Game Bird Regulations - Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

UplaND gamE birD EmErgENCy ClOSUrE prOCEDUrES
Irregularly, severe winter conditions can negatively impact segments
of upland game bird populations . There is little that can be done to
alleviate the effects when these conditions occur, including stopping
hunting . In fact, a hunting closure may have the opposite affect by
allowing more birds to compete for what little food may be accessible .
However, when these conditions occur, the stage is set for undesirable
social situations . For example, severe weather may concentrate
birds along roads in valley floors allowing unethical hunters to harvest
birds illegally by shooting from vehicles or from the road . In addition,
in some parts of eastern Oregon, chukar range coincides with
important, high-density winter ranges for deer, bighorn sheep and elk .
Under harsh winter weather conditions, disturbance to big game by
bird hunters late in the winter can be a concern .
yOUr OrEgON gamE birD STamp DOllarS aT WOrk
Oregon game bird stamps have been providing funds to maintain healthy game
bird populations in the state for more than 20 years . The Oregon migratory
waterfowl stamp began in 1984 and the upland bird stamp followed in 1990 . The
stamps (now called license validations) are purchased by game bird hunters in
conjunction with the general hunting license . Collectively, sales of game bird
stamps and related artwork generate nearly $1 million each year . Funds are
used to accomplish a variety of program-related activities, such as game bird
research and banding, equipment purchases and habitat improvement and
conservation projects .
NOXIOUS WEEDS HURT WILDLIFE HABITAT:
PREVENT THEIR SPREAD
Noxious weeds can destroy wildlife habitat . Many are toxic to
foraging wildlife . They can quickly overtake native plants and create a
monoculture inhospitable to wildlife . Some weeds have been proven to
increase runoff and erosion, threatening the water quality for wildlife,
fish and other aquatic species .
A survey of only ten Oregon counties found it would cost $22 million to
control noxious weed infestations . New infestations start every year,
many spread along roads by vehicles . Seeds cling to clothing and may be
transported across Oregon, or even from state to state . Wildlife needs the
help of us all to control this problem . Here are some tips:
■ Learn to identify noxious weeds . Check references at libraries
or look on the internet . Consult with your local county extension
office .
■ Remove weed seed from your clothing . Dispose of seeds by burning in
a campfire or bagging in a sealed plastic bag for trash pick-up .
■ Contain soiled clothes in a laundry bag or other appropriate container
until seeds can be removed .
■ Before traveling home, check your vehicle for plants or seeds in
the vehicle bed, grill, undercarriage and doors . If you find weeds,
dispose of them properly .
■ Do not pick flowers or transport plants home .
REPORT NOXIOUS WEED INFESTATIONS BY CALLING 1-866-INVADER
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY WEED OFFICE .
lEaD iN ammUNiTiON
ODFW recognizes the need to consider localized, early closure of
certain game bird seasons during unusually severe winter conditions .
In an effort to provide consistency and more certainty for hunters
and businesses that depend on upland game bird seasons, if the
department implements emergency closures they will take effect on
the 15th or last day of the month . For example, if winter conditions
do not warrant the closure of chukar season on December 31st,
the season will extend through at least January 14th . Similarly, if
the season is not closed on January 15th, hunters will know the
season will extend through January 31st . Closures will be by county
and publicized as widely as possible (newspapers, radio, & ODFW
information line: 503-947-6002 or 1-800-720-6339) .
Lead is a toxin which can affect wildlife health and can be fatal at higher levels . Ingestion of lead shot by birds and subsequent
death from lead poisoning was identified as early as the 1870’s and eventually resulted in federal bans on the use of lead shot
for waterfowl hunting in the United States (1991) and Canada (1999) . It is estimated that this action saved 1 .4 million ducks
from fatal lead poisoning in 1997 alone .
Ingestion of lead shot has also been documented in 40 non-waterfowl species, including chukars and doves . Predatory and
scavenging birds and mammals may ingest lead shot or bullet fragments when they feed on animals or gut piles containing
lead . The consumption of game meat containing lead fragments may have human health effects for some segments of the
population, such as small children and pregnant or nursing women .
The use of lead bullets and shot for hunting and lead sinkers and lures for fishing is coming under increased scrutiny and
regulations are being considered in other states and by some federal agencies . ODFW has been tracking this issue closely . It
has been working with other fish and wildlife agencies around the country to better understand the impact of lead on wildlife,
to learn more about alternatives that may be available, and to understand the potential impact on hunters, anglers and wildlife
management from a ban on lead in ammunition and fishing tackle . The goal is to protect wildlife populations while minimizing
the impact on legal hunting and fishing .
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Oregon hunters have a long tradition of wildlife conservation . ODFW urges you to consider reducing your use of lead while hunting by
using “non-toxic” alternatives . If you choose to use lead ammunition or shot while hunting, remove or bury all shot animals and gut piles
from the field . We can reduce accidental exposure rates for all wildlife here in Oregon through voluntary efforts with your help .
Support Wildlife:
Buy a Habitat Conservation Stamp
B
uy an annual stamp to
benefit conservation of
Oregon’s native species.
Proceeds are used for
restoration of the habitats
that are home to the state’s
fish and wildlife. The
Habitat Conservation
Stamp is available
anywhere fishing and
hunting licenses are
sold. Stamps cost $40 a
year and include a free
ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Pass.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 29