ORS § 498.825 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.825
498.825 Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The board shall consist of 15 members, including 12 voting members appointed by the State Fish and Wildlife Director under subsection (3) of this section and three nonvoting members specified in subsection (4) of this section. Members of the board must be residents of this state who are well informed on matters related to fish management policy and scientific research and who demonstrate an interest in research related to the propagation of fish in hatcheries.

(2) In making appointments under subsection (3) of this section, the director shall consult with organizations that represent or that are engaged in the same interests as those interests that appointees to the board are required to represent, and shall take into consideration nominations or recommendations of persons for appointment as members of the board that are received in the course of the consultation required by this subsection.

(3) The 12 voting members appointed by the director shall be representative of each of the following interests:

(a) One member shall represent the Oregon Salmon Commission established under ORS 576.062 (Establishment of commodity commissions) .

(b) One member shall represent the Columbia River gillnet salmon fishery established under ORS 508.775 (Vessel permit required to engage in fishery) to 508.796 (Review of permit denial) .

(c) Two members shall represent wild fish advocacy organizations.

(d) Two members shall represent statewide sport angling organizations.

(e) One member shall represent the agricultural industry.

(f) One member shall represent coastal ports.

(g) One member shall represent the forest products industry.

(h) One member shall represent the independent scientific community and have scientific background related to fish management and the propagation of fish in hatcheries.

(i) One member shall represent fish habitat restoration interests and have experience in the management or implementation of habitat restoration projects.

(j) One member shall represent Oregon Indian tribes, to be appointed by the director after consultation with the Commission on Indian Services.

(4) In addition to the members appointed under subsection (3) of this section, the director shall:

(a) Appoint the following two nonvoting members of the board who have a background in fish management and the propagation of fish in hatcheries:

(A) One member to represent the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(B) One member to represent Oregon State University.

(b) Invite a representative of agencies of the federal government related to fish management to serve as a nonvoting member of the board.

(5) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the director. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the director shall appoint a successor whose term begins on July 1 next following. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the director shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(6) A member of the board is not entitled to compensation under ORS 292.495 (Compensation and expenses of members of state boards and commissions) . At the discretion of the board, board members may be reimbursed from funds available to the board for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by members of the board in the performance of their official duties, subject to the limits described in ORS 292.495 (Compensation and expenses of members of state boards and commissions) . [2013 c.664 §1; 2017 c.173 §1]

Note: 498.825 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board) to 498.833 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 498 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 498.825 — Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.006 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.006
497.006 Certain persons as residents for licensing purposes
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Dependent children” includes any children of an active member of the Armed Forces of the United States who:

(A) Are under 18 years of age and not married, otherwise emancipated or self-supporting; or

(B) Are under 23 years of age, unmarried, enrolled in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher learning and dependent on the resident member of the uniformed services for over one-half of their support.

(b) “Resident member of the uniformed services” means a member of the uniformed services who:

(A) Resides in this state while assigned to duty at any base, station, shore establishment or other facility in this state;

(B) Resides in this state while serving as a member of the crew of a ship that has an Oregon port or shore establishment as its home port or permanent station; or

(C) Resides in another state or a foreign country and establishes Oregon residency by filing Oregon state income taxes no later than 12 months before leaving active duty.

(c) “Uniformed services” means:

(A) The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard of the United States;

(B) The reserves of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard of the United States;

(C) The Oregon National Guard and the National Guard of any other state or territory;

(D) The commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and

(E) The Public Health Service of the United States Department of Health and Human Services while detailed by proper authority for duty with the Army or Navy of the United States.

(2) The following persons are resident persons for the purpose of purchasing licenses, tags and permits issued by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission:

(a) A resident member of the uniformed services and the member’s spouse and dependent children.

(b) A member of the uniformed services who is not a resident member of the uniformed services, except for the purpose of purchasing controlled hunt tags issued by the commission.

(c) A noncitizen who furnishes to the commission evidence satisfactory to the commission that the noncitizen is attending a school in this state pursuant to a foreign student exchange program. [1973 c.723 §42; 1987 c.158 §112; 1987 c.162 §8; 1989 c.264 §4; 2003 c.242 §5; 2005 c.831 §10; 2012 c.106 §10; 2013 c.236 §3; 2022 c.97 §13]

Source: Section 497.006 — Certain persons as residents for licensing purposes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.155 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.155
498.155 Failure to appear
Status: in_force

If a vehicle owner cited under ORS 498.154 (Notice adequate to charge defendant) to appear in a circuit or justice court upon an alleged parking offense fails to appear on or before the date and time stated on the citation, the court and the Department of Transportation may take such actions as are otherwise authorized by law under the Oregon Vehicle Code in the case of a failure to appear, except that in no case may a warrant of arrest be issued nor a criminal prosecution for failure to appear be commenced unless the citing or prosecuting authority, more than 10 days prior thereto, has sent a letter to the registered owner at the address shown upon the vehicle registration records of the department advising such owner of the charge pending and informing the owner that the owner may be subject to arrest if the owner does not appear in the court within 10 days to answer the charge. The letter must be sent by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. A warrant of arrest may not be issued, nor a criminal prosecution for failure to appear be commenced if such a letter has not been sent or if the owner appears in court to answer the charge within 10 days after receiving the letter. [1987 c.798 §5; 1993 c.741 §69; 1995 c.658 §109; 1999 c.1051 §274]

Source: Section 498.155 — Failure to appear; issuance of warrant , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.252 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.252
496.252 Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund
Status: in_force

(1) The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund shall be credited to the fund.

(2) Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to carry out activities that serve to protect, maintain or enhance fish and wildlife resources in Oregon. The activities for which the department may expend fund moneys include, but are not limited to:

(a) Promoting the health of Oregon’s ecosystems and fish and wildlife species by implementing conservation programs and strategies identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy, as defined in ORS 541.890 (Definitions for ORS 541.890 to 541.969) , including conservation programs and strategies for the nearshore identified in the marine component of the Oregon Conservation Strategy;

(b) Improving engagement of the public in hunting and fishing opportunities and in other outdoor recreation opportunities related to and in support of healthy fish, wildlife and habitats;

(c) Improving educational outreach and engagement of the public, including diverse and underserved communities, related to and in support of healthy fish, wildlife and habitats;

(d) Engaging in, and providing funding for, joint projects of the department and the State Parks and Recreation Department or other state agencies as recommended by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee established under ORS 496.254 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee) ; and

(e) Other conservation, management, research, habitat improvement, enforcement, outdoor recreation or education activities.

(3) The fund shall consist of:

(a) Moneys appropriated to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit in the fund or otherwise transferred to the fund;

(b) Gifts, grants, contributions or other donations for use as described in subsection (2) of this section, that are received by the department from any public or private source and caused to be deposited and credited to the fund; and

(c) Moneys in the subaccount described in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) The Private Forest Accord Mitigation Subaccount is established in the fund. The subaccount shall consist of moneys appropriated to the department for deposit in the subaccount or otherwise transferred to the subaccount and gifts, grants, contributions or other donations that are received by the department from any public or private source and caused to be deposited and credited to the subaccount. Moneys in the subaccount may be used for:

(a) The purposes described in, and the administration of, ORS 496.257 (Private Forest Accord Grant Program) .

(b) Conducting outreach to persons that own or operate an artificial obstruction, as defined in ORS 509.580 (Definitions for ORS 509.580 to 509.590, 509.600 to 509.645 and 509.910) , to further the goal of fish passage.

(c) Conducting outreach to persons that may undertake projects described in ORS 496.257 (Private Forest Accord Grant Program) .

(5) The department and the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee shall jointly submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly as provided in ORS 293.640 (Period covered by biennial reports) regarding the expenditure of moneys deposited in the fund, other than moneys deposited in the Private Forest Accord Mitigation Subaccount, and on the status of various activities funded by the moneys.

(6) The department and the Private Forest Accord Mitigation Advisory Committee shall jointly submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly as provided in ORS 293.640 (Period covered by biennial reports) regarding the expenditure of moneys deposited in the Private Forest Accord Mitigation Subaccount and on the status of various activities funded by the moneys. [2019 c.531 §1; 2022 c.33 §28]

Note: The amendments to 496.252 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund) by section 66, chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022, become operative only if certain conditions are met. See sections 54 and 61 to 64, chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022 (note preceding 496.257 (Private Forest Accord Grant Program) ). 496.252 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund) , as amended by section 66, chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022, is set forth for the user’s convenience.

496.252 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund) . (1) The Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund shall be credited to the fund.

(2) Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to carry out activities that serve to protect, maintain or enhance fish and wildlife resources in Oregon. The activities for which the department may expend fund moneys include, but are not limited to:

(a) Promoting the health of Oregon’s ecosystems and fish and wildlife species by implementing conservation programs and strategies identified in the Oregon Conservation Strategy, as defined in ORS 541.890 (Definitions for ORS 541.890 to 541.969) , including conservation programs and strategies for the nearshore identified in the marine component of the Oregon Conservation Strategy;

(b) Improving engagement of the public in hunting and fishing opportunities and in other outdoor recreation opportunities related to and in support of healthy fish, wildlife and habitats;

(c) Improving educational outreach and engagement of the public, including diverse and underserved communities, related to and in support of healthy fish, wildlife and habitats;

(d) Engaging in, and providing funding for, joint projects of the department and the State Parks and Recreation Department or other state agencies as recommended by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee established under ORS 496.254 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee) ; and

(e) Other conservation, management, research, habitat improvement, enforcement, outdoor recreation or education activities.

(3) The fund shall consist of:

(a) Moneys appropriated to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife for deposit in the fund or otherwise transferred to the fund; and

(b) Gifts, grants, contributions or other donations for use as described in subsection (2) of this section, that are received by the department from any public or private source and caused to be deposited and credited to the fund.

(4) The department and the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee shall jointly submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly as provided in ORS 293.640 (Period covered by biennial reports) regarding the expenditure of moneys deposited in the fund and on the status of various activities funded by the moneys.

Note: 496.252 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund) and 496.254 (Oregon Conservation and Recreation Advisory Committee) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 496.252 — Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.071 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.071
497.071 Dedication of certain license, tag and permit fee increases
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly finds it imperative that the wildlife resources of the State of Oregon be augmented to a level sufficient to provide Oregonians the recreational benefits of hunting and angling, an abundance of wildlife, and the reasonable expectation that their efforts will result in the taking of game or fish. The intent of this legislation is to provide adequate revenue to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission whereby game mammal herds and game fish populations may be increased for the benefit of Oregon hunters and anglers. Concomitant with the purposes for which the Legislative Assembly approves this legislation, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission is directed to expend the revenues created by this section and ORS 497.102 (Hunting licenses and permits) to 497.134 (Voluntary contributions) in achieving wildlife management objectives including, but not limited to the following:

(1) Habitat management.

(2) Predator control.

(3) Replenishment of fish and game populations.

(4) Reduction of the anadromous bag limit.

(5) Adjustment of seasons and deadlines to protect returning anadromous adults.

(6) Supplemental wildlife feeding.

(7) Protection of game mammals and game birds with characteristics of high reproductive potential.

(8) Enforcement of closings necessitated by herd or population depletion.

(9) Expansion of the road and access closure program when necessary to reduce hunting pressure in specific areas. [1975 c.454 §1]

Source: Section 497.071 — Dedication of certain license, tag and permit fee increases , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.996 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.996
496.996 Attempts to take wildlife decoy as unlawful wildlife taking
Status: in_force

(1) A person commits the crime of unlawful taking of wildlife if:

(a) The person discharges a firearm or other hunting device, traps, or acts toward a wildlife decoy in any manner consistent with an unlawful taking of wildlife; and

(b) The wildlife decoy is under the control of law enforcement officials.

(2) As used in this section, “wildlife decoy” means any simulation or replication of wildlife, in whole or in part, used by law enforcement officials for purposes of enforcing state wildlife laws. [1995 c.125 §2]

Source: Section 496.996 — Attempts to take wildlife decoy as unlawful wildlife taking , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.075 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.075
497.075 General license, tag and permit requirements
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (3) and (4) of this section, no person shall angle for, take, hunt or trap, or assist another in angling for, taking, hunting or trapping, any wildlife unless the person has in possession such valid licenses, tags and permits therefor as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission issues.

