinfo.html
• http://www.cwd-info.org

By Fax:
(503) 872-5700
In the subject line, type: Wolf Comments

OREGON HUNTING INCIDENT SUMMARY 2002

TWO-PARTY INCIDENTS

VICTIM MISTAKEN FOR GAME

Hood River County: The shooter (male, age 49) had identified bear tracks in the area on previous days. He saw a black movement early in the morning in the area he expected to see a bear and fired one shot from his scoped, single shot Ruger .300 Weatherby. He was about 300 yards from the victim who was wearing a dark blue coat and jeans. The shooter has been indicted by grand jury with second-degree manslaughter. FATAL

Douglas County: Victim had laid his backpack with the head and antlers of an elk on it beside his pickup when he was shot by another hunter who had seen the antlers move and thought he saw an elk. The shooter (age 59) and victim were not wearing any blaze orange and the elk rack was not marked with orange. The shooter was using a scoped rifle and was approximately 65 yards from the victim. The shooter has been indicted for criminally negligent homicide by a grand jury. FATAL

Lane County: The victim was hunting deer near his home. He thought he heard a deer, and rattled and waved a pair of antlers. The shooter (age 19), who was about 80 yards away, saw antlers move and heard the rattle and shot at what he thought was a deer, hitting the victim through the body and one arm. Neither party was wearing any blaze orange clothing. NOT FATAL

VICTIM COVERED BY HUNTER SWINGING ON GAME

Morrow County: Victim and shooter (brothers ages 41 and 42) were hunting pheasant on a private hunting preserve. The shooter followed a bird with his gun as it neared the ground and flew downhill to his left. When he fired, he hit the bird and his brother who was about 50 yards away. Shooter said that he knew his brother was in the area, but did not see him. Both hunters were wearing blaze orange hats and vests. NOT FATAL

Malheur County: The victim and shooter (age 60) were hunting pheasants together. The victim moved out of sight of the shooter behind a dirt bank. As he walked on to the top of it, his partner, who was 40-60 yards away, shot at a pheasant and he was hit by six pellets. Both hunters were wearing blaze orange jackets. NOT FATAL

VICTIMS OUT OF SIGHT OF SHOOTER

Umatilla County: The two victims (father and son) were in their hunting camp standing by their campfire. The shooter (age 33), who was a passenger in a vehicle being driven on a Forest Service road, shot at a flock of turkeys and struck both victims with the pellets. The shooter was cited for reckless endangering, negligently wounding, hunting turkey closed season and hunting wildlife with a motor vehicle. He received 180 days suspended jail time and over $1,500 in fines. NOT FATAL

SELF-INFLICTED INJURIES

LOADING A FIREARM

Crook County: The father left his son (age 14) in their vehicle with a Ruger Mk II .22 semi-automatic handgun. He was instructed to fire a shot if he saw a deer. The young man, who had never attended a Hunter Education class, attempted to chamber a round and discharged the pistol into his thigh. NOT FATAL

CARELESS HANDLING OF FIREARM

Grant County: The victim (age 73), who was on horseback, was removing his rifle from the scabbard when it discharged and the bullet struck his right thigh. He received first aid from family members, but bled to death before medical assistance could arrive. FATAL

