Seeking to increase boost efforts cracking down on poaching, Oregon lawmakers dedicated $4.4 million to three agencies to increase the reporting, citing and prosecuting of crimes against wildlife.
“This legislation creates new opportunities for us to combine efforts with our law enforcement and judicial partners to reduce fish and wildlife crimes,” said Curt Melcher, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife director. “And most importantly, it will translate to improved fish and wildlife populations for the enjoyment of all Oregonians and our visitors.”
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sent a letter to the governor and legislature in support of the funding. RMEF also provided first-hand testimony.
“We need to stop the poaching to save our precious wildlife resources, but also because it is unfair to true sportsmen, honest hunters and anglers who obey laws and bag limits and just want to enjoy a day in the field,” said Rep. Brad Witt, House Committee on Natural Resources chair.
The bulk of the funding supports four new fish and wildlife troopers, an additional sergeant, trail cameras and a roving district attorney position to assist with prosecutions.
For 2020, Remington partnered with RMEF to increase the visibility of poaching incidents in an effort to reduce poaching nationwide.
(Photo source: Dale Hughes)