(2) An angling or shellfish license is not required:

(a) Of a person younger than 12 years of age. However, each such person who angles for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon or halibut must have in possession a valid annual youth combined angling tag to angle for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon and halibut while so angling.

(b) Of a resident person to angle or take shellfish on land owned by that person. However, each such person who angles for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon or halibut must have in possession a valid annual combined angling tag to angle for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon and halibut while so angling.

(c) Of a resident person to angle or take shellfish on land owned by a member of the person’s immediate family and upon which the person resides. However, each such person who angles for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon or halibut must have in possession a valid annual combined angling tag to angle for salmon, steelhead trout, sturgeon and halibut while so angling.

(d) Of a person to take crayfish or freshwater clams.

(3) A hunting license is not required:

(a) Of a person younger than 12 years of age to hunt wildlife, except those species for which a tag or permit is required by the wildlife laws or by any rule promulgated pursuant thereto.

(b) Of a resident person to hunt wildlife, except those species of wildlife for which a tag or permit is required by the wildlife laws or by any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, on land upon which the person resides and is owned by the person or a member of the person’s immediate family.

(c) Of a person who holds a valid trapping license to take, by any means involving the use of a weapon, fur-bearing mammals during authorized trapping seasons or predators.

(d) Of a person to take wildlife pursuant to ORS 498.012 (Taking wildlife causing damage, posing public health risk or that is public nuisance) , notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection.

(4) A trapping license is not required:

(a) Of a resident person to trap fur-bearing mammals or predators, except those species for which a tag or permit is required by the wildlife laws or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto, on land upon which the person resides and is owned by the person or a member of the person’s immediate family.

(b) Of a person younger than 12 years of age to trap fur-bearing mammals or predators, except those species for which a tag or permit is required by the wildlife laws or by any rule promulgated pursuant thereto.

(c) Of a person to trap wildlife that is not protected by the wildlife laws or the laws of the United States. [1973 c.723 §49; 1975 c.214 §1; 1985 c.60 §3; 1999 c.1006 §3; 2003 c.656 §6; 2015 c.779 §12]

Source: Section 497.075 — General license, tag and permit requirements; exemptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.162 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.162
497.162 Angling and shellfish licenses for persons in state care or persons receiving certain services
Status: in_force

(1) Upon application of the Oregon Youth Authority, the Oregon Health Authority or the Department of Human Services, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall issue, without fee, a license to angle for the temporary use of any person in a state institution as described in ORS 179.610 (Definitions for ORS 179.610 to 179.770) , any student in a youth correction facility or related camps or programs operated by the Oregon Youth Authority, any child placed by the department and under the care of a foster home or a child-caring agency licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the department under ORS 418.205 (Definitions for ORS 418.205 to 418.327, 418.330, 418.470, 418.475, 418.950 to 418.970 and 418.992 to 418.998) to 418.327 (Licensing of private residential boarding schools) , any person in an alternative to state hospitalization program as described in ORS 430.630 (Services to be provided by community mental health programs) (2)(b) or (c), or any person receiving services from a community developmental disabilities program under ORS 430.620 (Establishment of community mental health and developmental disabilities programs by one or more counties) (1)(a) or (c). The licenses issued under this subsection shall be in bearer form and, subject to applicable laws and regulations relating to angling, shall be used as the agency applying for the license directs.

(2) Upon application of the Department of Human Services, the commission shall issue, without fee, a license to take shellfish for the temporary use of any child placed by the department and under the care of a foster home or a child-caring agency licensed, certified or otherwise authorized by the department under ORS 418.205 (Definitions for ORS 418.205 to 418.327, 418.330, 418.470, 418.475, 418.950 to 418.970 and 418.992 to 418.998) to 418.327 (Licensing of private residential boarding schools) . The licenses issued under this subsection shall be in bearer form and, subject to applicable laws and regulations relating to taking shellfish, shall be used as the department directs.

(3) Upon application of the director of any veteran’s administration hospital or domiciliary within this state, the commission shall issue, without fee, to each hospital or domiciliary 30 licenses to angle or to take shellfish for the temporary use of any person who is a patient or resident in the hospital or domiciliary. The licenses issued under this subsection shall be in bearer form and, subject to applicable laws and regulations relating to angling and to taking shellfish, shall be used as the director of the hospital or domiciliary provides.

(4) The commission may adopt rules for the administration and enforcement of this section. [Formerly 497.840; 1977 c.492 §1; 1979 c.70 §1; 1997 c.249 §178; 1999 c.59 §162; 2001 c.900 §207; 2003 c.656 §16; 2009 c.595 §982; 2011 c.720 §207; 2016 c.106 §53; 2021 c.192 §6; 2021 c.334 §1]

Source: Section 497.162 — Angling and shellfish licenses for persons in state care or persons receiving certain services; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.336 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.336
498.336 Statutes not construed to limit ability to acquire funding for screening or by-pass devices
Status: in_force

Nothing in ORS 498.306 (Screening or by-pass devices for water diversions) or 509.585 (Fish passage required for artificial obstructions) shall be construed:

(1) To limit the eligibility of a person required to install and operate screening or by-pass devices to obtain funding from the Water Development Fund pursuant to ORS 541.700 (Definitions for ORS 541.700 to 541.855) to 541.855 (Biennial report to Legislative Assembly and Governor) .

(2) To limit the acquisition or acceptance of any federal funds available for the installation, operation, maintenance, improvement or repair of screening or by-pass devices on water diversions in this state. [Formerly 498.276; 2001 c.923 §6; 2007 c.625 §9]

Source: Section 498.336 — Statutes not construed to limit ability to acquire funding for screening or by-pass devices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.041 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.041
497.041 Applications for licenses, tags and permits to include certain statement for applicant attestation
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, “hunt” and “wildlife” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 496.004 (Definitions) .

(2) Each application for the issuance of a license, tag or permit to hunt wildlife with firearms under the wildlife laws shall include the following statement to which the applicant shall attest prior to the issuance of any license, tag or permit to the applicant:

I am not a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under the laws of Oregon or the United States; and

I am not a person who has been found guilty except for insanity of a felony and who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under the laws of Oregon or the United States.

[2011 c.383 §1]

Note: 497.041 (Applications for licenses, tags and permits to include certain statement for applicant attestation) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 497 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

LICENSE, TAG AND PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE

Source: Section 497.041 — Applications for licenses, tags and permits to include certain statement for applicant attestation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.169 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.169
496.169 Citizen involvement for wildlife management on private lands
Status: in_force

The Legislative Assembly finds, in the interest of all Oregonians, a necessity to improve Oregon’s resource access and wildlife habitat through the further involvement of its citizens, through voluntary partnership between the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and landowners to manage wildlife on private lands and through support by additional financial revenues. [Formerly 496.166]

Source: Section 496.169 — Citizen involvement for wildlife management on private lands , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.562 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.562
496.562 Policy
Status: in_force

The purposes of this section and ORS 496.558 (“Upland bird” defined) , 496.566 (Contest for stamp design) and 497.153 (Annual upland bird stamp) are to:

(1) Authorize the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to issue to hunters an upland bird stamp for a specified fee;

(2) Establish a fund to be financed by the sale of upland bird stamps and any art works and prints related to the upland bird stamps for the purposes of promoting the propagation and conservation of upland birds and acquiring, developing, managing, enhancing, purchasing or acquiring through lands exchange upland bird habitat; and

(3) Provide the State Fish and Wildlife Commission with improved data on the location and number of upland bird hunters. [1989 c.406 §1; 2015 c.779 §47]

Note: See note under 496.558 (“Upland bird” defined) .

Source: Section 496.562 — Policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.009 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.009
496.009 “Game fish” defined
Status: in_force

As used in the wildlife laws, unless the context requires otherwise, “game fish” means:

(1) Those members of the family Salmonidae, commonly known as trout, steelhead, char, grayling, Atlantic salmon and whitefish.

(2) Those members of the family Salmonidae, commonly known as salmon, when under 15 inches in length or when taken by angling.

(3) Those members of the family Ictaluridae, commonly known as freshwater catfish.

(4) Those members of the family Centrarchidae, commonly known as freshwater bass, sunfish and crappie.

(5) Those members of the family Acipenseridae, commonly known as green sturgeon and white sturgeon, when taken by angling.

(6) Perca flavescens, commonly known as yellow perch.

(7) Stizostedion vitreum, commonly known as walleye.

(8) Catostomus luxatus, commonly known as mullet.

(9) Morone saxatilis, commonly known as striped bass.

(10) Alosa sapidissima, commonly known as American shad, when taken by angling. [1973 c.723 §§5,131; 1999 c.1026 §18]

Source: Section 496.009 — “Game fish” defined , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.440 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.440
501.440 Carlton Lake Wildlife Refuge
Status: in_force

The following described lands, including Carlton Lake, situated in Yamhill County, shall be known as the Carlton Lake Wildlife Refuge: Beginning at the northwest corner of the W. C. Hembree D.L.C. (claim) No. 59, in section 17, township 3 south, range 4 west, Willamette Meridian; running thence east along the north line of Hembree D.L.C. and along this north line produced, or extended 4,500 feet to the west line of the state highway, known as the Tualatin Valley Highway; thence southerly along the west line of such highway 6,600 feet to north line of Main Street in the City of Carlton; thence westerly along the north line of Main Street and the county road, which is an extension of Main Street, 6,300 feet to the northeast corner of the intersection of the county road, leading west from Carlton and the county road running north and south through the James Fulton D. L. C. just west of Carlton Lake; thence northerly along the east line of such county road 6,700 feet to the intersection of the east line of the county road with the north line of the James Fulton D. L. C.; thence east along the north line of Fulton D. L. C. 1,950 feet to the northeast corner of the claim; thence north about 60 feet to the northwest corner of the W. C. Hembree D. L. C., the place of beginning, situated in parts of sections 16, 17, 20 and 21, township 3 south, range 4 west. [Amended by 1973 c.723 §113]

Source: Section 501.440 — Carlton Lake Wildlife Refuge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.571 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.571
496.571 Habitat conservation stamp
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may issue an annual habitat conservation stamp. The fee for the stamp may not exceed $50.

(2) The commission shall arrange, by contest or other appropriate means, for the selection of the design of the annual habitat conservation stamp authorized by subsection (1) of this section and for the production and sale of the stamps.

(3) The commission may produce the number of stamps the commission considers appropriate and may make stamps available for the creation of art prints and other related art works and may arrange for the sale of stamps, prints and art works to persons desiring to purchase those items.

(4) In carrying out its duties, functions and powers with regard to the habitat conservation stamp, the commission may contract for the performance of those duties, functions and powers. The contract may include, among other matters, provisions for advance payment or reimbursement for services performed pursuant to the contract. All costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this section shall be paid from the Oregon Conservation Strategy Subaccount established under ORS 496.303 (Fish and Wildlife Account) . [2011 c.50 §2]

Source: Section 496.571 — Habitat conservation stamp; fees; design selection; production of stamps and art works , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.035 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.035
501.035 Posting signs around refuge
Status: in_force

(1) When any wildlife refuge is created by the laws of this state or any rule promulgated thereto, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall post signs around the boundary of the refuge giving notice of restrictions on hunting or trapping of wildlife on the refuge and on such other uses of the refuge as are specified by law or rule.

(2) No person shall remove, deface, alter or destroy any sign referred to in subsection (1) of this section. [1973 c.723 §107]

Source: Section 501.035 — Posting signs around refuge; defacing or alteration of signs prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.312 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.312
497.312 Special restrictions on holding coyotes
Status: in_force

(1) Any rules promulgated by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to ORS 497.308 (Wildlife holding and habitat removal permits) that authorize the acquisition and holding in captivity of a coyote must require, among other matters:

(a) That the holder of the permit obtain for the animal rabies inoculations;

(b) That the animal must at all times wear an identification tag issued by the commission;

(c) That the holder of the permit notify the commission upon the death or the sale, transfer, removal from the state or other disposition of the animal;

(d) That the holder of the permit not abandon the animal; and

(e) That the holder of the permit cause the animal to be neutered.