OREGON HUNTER'S ASSOCIATION

Hoodview Chapter News

	OREGON HUNTER'S ASSOCIATION Hoodview Chapter News
Home Meeting Info News Classifieds ODFW Photos/Events Recipes Editorial Links Contact Us Membership	ODFW Public Comment Sought on Proposed Upland Game Bird Framework for 2005 - 2010 The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is requesting public comment by July 19, 2004 , on proposed changes to upland game bird hunting season guidelines for the 2005 – 2010 hunting seasons. Department staff will ask the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission to adopt the proposed framework at the Commission’s August 6, 2004, meeting in Gresham. ODFW proposes a new framework every five years to manage the game resource, provide consistent regulations, assist hunters with planning and lower costs. The proposed framework addresses season dates, locations and bag limits. It does not change shooting hours, permitted weapons or other general regulations. If adopted, the framework would take effect September 2005 and be in effect for five years. Anyone interested in commenting on the proposed framework or suggesting other changes to the frameworks may contact Dave Budeau, Upland Game Bird Coordinator, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303-4924; david.a.budeau@state.or.us; 503-947-6323 ODFW staff have proposed the following changes to the frameworks: Pheasant, Chukar and Gray (Hungarian) Partridge – No change. California Quail – Western Oregon – Extend season to Jan. 31, concurrent with adopted mountain quail season. Daily bag and possession limits would apply singly or in aggregate with mountain quail, e.g. a 10 “quail” daily bag limit. Mountain Quail – Western Oregon: Extend season to Jan. 31; bag limit changes to “quail” limit. Eastern Oregon: Open season in five additional eastern Oregon counties (Gillliam, Grant, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler); season length and bag limit would be the same as the existing season in Klamath and Wallowa counties. Blue and Ruffed Grouse – Western Oregon: Extend season to Jan. 31, concurrent with mountain quail season. No bag limit change. Sage Grouse – Extend season to nine days; season limit would remain two birds. Wild Turkey – Spring Season: Add “youth only” spring hunt the first weekend before and excluding April 15. The youth season would be open to youths 17 years and younger accompanied by a non-hunting adult. Bag limit would be one turkey with a visible beard. Fall Season: Extend through Dec. 31 and keep tag numbers at 3,000. Emergency Closures – If required, such closures would take effect only on the 15th or the last day of the month, e.g. Dec. 31 or Jan. 15. The commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in the state. The seven-member panel meets monthly. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife implements the policies of the commission. ODFW's BOW Program Becoming an Outdoors Woman is for you if... You’ve never tried these activities, but hoped for an opportunity to learn. You’d like to improve your skills. You’d like to try some new activities. You’re looking for the company of like-minded individuals. The three-day workshops offer about 30 different classes including firearm safety, basic fishing, fly fishing, camping skills, shotgun and rifle, bow hunting and archery, outdoor cooking, canoeing, map and compass, outdoor survival and many more. If you would like to put your name on the mailing list to receive registration materials, please contact Nancy Smogor, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Coordinator, at (503) 872-5264 x 5358 Visit the web page here Q&A - Fast Facts About Chronic Wasting Disease Q: What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? A: CWD is an untreatable, fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in deer and elk. The disease belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) or prion diseases. The disease attacks the brain, spinal and lymph tissues of infected deer and elk. CWD is similar to mad-cow disease in cattle and to scrapie in sheep. Q: How is CWD spread? A: It is not known exactly how CWD is spread. It is believed that the agent responsible for the disease may be spread both directly (animal-to-animal contact) and indirectly (from soil or another surface to animals). The most common mode of transmission is thought to be from infected animals’ saliva. Q: Where has it been found? A: CWD is known to infect free-ranging deer and elk in Colorado and Wyoming; and free-ranging deer in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Saskatchewan. It has been diagnosed in elk in game ranches in Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Q: How can I tell if a deer or elk has CWD? A: Infected animals begin to lose bodily functions and display abnormal behavior such as staggering or standing with very poor posture. An infected animal may have an exaggerated wide posture, or may carry its head and ears lowered. Infected animals become very emaciated (thus the term ‘wasting’ disease) and will appear in very poor condition. Infected animals often will stand near water and will consume large amounts of water. Drooling or excessive salivation may be apparent. Q: What should I do if I see an animal that shows CWD symptoms? A: Never shoot animals that look sick. If you see a deer or elk that appears sick, accurately document the location of the animal and immediately contact the nearest Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife office or call ODFW headquarters at 1-503-872-5268. Do not attempt to touch, disturb, kill or remove the animal. Q: What precautions should I take when hunting? A: CWD has not been shown to affect humans at this time. However, health officials advise hunters not to consume meat from animals known to be infected with CWD. Health officials also suggest hunters routinely take the following precautions – wear latex or rubber gloves when field dressing carcasses; minimize handling of brain and spinal tissues; wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field dressing is completed; and avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes of harvested animals. In addition, hunters should take the precaution of requesting that each animal is processed individually, without meat from other animals being added. Q: Where can I learn more about CWD? A: Web sites with information about CWD and other transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases include: • http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahps/cwd/index.html • http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/bse/bseparentqa.htm •http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/wildlife/whealth/issues/CWD/index.htm • http://wildlife.state.co.us/cwd/ • http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/cwd/cwdinfo.html • http://www.cwd-info.org Q & A - Fast Facts About Wolves Q: Why are wolves an issue in Oregon – aren’t wolves extinct in this state? A: Gray wolves were extirpated from the western United States in the 1930s. Since that time there has not been a native wolf population in Oregon. However, under a federally supervised program, wolves have been re-established in Yellowstone, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, and have begun to expand their range. Three wolves are known to have entered Oregon during the last three years. Q: How did wolves become re-established in the west? A: Sixty-six wolves from southwestern Canada were re-introduced into the United States in 1995 and 1996. Of those, 31 were placed in Yellowstone National Park and 35 were placed in central Idaho. This was done as part of an effort by the federal government to achieve recovery of gray wolves in the Rocky Mountain States. Q: How many wolves are now in the west? A: The estimate of wolf numbers at the end of 2001 was 563 wolves in the tri-state recovery area. By state, estimates of wolf populations at the end of 2001 were 251 wolves in Idaho, 189 wolves in Wyoming and 123 wolves in Montana. Q: Are wolves a protected species? A: Wolves received legal protection with passage of the 1973 federal Endangered Species Act. Wolves that enter Oregon are fully protected by the federal ESA, under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wolves in Oregon also are protected under the Oregon ESA by virtue of their federal listing as ‘endangered.’ Q: What happened to the three wolves that have entered Oregon? A: One wolf (a radio-collared female known as B-45) was captured near the middle fork of the John Day River and returned to Idaho. A second radio-collared wolf was struck and killed by a vehicle on I-84 south of Baker City. The third wolf, an uncollared male, was found shot in the Blue Mountains between Pendleton and Ukiah. Q: Is Oregon planning to reintroduce wolves? A: Biologists expect wolves to enter Oregon as the wolf population in Idaho increases and wolves seek new territory. Neither Oregon nor the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has jurisdiction over wolves, have any plans to actively reintroduce wolves into Oregon. Q: What happens if wolves enter Oregon and kill livestock? A: If a wolf in Oregon becomes involved in a depredation situation, the USFWS will take the lead in managing the situation. Within Oregon, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Wildlife Services Unit is the agency responsible for investigating wolf depredation complaints. Q: What is the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife doing about this issue? A: The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has directed ODFW staff to gather scientific and economic information about wolves, and to gather public comments about wolves. Those comments will be summarized and presented to the Commission for review. The Commission will consider those comments in any future decision-making or rule setting that may be required regarding wolves in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking your comments regarding wolves and wolf management in Oregon. You can add your comments to the record in several ways. All comments will be compiled and given to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. A summary will be posted to the ODFW wolf Web page. Please voice your opinions on the introduction of Gray Wolves to Oregon. Take a few minutes and tell the ODFW what you think of Gray Wolves in Oregon and the impact that this species will have on us as hunters. US Mail - Send letters to: Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission C/O Information and Education PO Box 59 Portland, OR 97207 By Email: ODFW.Comments@state.or.us In the subject line, type: Wolf Comments By Fax: (503) 872-5700 In the subject line, type: Wolf Comments View the ODFW WebPage Here Big Game Hunting Statistics Available On The Web Hunters looking for information about the 1999 big game seasons may now obtain the harvest statistics from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's web site. The web site contains data about the 1999 bear, cougar, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain goat and pronghorn seasons. Trends, hunter success rates and, in some cases, herd composition data is contained in the tables posted to the web. The address is: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/Wildlife/StatBooks/gamestats_direc.html ODFW charged hunters a printing fee for this information in the recent past. With the new electronic posting, all previous year's statistics will be available at no charge. The 1999 report (with 1998 statistics) and 2000 report (1999 statistics) may be obtained by calling (800) 845-9448. Interested persons should call their local ODFW office to obtain copies of older reports. OREGON HUNTING INCIDENT SUMMARY 2002 TWO-PARTY INCIDENTS VICTIM MISTAKEN FOR GAME Hood River County: The shooter (male, age 49) had identified bear tracks in the area on previous days. He saw a black movement early in the morning in the area he expected to see a bear and fired one shot from his scoped, single shot Ruger .300 Weatherby. He was about 300 yards from the victim who was wearing a dark blue coat and jeans. The shooter has been indicted by grand jury with second-degree manslaughter. FATAL Douglas County: Victim had laid his backpack with the head and antlers of an elk on it beside his pickup when he was shot by another hunter who had seen the antlers move and thought he saw an elk. The shooter (age 59) and victim were not wearing any blaze orange and the elk rack was not marked with orange. The shooter was using a scoped rifle and was approximately 65 yards from the victim. The shooter has been indicted for criminally negligent homicide by a grand jury. FATAL Lane County: The victim was hunting deer near his home. He thought he heard a deer, and rattled and waved a pair of antlers. The shooter (age 19), who was about 80 yards away, saw antlers move and heard the rattle and shot at what he thought was a deer, hitting the victim through the body and one arm. Neither party was wearing any blaze orange clothing. NOT FATAL VICTIM COVERED BY HUNTER SWINGING ON GAME Morrow County: Victim and shooter (brothers ages 41 and 42) were hunting pheasant on a private hunting preserve. The shooter followed a bird with his gun as it neared the ground and flew downhill to his left. When he fired, he hit the bird and his brother who was about 50 yards away. Shooter said that he knew his brother was in the area, but did not see him. Both hunters were wearing blaze orange hats and vests. NOT FATAL Malheur County: The victim and shooter (age 60) were hunting pheasants together. The victim moved out of sight of the shooter behind a dirt bank. As he walked on to the top of it, his partner, who was 40-60 yards away, shot at a pheasant and he was hit by six pellets. Both hunters were wearing blaze orange jackets. NOT FATAL VICTIMS OUT OF SIGHT OF SHOOTER Umatilla County: The two victims (father and son) were in their hunting camp standing by their campfire. The shooter (age 33), who was a passenger in a vehicle being driven on a Forest Service road, shot at a flock of turkeys and struck both victims with the pellets. The shooter was cited for reckless endangering, negligently wounding, hunting turkey closed season and hunting wildlife with a motor vehicle. He received 180 days suspended jail time and over $1,500 in fines. NOT FATAL SELF-INFLICTED INJURIES LOADING A FIREARM Crook County: The father left his son (age 14) in their vehicle with a Ruger Mk II .22 semi-automatic handgun. He was instructed to fire a shot if he saw a deer. The young man, who had never attended a Hunter Education class, attempted to chamber a round and discharged the pistol into his thigh. NOT FATAL CARELESS HANDLING OF FIREARM Grant County: The victim (age 73), who was on horseback, was removing his rifle from the scabbard when it discharged and the bullet struck his right thigh. He received first aid from family members, but bled to death before medical assistance could arrive. FATAL