ODFW: Public Meetings On Revised Dog and Raptor Training Rules

(SALEM, Ore.) - ODFW will host several public meetings to present proposed new rules related to the training of hunting dogs and raptors and competitive field trials for hunting dogs.

The purpose of the revision is to relax and clarify the current rules, which are inconsistent with most commercial and recreational dog and raptor training taking place.

For example, dog trainers have been releasing their privately-raised game birds (pheasants, chukars) to train their hunting dogs without realizing that a permit is needed to release the birds. State statute defines game birds by taxonomic family and the term “wildlife” includes all game birds, meaning no distinction is made between captive-raised and wild-born birds.

“ODFW wants to revise the rules so they provide an opportunity to conduct dog training and competitive trials for hunting dogs while remaining consistent with statutes, policies and mandates,” explained Brandon Reishus, ODFW assistant game bird biologist.

ODFW will accept public comments on the proposed revised rules at the public meetings. Comments can also be sent to odfw.comments@state.or.us; ODFW Wildlife Division, 3406 Cherry Ave NE, Salem, OR 97302; fax (503) 947-6330. Comments received before Jan. 20, 2011 will be included in the February 2011 Commission packet.

ODFW staff are scheduled to present final draft rules to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for potential adoption at their Feb. 4, 2011 meeting in Salem. Public testimony will also be taken at this meeting.

All meetings listed below begin at 6:30 p.m. See ODFW’s backgrounder on the revision and the draft revised rules for more information.