(2) The holder of a permit referred to in subsection (1) of this section is subject to the same liability and other requirements of ORS 609.135 (Applicability of ORS 609.156, 609.162 and 609.168) to 609.190 (Subrogation of county paying claim) as provided for dogs.

(3) The holder of any permit referred to in subsection (1) of this section shall at all times be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that the holder has physical custody of the animal or evidence of the death or other disposition of the animal in compliance with the provisions of this section and ORS 497.308 (Wildlife holding and habitat removal permits) .

(4) Nothing in this section or in ORS 497.308 (Wildlife holding and habitat removal permits) authorizes the acquisition and holding in captivity of any coyote not held in captivity at the State Fish and Wildlife Facility at Pendleton before September 10, 1976, or held pursuant to a scientific taking permit issued pursuant to ORS 497.298 (Scientific taking permit) . [1977 c.247 §2]

Source: Section 497.312 — Special restrictions on holding coyotes , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.424 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.424
498.424 Report to commission required
Status: in_force

(1) A person who is licensed to operate an outdoor club shall report immediately to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission any material changes in the information required to be contained in the application.

(2) Upon receipt of any such report, the commission may suspend a license that has been issued for such time as the commission considers necessary to adequately investigate and approve the information submitted. [1973 c.749 §6]

Source: Section 498.424 — Report to commission required; suspension of license pending investigation of reported information , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.675 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.675
496.675 Seizure without warrant by law enforcement personnel
Status: in_force

The persons mentioned in ORS 496.645 (Arrest without warrant of violators) may at any time, without warrant, seize and take possession of:

(1) Any wildlife which has been caught, taken or killed, or had in possession or under control, which have been killed, had in possession or shipped, at any time, in any manner or for any purpose contrary to the wildlife laws.

(2) Any guns, boats, fishing or other apparatus used for the purpose of hunting or fishing, at any time, in any manner or for any purpose contrary to the wildlife laws. [Amended by 1971 c.658 §18; 1973 c.723 §28]

Source: Section 496.675 — Seizure without warrant by law enforcement personnel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.153 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.153
497.153 Annual upland bird stamp
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission is authorized to issue, upon application, to resident persons desiring to hunt upland birds an annual upland bird stamp and shall charge the applicable fee under the fee schedule in ORS 497.061 (License, tag and permit fee schedule) .

(b) The commission is authorized to issue, upon application, to resident and nonresident persons at least 12 years of age and under 18 years of age desiring to hunt upland birds an annual youth upland bird stamp and shall charge the applicable fee under the fee schedule in ORS 497.061 (License, tag and permit fee schedule) .

(2) The stamps referred to in subsection (1) of this section are in addition to and not in lieu of the hunting licenses required by ORS 497.102 (Hunting licenses and permits) and 497.127 (Youth licenses) .

(3) An upland bird stamp is not required of a person younger than 12 years of age.

(4) ORS 497.016 (Term of licenses, tags and permits) to 497.026 (Duty of license agents to remit funds) and 497.036 (Inspection of licenses, tags, permits and wildlife) apply to the stamps referred to in subsection (1) of this section.

(5) Nothing in this section is intended to prevent nonresident persons 18 years of age or older from purchasing resident upland bird stamps for stamp collecting or other purposes. However, possession of a resident upland bird stamp does not authorize a nonresident 18 years of age or older to hunt upland birds. [1989 c.406 §4; 1993 c.659 §23; 2009 c.832 §12; 2015 c.779 §27]

Source: Section 497.153 — Annual upland bird stamp; effect of purchase by nonresident , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.016 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.016
496.016 Applicability of wildlife laws to commercial fishing laws
Status: in_force

Nothing in the wildlife laws is intended to affect any of the provisions of the commercial fishing laws. However, nothing in the commercial fishing laws is intended to authorize the taking of game fish in any manner prohibited by the wildlife laws. [1973 c.723 §7]

Source: Section 496.016 — Applicability of wildlife laws to commercial fishing laws , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.148 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.148
496.148 Payment by credit card
Status: in_force

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife may accept payments by credit card for any products or services offered by the department. The department may add a fee to the amount of any purchase made by credit card in an amount reasonably calculated to offset the impact to the department of financial institution fees related to credit card transactions. The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall establish the fee amount by rule. [2019 c.102 §1]

Note: 496.148 (Payment by credit card) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 496.148 — Payment by credit card; fee; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.430 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.430
496.430 Definitions for ORS 496.430 and 496.435 to 496.455
Status: in_force

As used in this section and ORS 496.435 (Policy to recover and sustain native stocks) to 496.455 (Use of native stocks for projects) :

(1) “Enhancement” means resource conservation, utilization and educational activities that contribute to the recovery and sustainability of native fish.

(2) “Listed unit” means one population or a group of populations of a species, such as an evolutionarily significant unit, that has been listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205), as amended, or under ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.192 (Effect of law on commercial forestland or other private land) .

(3) “Native fish” means indigenous to Oregon and not introduced. Naturally produced fish and hatchery produced fish are both native fish if the fish are indigenous to Oregon and not introduced.

(4) “Native stocks” means those fish indigenous to Oregon that naturally propagate in a given watershed.

(5) “Naturally produced” means a fish that reproduces and completes its full life cycle in its natural habitat. The naturally produced progeny of hatchery fish are naturally produced.

(6) “Population” means a group of fish that:

(a) Originates and reproduces in a particular area at a particular time;

(b) Does not interbreed to any substantial degree with any other group reproducing in a different area or in the same area at a different time; and

(c) Is composed of naturally produced fish, hatchery produced fish or a combination of both.

(7) “Recovery” means that a proportion of the constituent populations of naturally produced native fish belonging to a listed unit are sufficiently abundant, productive and diverse in life histories and distribution such that the listed unit as a whole will be self-sustaining into the foreseeable future.

(8) “Self-sustaining” means having a sufficient proportion and distribution of constituent populations that:

(a) Are likely to survive prolonged periods of habitat, oceanic, climatic and environmental conditions that are detrimental to a population; and

(b) Have habitat of sufficient quality and quantity that is likely to provide survival rates adequate to maintain associated ecological, cultural and economic benefits. [1981 c.317 §2; 2003 c.463 §1]

Source: Section 496.430 — Definitions for ORS 496.430 and 496.435 to 496.455 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.014 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.014
498.014 Taking of wolves by State Department of Fish and Wildlife to address chronic depredation
Status: repealed

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Chronic depredation”:

(A) Means at least four confirmed qualifying incidents of depredation by wolves upon livestock or working dogs within a consecutive six-month period during phase 1 of the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission; or

(B) Has the meaning given that term by the commission for periods of time after the expiration of phase 1 of the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

(b) “Livestock” has the meaning given that term in ORS 610.150 (Wolf predation loss compensation program) .

(c) “Working dog” has the meaning given that term in ORS 610.150 (Wolf predation loss compensation program) .

(2) Nothing in the wildlife laws prevents the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or the State Department of Fish and Wildlife from lethally taking wolves to address chronic depredation pursuant to rules adopted by the commission, regardless of the management status of wolves under the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan adopted by the commission.

(3) Pursuant to rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, a person who owns or lawfully occupies land may take wolves on land that is owned or occupied by the person, without a permit issued by the commission, if:

(a) The person has not used bait to attract wolves or taken any other intentional action to attract wolves other than engaging in regular and ordinary livestock management practices;

(b) The taking is allowed under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and

(c) The wolves are:

(A) Caught in the act of biting, wounding or killing livestock or working dogs; or

(B) Caught in the act of chasing livestock or working dogs. If the taking in response to chasing occurs during phase 1 of the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan adopted by the commission:

(i) A person must have first undertaken nonlethal actions as specified by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to minimize conflict between the wolves and livestock or working dogs; and

(ii) The taking must occur during a time period in which the department has determined a situation of chronic depredation exists.

(4) A person who is a landowner or a lawful occupant of land may authorize another person to enter the land for the purpose of taking wolves under subsection (3) of this section on behalf of the landowner or occupant. The authorization must be in writing and must include:

(a) The date of issuance of the authorization;

(b) The name, address, telephone number and signature of the person granting the authorization;

(c) The name, address and telephone number of the person to whom the authorization is granted; and

(d) The expiration date of the authorization, which may not be later than one year from the date of issuance of the authorization.

(5) The person taking wolves on behalf of a landowner or lawful occupant under subsection (4) of this section must be carrying the written authorization when wolves are taken.

(6) If a person takes wolves under the provisions of this section, the person shall report the taking to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours and make all reasonable efforts to preserve, and to keep undisturbed, the scene of the taking. The department and the Oregon State Police shall immediately investigate the report of the taking to determine compliance with the provisions of this section. [2013 c.626 §2]

Note: Sections 3 and 4, chapter 192, Oregon Laws 2023, provide:

Sec. 3. (1) On or before September 15, 2024, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall submit a report, in the manner prescribed in ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , to the committees or interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to natural resources.

(2) The report must include:

(a) Data on conflicts between wolves and livestock.

(b) A summary of discussions, during the department’s five-year review of the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, related to the release of wolf location data, including any discussion of other states’ models for sharing wolf location data with livestock producers and others. [2023 c.192 §3]

Sec. 4. Section 3 of this 2023 Act is repealed on January 2, 2025. [2023 c.192 §4]

Source: Section 498.014 — Taking of wolves by State Department of Fish and Wildlife to address chronic depredation; taking by landowners; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.192 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.192
496.192 Effect of law on commercial forestland or other private land
Status: in_force

(1) Nothing in ORS 496.004 (Definitions) , 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) or 498.026 (Transaction in threatened or endangered wildlife species prohibited) is intended, by itself, to require an owner of any commercial forestland or other private land to take action to protect a threatened species or endangered species, or to impose additional requirements or restrictions on the use of private land.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, other statutes may authorize administrative rules or programs to protect wildlife species, including threatened species or endangered species, and nothing in ORS 496.004 (Definitions) , 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) or 498.026 (Transaction in threatened or endangered wildlife species prohibited) shall diminish the force or effect of such rules or programs. [1987 c.686 §6a]

Source: Section 496.192 — Effect of law on commercial forestland or other private land; effect on other laws , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.450 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.450
496.450 Application for project
Status: in_force

(1) Any citizen or group of citizens may submit to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission a proposal for a project consistent with the recovery or sustainability of native stocks to be implemented under the salmon and trout enhancement program or may submit a request for advice and assistance in developing such a project.

(2) An enhancement project may include, but is not limited to, habitat improvement, installation and operation of streamside incubators, brood stock development, fish stocking and spawning ground surveys and data collection.

(3) The commission shall approve for implementation only those enhancement projects based on sound biological principles and shall use fish stocks most adapted to the project locale. To the greatest extent practicable, a project must be designed to maximize survival, adult returns and genetic diversity while minimizing disease.

(4) Conditions for approval by the commission for implementation of a project include but are not limited to:

(a) Provisions satisfactory to the commission for inspection and evaluation of the implementation of a project; and

(b) Provisions satisfactory to the commission for controlling the expenditure of and accounting for any funds granted by the commission for implementation of the project. [1981 c.317 §6; 2003 c.463 §3]

Source: Section 496.450 — Application for project; subjects for projects; conditions for approval , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.128 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.128
496.128 Reports by commission
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall report biennially to the Governor and to the Legislative Assembly on the activities of the commission during the preceding biennium. The commission shall make such additional reports as the Governor or the Legislative Assembly may direct.

(2) The reports required by subsection (1) of this section shall be in such form and contain such information as the commission considers appropriate, and shall contain such other information as the Governor and the Legislative Assembly may require. Such reports shall include all new or amended rules, policies or procedures adopted by the commission and shall include a summary of significant consultation activity under ORS 496.164 (Cooperation with public and private agencies for fish and wildlife management) . [1973 c.723 §11; 1993 c.659 §6]

Source: Section 496.128 — Reports by commission , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.458 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.458
496.458 Remote hatchbox program
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall develop and implement a remote hatchbox program.

