O.D.F.W. Says Hunting and Fishing Numbers are Down

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• published: 29 May 2014
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By Aaron Nilsson/KTVL.comWHITE CITY, Ore. -- Oregon's department of fish and wildlife said hunting is declining across the state and that could mean more money out of your pocket. "Because the weather got better, people are out there," Sizemore said. Will Sizemore is the sporting goods manager at the Big R store in White City and said he is not seeing any less customers buying fishing licenses and hunting tags. Some local hunters and fishers said they are frustrated with the price increases over the last few years. Sizemore said the amount of ammunition, however, has decreased. "A lot of hands in the pot when it comes to ammo, so a real shortage. when there's a shortage, it cascades into more shortage and more shortage," Sizemore said. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said there has been a decline in licenses and tags being handed out this season. Department spokesman, Rick Hargrave, said the decrease has occurred over the last several years. "We've seen it level out in recent years, but participation is at its lowest in about 30 years," Hargrave said. Hargrave said the department will have a gap of 8.5 million dollars between projected expenses and revenues. That means the department will propose a budget to the governor and will go to the state legislative session next year. The financial gap could mean more hikes to tags and licenses. "The license fee adjustment would be part of that strategy, so we would potentially raise some fees. We don't know what it will look like," Hargrave said. Hargrave said the department will invest a lot of time in public feedback. Some customers said although prices and fees increased, they love hunting and fishing so will continue to go out, for now. O.D.F.W. plans to propose their funding changes to the public at several town hall meetings in the coming weeks.