(2) To implement the remote hatchbox program required under subsection (1) of this section, the commission shall:

(a) Identify sites in tributaries that are suitable for remote hatchboxes;

(b) Adopt rules necessary to implement the remote hatchbox program;

(c) Investigate the potential of producing remote hatchboxes through an adult in custody work program of the Department of Corrections; and

(d) Report annually to the Legislative Assembly on the progress of the remote hatchbox program. The report shall include but need not be limited to the sites the commission has chosen, a copy of rules the commission has adopted and findings on the extent to which the commission is utilizing labor, supplies or services provided by an adult in custody work program.

(3) Rules adopted by the commission under subsection (2) of this section shall:

(a) Ensure that the program is scientifically sound;

(b) Be consistent with the goals of the Oregon Plan, as described in ORS 541.898 (Oregon Plan described) ; and

(c) Identify protocols for determining when the use of remote hatchboxes is an appropriate activity under the Oregon Plan. [1999 c.189 §4; 2019 c.213 §104]

Source: Section 496.458 — Remote hatchbox program; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.500 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.500
498.500 Mitigation of adverse effects on core area habitat
Status: in_force

(1) To assist persons with meeting the requirements of this state and local and federal governments concerning the mitigation of the adverse effects that a proposed action may have on core area habitat of sage grouse, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, after consultation with interested local and tribal governments, state and federal agencies and private organizations, may develop and administer a uniform policy for mitigating the adverse effects that the proposed actions may have on core area habitat of sage grouse.

(2) If the department develops a mitigation policy under this section, the policy may include:

(a) Provisions for the recognition or establishment of mitigation banks; and

(b) Any other framework, criteria or goals developed to facilitate the mitigation of the adverse effects that a proposed action may have on core area habitat of sage grouse in a manner that ensures a landscape approach to the conservation of sage grouse.

(3) If the department develops a mitigation policy under this section, the policy must:

(a) Provide that the department review, at least once every five years, the mapping by the department of core area habitat of sage grouse and revise the mapping, if necessary, to account for any new and substantial biological information; and

(b) Ensure that any use of a mitigation bank or other mitigation framework provided for under the policy does not result in a net loss of either the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat and provides a net benefit to the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat.

(4) If the department develops a mitigation policy under this section for the purpose of benefiting sage grouse as a result of a listing as a sensitive, threatened or endangered species under ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) , or a listing as a candidate, threatened or endangered species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the policy shall ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that any use of land, water or other natural resources occurring in a habitat identified as part of a mitigation bank or other mitigation framework developed under the policy may continue after the department identifies the habitat as part of a mitigation bank or other mitigation framework.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Subsections (1) to (4) of this section do not affect the ability of a person to develop a proposal under ORS 498.502 (Actions that affect core area habitat) for off-site mitigation or a mitigation bank in order to meet the requirements of this state and local and federal governments concerning the mitigation of the adverse effects that a proposed action by the person may have on core area habitat of sage grouse.

(b) Any proposal for off-site mitigation or a mitigation bank developed under this section and ORS 498.502 (Actions that affect core area habitat) must not result in a net loss of either the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat and must provide a net benefit to the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat. [2013 c.710 §1]

Note: 498.500 (Mitigation of adverse effects on core area habitat) and 498.502 (Actions that affect core area habitat) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 498 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 498.500 — Mitigation of adverse effects on core area habitat; policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.655 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.655
497.655 Voluntary contributions
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Fur-bearing mammal,” “hunt” and “wildlife” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 496.004 (Definitions) .

(b) “Predatory animals” means those animals listed in ORS 610.002, black bears, cougars, fur-bearing mammals and gray wolves.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Each application for the purchase and issuance of a license, tag or permit to hunt wildlife pursuant to ORS 497.102 (Hunting licenses and permits) or 497.112 (Hunting tags) must include a separate section under which the applicant may make a voluntary contribution to be used for predatory animal control, to the extent allowable under federal and state law, in the county or counties in which the license, tag or permit allows the person to hunt.

(b) A voluntary contribution made under this section does not convey a privilege to hunt wildlife, and is considered separate from any moneys paid by the applicant for the issuance of a license, tag or permit.

(c) Before developing a predatory animal control program, a county shall consult with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or the State Department of Agriculture, depending on the predatory animals that are part of the program.

(d) Voluntary contributions received under this section shall be deposited in the Wildlife Conservation Fund established under ORS 497.660 (Wildlife Conservation Fund) .

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall keep track of voluntary contributions made under this section. Each quarter the department shall pay to each county in which hunting took place under a license, tag or permit issued under the wildlife laws an amount equal to the total of the voluntary contributions made in association with applications for licenses, tags or permits allowing persons to hunt in the county.

(b) If a license, tag or permit allows the holder to hunt in an area that includes land within more than one county, the department shall designate a proportionate share of any voluntary contribution under this section to each county based on the percentage of the area that is in each county. [2011 c.728 §1]

Note: 497.655 (Voluntary contributions) and 497.660 (Wildlife Conservation Fund) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 497 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 497.655 — Voluntary contributions; county predatory animal control program; State Department of Fish and Wildlife duties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.182 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.182
498.182 Knowingly allowing feral swine to roam on certain lands prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) A person, or an employee of that person who acts as a land manager, may not knowingly, as defined in ORS 161.085 (Definitions with respect to culpability) , allow feral swine to roam on land owned or controlled by that person.

(2) A person, or an employee of that person who acts as a land manager, shall take action in a manner consistent with rules adopted by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove any feral swine that roams on land owned or controlled by that person if the person or employee knows that feral swine roam on land owned or controlled by that person. ORS 497.075 (General license, tag and permit requirements) does not apply to this subsection.

(3) A person, or an employee of that person who acts as a land manager, shall, within 10 days after discovering feral swine on land owned or controlled by that person, inform the State Department of Fish and Wildlife about the feral swine. [2009 c.605 §3]

ANGLING RESTRICTIONS; FISH PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS

Source: Section 498.182 — Knowingly allowing feral swine to roam on certain lands prohibited; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.038 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.038
498.038 Sale of wildlife for human consumption prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) In this state, a person may not sell, offer for sale or otherwise participate in the sale or offer for sale of wildlife that is sold alive for the purpose of human consumption.

(2) This section does not apply to the otherwise lawful sale, offer for sale or other participation in the sale or offer for sale of an animal:

(a) Utilized in farm use, as defined in ORS 308A.056 (Definition of “farm use.”) .

(b) Described in ORS 506.011 (Types of marine life defined) that is lawfully raised or harvested. [2023 c.9 §8]

Source: Section 498.038 — Sale of wildlife for human consumption prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.458 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.458
498.458 Term of license
Status: in_force

A license to operate an outdoor club expires one year from the date of its issuance. A person who desire to renew a license shall submit an application therefor to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, together with a fee of $100. The application shall be in such form, contain such information and be submitted at such time as the commission prescribes. [1973 c.749 §11]

Source: Section 498.458 — Term of license; renewal fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.283 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.283
496.283 Use of certain moneys
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding ORS 506.306 (Collecting moneys under commercial fishing laws) , all moneys received by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to ORS 497.126 (Use of certain moneys from angling licenses) , 508.288 (Commercial fishing permit surcharges) and 508.506 (Additional payments on certain fish species) shall be deposited in a separate subaccount in the State Wildlife Fund. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, moneys in the subaccount may be expended only for State Department of Fish and Wildlife fish restoration and enhancement programs for the benefit of the fish resources of this state.

(2) Fees collected from salmon ranching permits authorized under ORS 508.700 (Permits for salmon hatcheries) to 508.745 (Disposition of moneys received under ORS 508.700 to 508.745) may not be commingled with public fishery funds collected and deposited in the subaccount referred to in this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department shall use moneys from salmon ranching permits authorized under ORS 508.700 (Permits for salmon hatcheries) to 508.745 (Disposition of moneys received under ORS 508.700 to 508.745) to monitor the effect and impact of private salmon ranching on the fishery resources of Oregon.

(3) The department:

(a) May not divert budgeted funds to other projects as funds pursuant to ORS 497.126 (Use of certain moneys from angling licenses) , 508.288 (Commercial fishing permit surcharges) and 508.506 (Additional payments on certain fish species) become available.

(b) May use the subaccount moneys only for programs vital to the restoration of Oregon fisheries as required by Oregon Revised Statutes and administrative rules.

(c) May not assess department personnel costs in the administration of activities benefiting fish restoration and enhancement programs against the subaccount referred to in this section without the prior approval of the Restoration and Enhancement Board. [1989 c.512 §10; 1991 c.184 §4; 2015 c.779 §42; 2019 c.458 §1]

Source: Section 496.283 — Use of certain moneys; limitations on expenditures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.136 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.136
497.136 Uses of certain fee increases
Status: in_force

The moneys received from the fee increases prescribed in the amendments to ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) , 497.124 (Special dedication of fees to Fish Screening Subaccount) , 497.126 (Use of certain moneys from angling licenses) and 497.132 (Combined licenses for residents) by sections 1 to 4, chapter 619, Oregon Laws 1993, shall be used by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife for recreational fishing activities, including fish hatchery production, freshwater fish programs, groundfish sampling, fish research projects, Oregon State Police Game Bureau enforcement, a name and address database, and the Hatchery Maintenance Information System. [1993 c.619 §6]

Source: Section 497.136 — Uses of certain fee increases , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.994 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.994
496.994 Obstructing the taking of wildlife prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) A person commits the offense of obstructing the taking of wildlife if the person, having no right to do so, interferes with the lawful taking, or the process of taking, of wildlife by another with the intent to prevent the taking.

(2) Obstructing the taking of wildlife is a Class A misdemeanor. [1987 c.473 §2; 1989 c.171 §67; 1995 c.468 §1]

Source: Section 496.994 — Obstructing the taking of wildlife prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.136 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.136
498.136 Hunting from motor-propelled vehicle restricted
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a person may not hunt wildlife from a motor-propelled vehicle.

(2) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission, by rule, may authorize hunting from a motor-propelled vehicle by a person with a disability or for the purpose of alleviating damage by wildlife to other resources.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Nothing in the wildlife laws, or rules adopted pursuant thereto, is intended to prohibit the companion of a person with a disability who is lawfully hunting from a motor-propelled vehicle from killing an animal wounded by the person and applying to the animal the tag issued to the person for the taking of the animal, even if the companion has already validated any tag required for the taking of such an animal.

(b) For purposes of this subsection, “companion” means a person who does not have a disability. [1973 c.723 §88; 1987 c.292 §1; 1999 c.25 §8; 2007 c.70 §278]

Source: Section 498.136 — Hunting from motor-propelled vehicle restricted; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.665 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.665
496.665 Issuance of search warrants
Status: in_force

(1) Any court having jurisdiction of the offense, upon receiving proof or probable cause for believing in the concealment of any wildlife taken, killed or had in possession, under control, or shipped contrary to the wildlife laws, shall issue a search warrant and cause a search to be made in any place, and to that end cause any building, enclosure, car, automobile, boat, apartment, chest, box, parcel, crate or basket to be opened and the contents examined by any person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws.

(2) All wildlife, or parts thereof, thus discovered shall be held by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission as evidence against any party accused of the crime in connection therewith.

(3) Upon conviction of the parties accused, such wildlife, or parts thereof, shall be disposed of by the commission. Any funds arising from the disposal shall become a part of the State Wildlife Fund. [Amended by 1971 c.658 §17; 1973 c.723 §27]

Source: Section 496.665 — Issuance of search warrants; places searched; use and disposition of seized property , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.019 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.019
498.019 Purchase, sale or exchange of hides, antlers and other parts of deer, elk and antelope
Status: in_force

(1) If the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, pursuant to its authority under ORS 498.022 (Purchase, sale, exchange or possession of wildlife or wildlife parts or products) , establishes a license for the purchase of deer, elk and antelope hides and antlers, any person holding such license shall also be authorized to purchase, sell or exchange, or offer to purchase, sell or exchange, the hooves, dewclaws and sinews of deer, elk and antelope.

(2) A licensee under subsection (1) of this section shall maintain a record of transactions involving specimens of deer, elk or antelope. The record shall be in such form and contain such information as the commission, by rule, prescribes to accurately indicate the date, type and number of specimens received and the name and address of the person with whom such transaction was made. [1995 c.711 §2]

Source: Section 498.019 — Purchase, sale or exchange of hides, antlers and other parts of deer, elk and antelope; records required , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.015 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.015
501.015 Hunting or trapping on refuge prohibited
Status: in_force

Except as the State Fish and Wildlife Commission by rule may provide otherwise, no person shall hunt or trap any wildlife on any wildlife refuge created by any law of this state or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto. [1973 c.723 §105]

Source: Section 501.015 — Hunting or trapping on refuge prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.827 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.827
498.827 Duties of Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board
Status: in_force

The Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board shall report to the Director of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and shall:

(1) Establish strategic directions and operational objectives for the Oregon Hatchery Research Center located on Fall Creek, near Alsea, consistent with ORS 496.275 (Salmon resource protection and restoration) .

(2) Develop, after consultation with the Director of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, Oregon State University and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the proposed operating budget for the center.

(3) Recommend research projects for the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and issue requests for research proposals as needed to carry out the activities of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center specified in ORS 498.831 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center) .

(4) Review and prioritize all research proposals submitted to the Oregon Hatchery Research Center before research takes place and prioritize the research according to whether the research is consistent with the strategic directions and operational objectives specified in subsection (1) of this section and with the activities of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center specified in ORS 498.831 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center) .

(5) Make recommendations, as needed, regarding how the research projects at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center may be enhanced to meet the strategic directions and operational objectives specified in subsection (1) of this section and the activities specified in ORS 498.831 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center) .

(6) On or before February 1 of each calendar year, report to the Legislative Assembly in the manner required by ORS 192.245 (Form of report to legislature) , and to the State Fish and Wildlife Director and the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, regarding the findings of research projects carried out by the Oregon Hatchery Research Center and any recommendations regarding current hatchery management practices based on the research projects. The Director of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center shall post the report on the center’s website for public access. [2013 c.664 §3]

Note: See note under 498.825 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board) .

Source: Section 498.827 — Duties of Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.176 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.176
496.176 Listing species
Status: in_force

(1) The lists of threatened species or endangered species established pursuant to ORS 496.172 (Commission management authority for threatened or endangered species) (2) shall include:

(a) Those species of wildlife listed as of May 15, 1987, as a threatened species or an endangered species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended; and

(b) Those species determined as of May 15, 1987, by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to be threatened species or endangered species.

(2) The commission, by rule, may add or remove any wildlife species from either list, or change the status of any species on the lists, upon a determination that the species is or is not a threatened species or an endangered species.

(3) A determination that a species is a threatened species or an endangered species shall be based on documented and verifiable scientific information about the species’ biological status. To list a species as a threatened species or an endangered species under ORS 496.004 (Definitions) and 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) , the commission shall determine that the natural reproductive potential of the species is in danger of failure due to limited population numbers, disease, predation or other natural or human actions affecting its continued existence and, to the extent possible, assess the relative impact of human actions. In addition, the commission shall determine that one or more of the following factors exists:

(a) That most populations are undergoing imminent or active deterioration of their range or primary habitat;

(b) That overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or educational purposes is occurring or is likely to occur; or

(c) That existing state or federal programs or regulations are inadequate to protect the species or its habitat.

(4) Determinations required by subsection (3) of this section shall be made by the commission on the basis of verifiable scientific and other data after consultation with federal agencies, other interested state agencies, private landowners, affected cities, affected counties, affected local service districts as defined in ORS 174.116 (“Local government” and “local service district” defined) , other states having a common interest in the species and interested persons and organizations.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Any person may petition the commission to, by rule, add, remove or change the status of a species on the list.

(b) A petition shall clearly indicate the action sought and shall include documented scientific information about the species’ biological status to justify the requested action.

(c) Within 90 days of receipt of a petition, the commission shall respond in writing to the petitioner indicating whether the petition presents substantial scientific information to warrant the action requested.

(d) If the petition is found to present such information, the commission shall commence rulemaking.

(e) A final determination by the commission concerning the action requested in a petition shall be provided within one year from the date of receipt of the petition, with the option for an additional 12-month extension of time to complete the listing if the commission determines that limited information or other appropriate considerations require the extension.

(f) If the petition is denied, the petitioner may seek judicial review as provided in ORS 183.484 (Jurisdiction for review of orders other than contested cases) .

(6) The commission may determine not to list a species as a threatened species or an endangered species in any of the following cases:

(a) If the species has been listed pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended.

(b) If the species is currently on the list as a sensitive species, or is a candidate species or has been petitioned for listing pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended.

(c) If the species has been determined, pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531), as amended, to not qualify as a threatened species or an endangered species.

(7) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (5) of this section, the commission shall take emergency action to add a species to the list of threatened species or endangered species if it determines there is a significant threat to the continued existence of the species within the state.

(b) The commission shall publish notice of such addition in the Secretary of State’s bulletin and shall mail notice to affected or interested persons whose names are included on the commission’s mailing list for such purposes.

(c) Such emergency addition shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Secretary of State’s bulletin and shall remain valid for a period no longer than one year, unless during the period the commission completes rulemaking procedures as provided in subsection (5) of this section.

(8) The commission shall periodically review the status of all threatened species and endangered species listed under ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.192 (Effect of law on commercial forestland or other private land) . Each species shall be reviewed at least once every five years to determine whether verifiable scientific information exists to justify its reclassification or removal from the list, according to the criteria listed under subsections (3) and (4) of this section. If a determination is made to reclassify a species or remove it from the list, the commission, within 90 days, shall commence rulemaking to change the status of the species.

(9) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the commission:

(a) May decide not to list a species that otherwise qualifies as a threatened or endangered species within this state if the commission determines that the species is secure outside this state or the species is not of cultural, scientific or commercial significance to the people of this state.

(b) May not include Branta canadensis leucopareia, commonly known as the Aleutian Canada goose, on the lists of threatened species or endangered species. [1987 c.686 §4; 1995 c.590 §4; 2005 c.402 §1; 2011 c.319 §20; 2012 c.40 §1]

Source: Section 496.176 — Listing species; procedure; matters to be considered; periodic review , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.710 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.710
496.710 Compelling testimony in enforcement proceedings
Status: in_force

In any action or proceeding for the enforcement of any of the provisions of the wildlife laws, or in any investigation before a grand jury, district attorney or other officer, or any criminal proceeding, no person shall be excused from testifying concerning any offense committed by another or by the person on the ground that the testimony of the person may incriminate the person. However, such testimony shall not be used against the person in any prosecution for any crime or misdemeanor under the laws of the state, nor shall the person be subject to any criminal prosecution or any penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which the person has been compelled to testify or to produce evidence, documentary or otherwise. [Amended by 1971 c.658 §23; 1973 c.723 §33]

Source: Section 496.710 — Compelling testimony in enforcement proceedings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.234 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.234
498.234 Protection of finfish and shellfish from introduction of disease
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall, by rule, establish a program to protect all finfish and shellfish in waters of this state, both public and private, from infection by the introduction of detrimental fish diseases.

(2) Rules adopted under subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to live aquaria species imported or transported for aquaria use unless those species are reared in facilities from which effluent directly enters waters of this state.

(3) The requirements of subsection (1) of this section are in addition to any other requirement of law, or rule promulgated pursuant thereto, regarding the importation into this state of live game fish or game fish eggs. [1973 c.723 §96; 1987 c.294 §1]

Source: Section 498.234 — Protection of finfish and shellfish from introduction of disease; exceptions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.820 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.820
496.820 Permit or license fee
Status: in_force

(1) Any person applying for a permit to appropriate water for hydroelectric purposes under ORS 537.150 (Filing of application) to 537.252 (Certificate issued for land not described in permit) or any person applying for a preliminary permit or license under ORS 543.010 (Definitions for ORS 543.010 to 543.610) to 543.610 (Acquisition of project by state or municipality) shall pay an administration fee of $350 to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(2) If a person pays the administration fee under subsection (1) of this section at the time the person applies for a preliminary permit under ORS 543.210 (Preliminary permits) , the person shall not also be required to pay the fee when applying for a license for the same project under ORS 543.010 (Definitions for ORS 543.010 to 543.610) to 543.610 (Acquisition of project by state or municipality) . [1985 c.674 §2]

Source: Section 496.820 — Permit or license fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.012 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.012
496.012 Wildlife policy
Status: in_force

It is the policy of the State of Oregon that wildlife shall be managed to prevent serious depletion of any indigenous species and to provide the optimum recreational and aesthetic benefits for present and future generations of the citizens of this state. In furtherance of this policy, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall represent the public interest of the State of Oregon and implement the following coequal goals of wildlife management:

(1) To maintain all species of wildlife at optimum levels.

(2) To develop and manage the lands and waters of this state in a manner that will enhance the production and public enjoyment of wildlife.

(3) To permit an orderly and equitable utilization of available wildlife.

(4) To develop and maintain public access to the lands and waters of the state and the wildlife resources thereon.

(5) To regulate wildlife populations and the public enjoyment of wildlife in a manner that is compatible with primary uses of the lands and waters of the state.

(6) To provide optimum recreational benefits.

(7) To make decisions that affect wildlife resources of the state for the benefit of the wildlife resources and to make decisions that allow for the best social, economic and recreational utilization of wildlife resources by all user groups. [1973 c.723 §6; 1993 c.659 §2; 2001 c.762 §6]

Source: Section 496.012 — Wildlife policy , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.124 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.124
496.124 Fish Division
Status: in_force

In addition to such divisions as may be established by the State Fish and Wildlife Director pursuant to ORS 496.118 (Duties and powers of director) , there are established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife a Fish Division and a Wildlife Division. The Wildlife Division shall be responsible for the management of all wildlife, except fish and other marine life, over which the State Fish and Wildlife Commission has regulatory jurisdiction. [1975 c.253 §11]

Source: Section 496.124 — Fish Division; Wildlife Division; authority , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.232 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.232
496.232 Board to make program recommendations
Status: in_force

(1) The Access and Habitat Board shall meet, adopt and recommend to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, within 120 days after November 4, 1993, and at not more than 120-day intervals thereafter, access and habitat programs.

(2) The commission shall review such programs and may approve or disapprove the program recommendation by the board. Funds may be expended from the subaccount referred to in ORS 496.242 (Access and habitat program funds) for projects that have been approved by the commission.

(3) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the board jointly shall submit to each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly a report on expenditure of funds for the access and habitat programs and on the status of various projects.

(4) In recommending access and habitat programs, the board shall:

(a) Recommend a mix of projects that provides a balance between access and habitat benefits.

(b) Recommend projects that are to be implemented by volunteers under volunteer coordinators and nonprofit organizations engaged in approved access and habitat activities.

(c) Recommend programs that recognize and encourage the contributions of landowners to wildlife and programs that minimize the economic loss to those landowners.

(d) Encourage agreements with landowners who request damage control hunts to ensure public access to those hunts.

(e) Encourage projects that result in obtaining matching funds from other sources.

(5) All moneys made available for the access and habitat programs under ORS 497.104 (Access and habitat program funding) and from gifts and grants made to carry out the access and habitat programs may be expended only if the board so recommends and the commission so approves. Such amounts may be expended:

(a) On programs that benefit wildlife by improving habitat. These programs shall be in coordination with the Wildlife Division and shall be in addition to programs provided by federal funds. These programs may:

(A) Be on private lands.

(B) Provide seed and fertilizer to offset forage consumed by wildlife and for other programs that enhance forage.

(C) Be adjacent to agricultural and forest land to attract animals from those crops.

(b) On programs that promote access to public and private lands:

(A) Through contracting for various levels of management of these lands. These management programs may include:

(i) Creating hunting lease programs that provide access at present levels or stimulate new access.

(ii) Controlling access.

(iii) Opening vehicle access.

(iv) Promoting land exchanges.

(v) Promoting proper hunting behavior.

(B) Through the acquisition of easements.

(c) On programs that would provide for wildlife feeding to alleviate damage, to intercept wildlife before wildlife becomes involved in a damage situation and for practical food replacement in severe winters.

(d) On programs to coordinate volunteers to improve habitat, repair damage to fences or roads by wildlife or recreationists, monitor orderly hunter utilization of public and private lands and assist the Oregon State Police in law enforcement activities.

(e) On programs that provide for auction or raffle of tags to provide incentives for habitat or access.

(6) The board may accept, from whatever source, gifts or grants for the purposes of access and habitat. All moneys so accepted shall be deposited in the subaccount referred to in ORS 496.242 (Access and habitat program funds) . Unless otherwise required by the terms of a gift or grant, gifts or grants shall be expended as provided in subsection (5) of this section. [1993 c.659 §16; 2005 c.22 §369; 2009 c.778 §1a; 2011 c.545 §59; 2015 c.779 §18]

Source: Section 496.232 — Board to make program recommendations; commission approval; report; fund expenditure qualifications; gifts and grants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.112 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.112
497.112 Hunting tags
Status: repealed

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may issue to applicants desiring to hunt wildlife the following tags and shall charge the applicable fees under the fee schedule in ORS 497.061 (License, tag and permit fee schedule) :

(a) Resident annual elk tag to hunt elk.

(b) Nonresident annual elk tag to hunt elk.

(c) Special annual elk tag for holders of pioneer combination licenses or disabled veteran hunting licenses to hunt elk.

(d) Resident annual deer tag to hunt deer.

(e) Nonresident annual deer tag to hunt deer.

(f) Resident annual black bear tag to hunt black bear.

(g) Nonresident annual black bear tag to hunt black bear.

(h) Resident annual mountain sheep tag to hunt mountain sheep.

(i) Nonresident annual mountain sheep tag to hunt mountain sheep.

(j) Resident annual mountain goat tag to hunt mountain goat.

(k) Nonresident annual mountain goat tag to hunt mountain goat.

(L) Resident annual cougar tag to hunt cougar.

(m) Nonresident annual cougar tag to hunt cougar.

(n) Resident annual antelope tag to hunt antelope.

(o) Nonresident annual antelope tag to hunt antelope.

(p) Resident annual turkey tag to hunt turkey.

(q) Resident annual youth turkey tag to hunt turkey.

(r) Nonresident annual youth turkey tag to hunt turkey.

(s) Nonresident annual turkey tag to hunt turkey.

(t) Outfitter and guide annual deer tag for a nonresident to hunt deer.

(u) Outfitter and guide annual elk tag for a nonresident to hunt elk.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Notwithstanding ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (10), the commission may issue each year one special tag that is auctioned to the highest bidder in a manner prescribed by the commission for each of the following:

(A) Mountain sheep;

(B) Antelope; and

(C) Mountain goat.

(b) In addition to the tags referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection, the commission may issue each year one special tag that is raffled in a manner prescribed by the commission for each of the following:

(A) Mountain sheep;

(B) Antelope; and

(C) Mountain goat.

(c) Moneys received under this subsection for:

(A) Mountain sheep tags shall be placed in the Mountain Sheep Subaccount established in ORS 496.303 (Fish and Wildlife Account) ;

(B) Antelope tags shall be placed in the Antelope Subaccount established in ORS 496.303 (Fish and Wildlife Account) ; and

(C) Mountain goat tags shall be placed in the Mountain Goat Subaccount established in ORS 496.303 (Fish and Wildlife Account) .

(d) Notwithstanding ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (10), the commission, upon the recommendation of the Access and Habitat Board to fulfill the board’s charge of providing incentives to increase public access and habitat improvements to private land, may issue each year up to 10 elk and 10 deer tags to hunt deer or elk. The tags shall be auctioned or raffled to the highest bidder in a manner prescribed by the commission. The Access and Habitat Board, in recommending any tags, shall include a proposal as to the land on which each tag can be used and a percentage of funds received from the tags that may revert to the landowner if the tag is limited to private land. However, the percentage may not be more than 50 percent and the programs must, by written agreement, provide for public access and habitat improvements.

(3) The tags referred to in subsection (1) of this section are in addition to and not in lieu of the hunting licenses required by law.

(4) The commission may, at the time of issue only, indorse upon the tags referred to in subsection (1) of this section an appropriate designation indicating whether it is for a game animal to be taken with bow and arrow or with firearms, at the choice of the applicant. The commission may prescribe by rule that the holder of such a tag may not take the game animal by any other means than the tag so indorsed.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, a person is not eligible to obtain, in a lifetime, more than one controlled hunt tag issued by the commission to hunt mountain sheep and one controlled hunt tag issued by the commission to hunt mountain goat.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A person is eligible to obtain mountain sheep tags, antelope tags or mountain goat tags described in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this section, regardless of whether the person has previously taken a mountain sheep, antelope or mountain goat or previously obtained a mountain sheep tag, antelope tag or mountain goat tag issued pursuant to subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) of this section.

(b) A person is eligible to obtain a tag described in subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) of this section for a female mountain sheep regardless of whether the person has previously taken a mountain sheep or previously obtained a tag for a mountain sheep issued pursuant to subsection (1) or (2)(a) or (b) of this section.

(7) The number of nonresident mountain goat tags and nonresident mountain sheep tags shall be decided by the commission, but:

(a) The number of nonresident mountain goat tags may not be less than five percent nor more than 10 percent of all mountain goat tags issued.

(b) The number of nonresident mountain sheep tags may not be less than five percent nor more than 10 percent of all mountain sheep tags issued.

(8) The number of tags issued by drawing under subsection (1)(o) of this section shall be decided by the commission, but for each class of tag so issued, the number may not be more than three percent of all tags of that class issued for hunting in a particular area except one nonresident tag may be issued for each hunt when the number of authorized tags is less than 35.

(9) The commission shall decide the number of tags in each class described under subsection (1)(b), (e), (g) and (m) of this section to be issued by drawing. However, the number of tags issued by drawing in each class may not be more than five percent of all tags of that class issued for hunting in a particular area except one nonresident tag may be issued for each hunt when the number of authorized tags is fewer than 35. The commission shall set the percentage by rule each year after holding a public hearing.

(10) If a controlled hunt for game mammals is undersubscribed during the primary controlled hunt drawing, the commission may issue the unallocated tags to licensed hunters at up to four times the standard tag fee. This controlled hunt tag program shall be in addition to and not replace any existing controlled hunt tag program.

(11) The commission by rule may authorize the issuance of free tags to hunt antelope, deer and elk to provide an incentive to increase compliance with hunting reporting requirements.

(12) The commission shall implement a program to encourage persons to report violations of the wildlife laws. The program shall include, but need not be limited to, provisions for offering a person either preference points in a scaled system determined by the commission, or a cash reward, for information leading to citations or arrest for unlawful take, possession, take while in violation of criminal trespass laws or waste of antelope, bear, cougar, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, mountain sheep or wolf. [1973 c.723 §53; 1975 c.454 §3; 1975 c.487 §1a; 1979 c.715 §1; 1981 c.445 §6; 1985 c.60 §1; 1987 c.255 §2; 1991 c.364 §1; 1991 c.661 §2; 1993 c.336 §1; 1993 c.659 §21; 1997 c.225 §1; 1997 c.341 §1; 1999 c.624 §1; 1999 c.685 §1; 1999 c.1006 §5; amendments by 1999 c.1006 §15 repealed by 2001 c.949 §1; 2003 c.612 §1; 2003 c.644 §2; 2009 c.832 §6; 2011 c.523 §1; 2015 c.779 §14; 2017 c.144 §1; 2017 c.174 §1; 2019 c.100 §1; 2019 c.101 §1; 2019 c.103 §1; 2019 c.274 §2]

Source: Section 497.112 — Hunting tags; restrictions; violation reporting; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.002 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.002
498.002 Wildlife as state property
Status: in_force

(1) Wildlife is the property of the state. No person shall angle for, take, hunt, trap or possess, or assist another in angling for, taking, hunting, trapping or possessing any wildlife in violation of the wildlife laws or of any rule promulgated pursuant thereto.

(2) No person shall angle for, take, hunt or trap, or assist another in angling for, taking, hunting or trapping any wildlife while intentionally violating ORS 164.245 (Criminal trespass in the second degree) to 164.270 (Closure of premises to motor-propelled vehicles) or 498.120 (Hunting on another’s cultivated or enclosed land) . [1973 c.723 §73; 1993 c.440 §1; 2003 c.656 §10]

Source: Section 498.002 — Wildlife as state property; taking, angling, hunting or trapping in violation of wildlife law or rules prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.410 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.410
501.410 Brown’s Island and Minto Island Wildlife Refuge
Status: in_force

There is created a wildlife refuge which shall be known as the Brown’s Island and Minto Island Wildlife Refuge and shall be bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the point of intersection of the center line of State Street in Salem, Oregon, with the center line of the Oregon Electric Railway tracks on Front Street in Salem; thence southwesterly along the center line of the Oregon Electric Railway tracks to the north boundary of the east ell of the donation land claim of R. E. Ekin and wife in township 8 south, range 3 west of the Willamette Meridian in Marion County; thence west to the re-entrant corner in the west boundary of such donation land claim; thence north to the most northerly northeast corner of such donation land claim; thence west to the middle of the Willamette River; thence down the meanderings of such river to the westerly projection of the center line of State Street in Salem; thence easterly to the place of beginning. [Amended by 1973 c.723 §112]

Source: Section 501.410 — Brown’s Island and Minto Island Wildlife Refuge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.108 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.108
496.108 Commission officers
Status: in_force

(1) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The Governor shall designate one member of the State Fish and Wildlife Commission as chairperson. The member shall serve as chairperson until the member’s term expires or until relieved by the Governor. The chairperson shall have the powers and duties as are provided by the rules of the commission.

(b) The commission shall select one of its members as vice chairperson, for a term and with the duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of the office as the commission determines appropriate.

(2) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(3) The commission shall meet at least once every two months at a time and place determined by the commission. The commission shall also meet at other times and places as are specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the commission.

(4) The commission may also meet jointly with authorities of other states or of the United States to consider problems of mutual interest.

(5) The commission shall hold at least one meeting per year in each of the congressional districts in this state. [1973 c.723 §9; 2001 c.762 §2]

Source: Section 496.108 — Commission officers; quorum; meetings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.090 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.090
496.090 State Fish and Wildlife Commission
Status: in_force

(1) There is established a State Fish and Wildlife Commission that shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor.

(2) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(3) All appointments of members of the commission by the Governor are subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed in ORS 171.562 (Procedures for confirmation) and 171.565 (Vote required for confirmation) .

(4) The Governor shall appoint:

(a) Two members of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS 536.022 (Water Resources Commission) (3)(a);

(b) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS 536.022 (Water Resources Commission) (3)(b);

(c) Two members of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS 536.022 (Water Resources Commission) (3)(c);

(d) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS 536.022 (Water Resources Commission) (3)(d); and

(e) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS 536.022 (Water Resources Commission) (3)(e).

(5) Members appointed to the commission shall be residents of this state, as defined in ORS 497.002 (“Resident” and “nonresident” defined) .

(6) All members of the commission shall represent the public interest of the state and make decisions affecting the wildlife resources of the state for the benefit of those resources. Consistent with the requirements of this subsection, the commission shall provide for the productive and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources for all groups of users.

(7) All members of the commission shall have a general knowledge of fish and wildlife issues, an understanding of the roles of federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon and of the relationships federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon have with lands, water and the natural resources that the commission governs, and an understanding of the operation and functions of public policy boards and commissions. In making appointments to the commission, the Governor shall:

(a) Consider appointing members who possess knowledge or experience relevant to implementing the wildlife policy set forth in ORS 496.012 (Wildlife policy) .

(b) Take into consideration racial, ethnic, gender and geographic diversity.

(8) Failure of a member to maintain compliance with the eligibility requirements of subsections (4) and (5) of this section shall vacate membership. Members of the commission may otherwise be removed only by the Governor.

(9) A member of the commission is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 (Compensation and expenses of members of state boards and commissions) . [1975 c.253 §8; 1981 c.545 §11; 1997 c.249 §177; 1999 c.697 §1; 2001 c.762 §1; 2013 c.1 §75; 2023 c.429 §1]

Source: Section 496.090 — State Fish and Wildlife Commission; members; terms; qualifications; compensation and expenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.171 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.171
496.171 Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding ORS 496.004 (Definitions) , with respect to state agency actions taken under ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) after July 17, 1995, as used in ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) :

(1) “Conservation” means the use of methods and procedures necessary to bring a species to the point at which the measures provided under ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) are no longer necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are not limited to, activities associated with scientific resource management such as research, census taking, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation and transplantation.

(2) “Native” means indigenous to Oregon, not introduced.

(3) “Species” means any group or population of wildlife that interbreeds and is substantially reproductively isolated.

(4) “Verifiable” means scientific information reviewed by a scientific peer review panel of outside experts who do not otherwise have a vested interest in the process. [1995 c.590 §2]

Source: Section 496.171 — Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182; applicability date , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.620 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.620
496.620 Nonliability of law enforcement officers
Status: in_force

No person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws shall suffer any civil liability for the enforcement or attempted enforcement of any provisions of the wildlife laws or for the exercise or attempted exercise of any of the duties or privileges granted to or imposed by law upon the State Fish and Wildlife Commission or such persons. [Amended by 1971 c.658 §11; 1973 c.723 §20]

Source: Section 496.620 — Nonliability of law enforcement officers , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.158 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.158
497.158 Mail or Internet license renewal
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may adopt a system for renewing licenses issued under ORS 497.102 (Hunting licenses and permits) , 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) , 497.127 (Youth licenses) and 497.132 (Combined licenses for residents) through the mail or the World Wide Web. [2001 c.559 §2; 2015 c.779 §49; 2019 c.102 §4]

Note: 497.158 (Mail or Internet license renewal) was added to and made a part of the wildlife laws by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 497 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 497.158 — Mail or Internet license renewal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.167 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.167
496.167 Department recompensable assistance to agencies
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to rules prescribed by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, in rendering recompensable assistance to an agency, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall:

(a) For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2015, and before July 1, 2019, track and prepare statements reporting the number of hours spent by department personnel performing recompensable assistance for any executive department agency, including an hourly rate that would be charged, based on the class of department personnel performing the services. The department shall send statements to the agency receiving services, but may not charge for services. This paragraph does not prohibit the department from charging another state agency for services pursuant to an interagency agreement that is in effect between the department and the other agency at any time during the period beginning July 1, 2015, and ending July 1, 2021.

(b) For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2019, track and prepare statements reporting the number of hours spent by department personnel performing recompensable assistance for any executive department agency, including an hourly rate that would be charged, based on the class of department personnel performing the services.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The charges for which statements are prepared and, after July 1, 2019, billed include, but are not limited to, costs of providing professional, investigatory, administrative and clerical services and capital outlay.

(b) An executive department agency may not submit an invoice to a private entity, a member of the public or an applicant for a state-issued permit for services performed by the department, unless the invoice is authorized by a statute, rule or interagency agreement executed:

(A) Prior to June 25, 2015; or

(B) Following consultation with persons representative of those private entities, members of the public or permit applicants that are subject to invoicing under this paragraph.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “Agency” means any department, board, commission, agency or officer of the executive department.

(b) “Executive department” has the meaning given that term in ORS 174.112 (“Executive department” defined) .

(c) “Recompensable assistance” means assistance rendered by the department as part of advancing fee-funded programs administered by an agency. [2015 c.566 §1]

Note: 496.167 (Department recompensable assistance to agencies) and 496.168 (Estimated expenses for recompensable assistance) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 496.167 — Department recompensable assistance to agencies; tracking and statements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.164 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.164
496.164 Cooperation with public and private agencies for fish and wildlife management
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife may advise, consult and cooperate with other agencies of this state and political subdivisions, other states or the federal government and private landowners with respect to fish and wildlife management. The commission and the department shall provide such information, recommendations or advice in writing if requested by another state or federal agency to do so. Technical advice and information shall be based on the best available scientific information. Policy or implementation recommendations provided in administrative rulemaking proceedings shall be based on consideration of all the goals of wildlife management in ORS 496.012 (Wildlife policy) , in addition to applicable scientific information. State agencies, boards or commissions receiving policy or implementation recommendations shall consider such recommendations in the context of their respective statutory responsibilities, and shall take into account the extent to which such recommendations are substantiated with the best available scientific information and based on consideration of all of the goals of wildlife management in ORS 496.012 (Wildlife policy) . [1993 c.659 §11]

Source: Section 496.164 — Cooperation with public and private agencies for fish and wildlife management; technical information and policy recommendations; use of recommendations by state agencies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.170 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.170
497.170 Columbia River Indians
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall furnish a permanent hunting and angling license, without payment of fee, to all Columbia River Indians who are eligible to hunt and angle under the terms of the Treaty of 1855 between the Columbia River Indians and the United States of America. The chief authority of the Columbia River Indians shall furnish from time to time to the commission a list of all Indians who have become eligible, and shall certify under oath that the Indians named in the list are included in the terms of the treaty. [Amended by 1973 c.723 §56]

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES; REQUIREMENTS

Source: Section 497.170 — Columbia River Indians; free hunting and fishing licenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.062 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.062
498.062 Takings of beaver by owners of forestland
Status: repealed

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Beaver” means a member of the species Castor canadensis.

(b) “Forest practices” has the meaning given that term in ORS 527.620 (Definitions for ORS 527.610 to 527.770) .

(c) “Forestland” has the meaning given that term in ORS 527.620 (Definitions for ORS 527.610 to 527.770) .

(d) “Small forestland” means forestland whose owner owns or holds common ownership interest in less than 5,000 acres of forestland in this state.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 498.012 (Taking wildlife causing damage, posing public health risk or that is public nuisance) (1), an owner of forestland, other than small forestland, or a designee of the owner, may take a beaver on the owner’s forestland only if:

(a) The beaver apparently poses a threat to infrastructure.

(b) The owner or a designee of the owner first requests that the State Department of Fish and Wildlife address the threat to infrastructure apparently posed by the beaver.

(c) The owner or a designee of the owner waits 30 days after making the request described in paragraph (b) of this subsection before taking the beaver.

(3) If the department receives a request under subsection (2)(b) of this section, the department shall make a reasonable attempt to nonlethally relocate the beaver, as department resources allow, or otherwise address the threat to infrastructure apparently posed by the beaver, in consultation with the owner or a designee of the owner.

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section and ORS 498.012 (Taking wildlife causing damage, posing public health risk or that is public nuisance) (1), if a beaver on privately owned forestland damages or imminently threatens infrastructure, an owner of forestland, other than small forestland, or a designee of the owner, may take the beaver without submitting a request to the department under subsection (2) of this section.

(5) An owner, or a designee of an owner, that takes a beaver under subsection (2) or (4) of this section must report the taking as described in ORS 498.061 (Reporting takings of beaver) .

(6) In consultation with persons engaged in forest practices and other interested stakeholders, the department shall:

(a) Make reasonable attempts to nonlethally relocate beavers, as department resources allow.

(b) Develop a program for voluntarily relocating beavers.

(7) Notwithstanding ORS 496.162 (Establishing seasons, amounts and manner of taking wildlife) (3), the State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall adopt rules to implement this section. [2022 c.33 §23]

Note: 498.062 (Takings of beaver by owners of forestland) is repealed only if certain conditions are met. See sections 54 and 60 to 64, chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022 (second note following 498.061 (Reporting takings of beaver) ).

Source: Section 498.062 — Takings of beaver by owners of forestland; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.142 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.142
498.142 Hunting with artificial light restricted
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, no person shall hunt wildlife with the aid of any artificial light.

(2) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission, by rule, may authorize hunting with the aid of an artificial light for the purpose of taking raccoon, opossum or bobcat or to alleviate damage by wildlife to other resources. [1973 c.723 §88a; 1977 c.136 §3]

Source: Section 498.142 — Hunting with artificial light restricted; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.007 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.007
496.007 “Game bird” defined
Status: in_force

As used in the wildlife laws, unless the context requires otherwise, “game bird” means:

(1) Those members of the family Anatidae, commonly known as swans, geese, brant and river and sea ducks.

(2) Those members of the family Columbidae, commonly known as mourning doves and bandtailed pigeons.

(3) Those members of the family Tetranidae, commonly known as grouse, ptarmigan and prairie chickens.

(4) Those members of the family Phasianidae, commonly known as pheasants, quail and partridge.

(5) Those members of the family Meleagrididae, commonly known as wild turkey.

(6) Those members of the family Scolopacidae, commonly known as snipe and woodcock.

(7) Those members of the family Gruidae, commonly known as cranes.

(8) Those members of the family Rallidae, commonly known as rails, gallinules and coots. [1973 c.723 §4]

Source: Section 496.007 — “Game bird” defined , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.247 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.247
498.247 Protection of juvenile salmonids from cormorants
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall issue not more than three permits annually for activities involving the protection of juvenile salmonids from cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) on Oregon coastal river systems between Cape Falcon and Cascade Head.

(2) Activities authorized under the permits shall not include the killing, trapping or other taking of cormorants.

(3) Persons to whom permits are issued may subcontract with others for the performance of protection activities. [1996 c.7 §3 (enacted in lieu of 498.246)]

Source: Section 498.247 — Protection of juvenile salmonids from cormorants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.405 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.405
501.405 Deschutes River Wildlife Refuge
Status: in_force

There is created a wildlife refuge within the area that includes any island or sandbar along or in the Deschutes River from the Columbia River to a point one-half mile south of the Oregon Trail highway bridge where it crosses the Deschutes River. [Formerly 498.210]

Source: Section 501.405 — Deschutes River Wildlife Refuge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.127 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.127
497.127 Youth licenses
Status: repealed

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission is authorized to issue, upon application, youth licenses for resident and nonresident persons at least 12 years of age and under 18 years of age and shall charge the applicable fee under the fee schedule in ORS 497.061 (License, tag and permit fee schedule) . The youth license shall be equivalent to, and authorize the purchaser to engage in the activities authorized by, the following adult licenses:

(1) Resident annual hunting license;

(2) Resident annual angling license; and

(3) Resident annual shellfish license. [2015 c.779 §21]

Note: 497.127 (Youth licenses) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 497 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Note: Section 22, chapter 779, Oregon Laws 2015, provides:

Sec. 22. The youth license under ORS 497.127 (Youth licenses) and the pioneer combination license under ORS 497.132 (Combined licenses for residents) include authorization for the purchaser to engage in angling activities for which an endorsement to fish for salmon, steelhead or sturgeon in the Columbia Basin under ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) is required. [2015 c.779 §22; 2021 c.169 §7]

Note: Section 8, chapter 169, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:

Sec. 8. Section 22, chapter 779, Oregon Laws 2015, is repealed on January 2, 2026. [2021 c.169 §8]

Source: Section 497.127 — Youth licenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.316 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.316
498.316 Exemption from screening or by-pass devices
Status: in_force

ORS 498.306 (Screening or by-pass devices for water diversions) does not require the installation of screening or by-pass devices in those water diversions for which the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, by contract or other form of agreement with the person diverting the water, has made such other provision as the commission determines is adequate for the protection of the game fish in the body of water from which water is being diverted. [Formerly 498.262; 2007 c.625 §6]

Source: Section 498.316 — Exemption from screening or by-pass devices , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.346 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.346
498.346 Injunction to require compliance with screening or by-pass requirements
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may maintain a suit to enjoin any person, including governmental agencies of this state and political subdivisions of this state, from violating the provisions of ORS 498.306 (Screening or by-pass devices for water diversions) . The circuit court for any county in which are situated any waters in which any such violations are threatened has jurisdiction of the suit authorized by this section. [Formerly 498.274; 2001 c.923 §7; 2007 c.625 §8]

Source: Section 498.346 — Injunction to require compliance with screening or by-pass requirements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.112 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.112
496.112 State Fish and Wildlife Director
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall appoint a State Fish and Wildlife Director to serve for a term not to exceed four years unless sooner removed by the commission.

(2) The director shall receive such salary as may be fixed by the commission. In addition to salary, subject to applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers, the director shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(3) The commission may delegate to the director any of the powers and duties granted to or imposed upon it by law, except to revoke or refuse to issue licenses issued pursuant to the commercial fishing laws.

(4) The commission may reappoint the director to additional terms. [1975 c.253 §9; 1985 c.529 §3; 1993 c.659 §4; 1999 c.697 §2; 2001 c.762 §§3,4]

Source: Section 496.112 — State Fish and Wildlife Director; term; compensation and expenses; delegation of commission powers to director , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.018 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.018
498.018 Commercial cervid attractants
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Chronic wasting disease” means a type of spongiform encephalopathy that is transmissible among cervids and typified by chronic and fatal weight loss.

(b) “Commercial cervid attractant” means a marketed product that contains or is derived from cervid urine and is designed for use in luring, attracting or enticing a cervid.

(2) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Commercial cervid attractants sometimes contain the source of chronic wasting disease;

(b) There is no reliable test for determining the presence or absence of chronic wasting disease in commercial cervid attractants; and

(c) Banning the possession and use of commercial cervid attractants will reduce the threat to the cervid population of this state from chronic wasting disease.

(3) A person may not possess or use commercial cervid attractants. [2019 c.396 §2]

Note: 498.018 (Commercial cervid attractants) was added to and made a part of the wildlife laws by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 498 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 498.018 — Commercial cervid attractants , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.138 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.138
497.138 Special dedication of fees to Fish Passage Fund
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of the wildlife laws, of the moneys received from the sale of the following licenses, 25 cents from the sale of each license shall be credited to the Fish Passage Fund established under ORS 497.139 (Fish Passage Fund) :

(1) Resident annual combination hunting and angling license issued under ORS 497.132 (Combined licenses for residents) .

(2) Resident annual angling license issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(a).

(3) Angling and shellfish license to angle and take shellfish for one day issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(d).

(4) Angling license to angle for two days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(e).

(5) Angling license to angle for three days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(f).

(6) Nonresident annual angling license issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(b).

(7) Nonresident angling license to angle for seven consecutive days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(c). [2009 c.832 §17; 2015 c.779 §24; 2022 c.56 §6]

Source: Section 497.138 — Special dedication of fees to Fish Passage Fund , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.705 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.705
496.705 Damage suits for unlawful killing of wildlife
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may institute suit for the recovery of damages for the unlawful taking or killing of any of the wildlife referred to in subsection (2) of this section that are the property of the state.

(2) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The damages referred to in subsection (1) of this section are as follows:

(A) Each game mammal other than moose, mountain sheep, mountain goat, elk, gray wolf, black bear, cougar or silver gray squirrel, or deer or antelope described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of this paragraph, $1,000.

(B) Each moose, mountain sheep or mountain goat, other than those described in subparagraphs (F), (G) and (H) of this paragraph, $10,000.

(C) Each elk, other than those described in subparagraph (I) of this paragraph, $5,000.

(D) Each deer with at least four points on one antler, gray wolf, black bear or cougar, $7,500.

(E) Each antelope with at least one horn equal to or greater than 14 inches, $7,500.

(F) Each moose with antlers, $50,000.

(G) Each mountain sheep that has at least one horn equal to or greater than one half curl, $50,000.

(H) Each mountain goat that has at least one horn equal to or greater than six inches, $50,000.

(I) Each elk with at least six points on one antler, $15,000.

(J) Each silver gray squirrel, $100.

(K) Each game bird other than wild turkey or sage grouse, $20.

(L) Each wild turkey or sage grouse, $1,000.

(M) Each game fish other than salmon, steelhead trout, halibut or sturgeon, $25.

(N) Each sturgeon other than those specified in subparagraph (O) of this paragraph, salmon, steelhead trout or halibut, $750.

(O) Each oversized sturgeon, as specified by the commission by rule, $5,000.

(P) Each fur-bearing mammal other than bobcat or fisher, $100.

(Q) Each bobcat or fisher, $700.

(R) Each specimen of any wildlife species whose survival is specified by the wildlife laws or the laws of the United States as threatened or endangered, $2,500.

(S) Each specimen of any wildlife species otherwise protected by the wildlife laws or the laws of the United States, but not otherwise referred to in this subsection, $50.

(T) Each bald eagle, golden eagle, goshawk, osprey, peregrine falcon or any other raptor listed as a threatened species or an endangered species by the commission by rule, $5,000.

(U) Each raptor except those specified in subparagraph (T) of this paragraph, $2,000.

(b) For purposes of this subsection:

(A) A point must be at least one inch, measured from the main beam of the antler to the tip of the point.

(B) Horn length must be measured from the base of the hairline to the tip of the horn.

(3) In any such action, the court shall award to the prevailing party, in addition to costs and disbursements, reasonable attorney fees.

(4) Such civil damages shall be in addition to other penalties prescribed by the wildlife laws for the unlawful taking or killing of wildlife.

(5) Any circuit or justice court has jurisdiction to try any case for the recovery of damages for the unlawful taking or killing of any of the wildlife as provided by this section.

(6) Each taking or killing of a single animal referred to in subsection (2) of this section constitutes a separate unlawful taking or killing for purposes of this section.

(7) Subject to ORS 496.690 (Possession of wildlife as evidence of illegal taking) , this section does not apply to the unintentional taking or killing of wildlife incident to an otherwise lawful activity. [Amended by 1961 c.343 §4; 1969 c.302 §1; 1973 c.723 §32; 1981 c.108 §1; 1995 c.658 §106; 2003 c.98 §1; 2009 c.778 §3; 2011 c.363 §1; 2016 c.37 §1]

Source: Section 496.705 — Damage suits for unlawful killing of wildlife; exception; jurisdiction of courts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.438 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.438
498.438 Investigatory power of commission over outdoor clubs required to be licensed
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may cause to be investigated, to such extent as the commission considers appropriate, the activities and operations of an outdoor club for which a license to operate has been received, previously granted or previously denied. The commission’s power to investigate includes, but is not limited to:

(1) Contracting for investigative services with, and receiving information and recommendations from, any other agency or political subdivision of this state, another state or of the United States.

(2) Making on-site inspections of all lands upon which outdoor club activities are to be conducted. [1973 c.749 §8]

Source: Section 498.438 — Investigatory power of commission over outdoor clubs required to be licensed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.390 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.390
496.390 Control over fund by department
Status: in_force

The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall have access to and control of the moneys held in the Nongame Wildlife Fund, but shall use such moneys only to protect and preserve nongame wildlife and their habitat. [1979 c.566 §4]

Source: Section 496.390 — Control over fund by department; use of moneys , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.118 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.118
496.118 Duties and powers of director
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to policy direction by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, the State Fish and Wildlife Director shall:

(a) Be the administrative head of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife;

(b) Have power, within applicable budgetary limitations, and in accordance with ORS chapter 240, to hire, assign, reassign and coordinate personnel of the department;

(c) Administer and enforce the wildlife laws of the state;

(d) Be authorized to participate in any proceeding before any public officer, commission or body of the United States or any state for the purpose of representing the citizens of Oregon concerning the wildlife resources of this state;

(e) Establish such sections and divisions as are necessary to properly carry out the work of the commission;

(f) Be responsible for the collection, application and dissemination of information pertinent to the management of the wildlife resources, and to the regulation of the uses of such resources; and

(g) Coordinate any activities of the department related to a watershed enhancement project approved by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board under ORS 541.932 (Watershed enhancement project assistance) with activities of other cooperating state and federal agencies participating in the project.

(2) In addition to duties otherwise required by law, the director shall prescribe internal policies and procedures for the government of the department, the conduct of its employees, the assignment and performance of its business and the custody, use and preservation of its records, papers and property in a manner consistent with applicable law.

(3) In addition to any other duties assigned to the director, the director shall report quarterly on the activities of the department to the appropriate legislative committee.

(4) The director may delegate to any employee of the department the exercise or discharge in the director’s name of any power, duty or function of whatever character, vested in or imposed by law upon the director. The official act of a person so acting in the director’s name and by the director’s authority shall be considered to be an official act of the director.

(5) The director may restrict or otherwise limit the participation of an employee of the department in any program administered by the department to ensure that the programs of the department are administered in a fair and equitable manner and that no employee of the department gains an advantage over the public.

(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 496.112 (State Fish and Wildlife Director) (3), in times of emergency or with respect to regulating wildlife taking, the director may exercise the full powers of the commission until such times as the emergency ends or the commission meets in formal session. [1975 c.253 §10; 1987 c.734 §12; 1993 c.659 §5; 1999 c.697 §3; 2007 c.354 §16]

Source: Section 496.118 — Duties and powers of director , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.325 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.325
497.325 Sturgeon hatchery operation permits
Status: in_force

(1) A person may not operate a fish hatchery for those members of the family Acipenseridae, commonly known as green sturgeon or white sturgeon, without holding a permit therefor from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

(2) Any permit issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the commission considers appropriate to protect, perpetuate and enhance the sturgeon population of the Columbia River and other waters of this state.

(3) The commission by rule shall specify:

(a) The number of permits under this section that may be issued each calendar year;

(b) The method for allocating the permits; and

(c) The standards and criteria under which a permit must be exercised.

(4) When issuing a permit under this section, the commission may impose any additional conditions that the commission deems necessary to ensure compliance with this section.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) A permit issued under this section for a fish hatchery operated for commercial purposes may not authorize the use of green sturgeon or white sturgeon broodstock taken from the wild.

(b) The commission shall annually collect the applicable fee under the fee schedule in ORS 497.061 (License, tag and permit fee schedule) for any permit issued under this section that allows the artificial propagation of green sturgeon or white sturgeon for commercial purposes. Payment of a fee under this subsection satisfies the payment of the fee required for a fish propagation license under ORS 497.252 (Fish propagation license) . [1989 c.1038 §2; 2007 c.342 §1; 2015 c.779 §30]

Source: Section 497.325 — Sturgeon hatchery operation permits; conditions; permit restrictions; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.475 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.475
496.475 Adoption of basin plans
Status: in_force

The plans adopted pursuant to ORS 496.470 (Natural production of anadromous fish) shall:

(1) Incorporate sound science;

(2) Be based upon adaptive management, incorporating monitoring and evaluation and clearly defined objectives and outcomes;

(3) Benefit fish and wildlife;

(4) Be consistent with efforts of the State of Oregon to recover salmonid populations listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531 to 1544; and

(5) Include a risk versus benefit analysis to wild fish. [1999 c.671 §2; 2001 c.97 §2]

Note: See note under 496.470 (Natural production of anadromous fish) .

Source: Section 496.475 — Adoption of basin plans , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.455 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.455
496.455 Use of native stocks for projects
Status: in_force

In carrying out any duties, functions or power under the wildlife laws or the commercial fishing laws, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission may authorize the taking of native stocks and their sexual products, but may not provide any such native stocks or the sexual products therefrom to any person granted a permit by the commission pursuant to ORS 508.700 (Permits for salmon hatcheries) to 508.745 (Disposition of moneys received under ORS 508.700 to 508.745) unless, at a minimum, sufficient fish are returned to the donor stream to compensate fully for native smolts which might have resulted from eggs removed from the donor stock. When entering into a contract for the taking of native stock with a person granted a permit pursuant to ORS 508.700 (Permits for salmon hatcheries) to 508.745 (Disposition of moneys received under ORS 508.700 to 508.745) , the commission shall consider the use of the facilities for the taking of additional native stock for public management activities, including the salmon and trout enhancement program. [1981 c.317 §7]

Source: Section 496.455 — Use of native stocks for projects; conditions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.228 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.228
497.228 Wildlife propagation license
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall engage in the business of propagating game birds or game mammals for sale unless a wildlife propagation license is first obtained from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(2) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may refuse to issue a license to an applicant if the commission finds that the conduct of the wildlife propagation business would tend to be harmful to existing wildlife populations.

(3) The commission, by rule, may prescribe requirements for the care, inspection, transportation and the sale, taking or other disposition of the game birds or game mammals and for such record keeping and reporting procedures as will insure that the propagation activities are conducted in such manner as will not be harmful to existing wildlife populations. [1973 c.723 §61; 1987 c.139 §1]

Source: Section 497.228 — Wildlife propagation license; grounds for license denial; records; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.815 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.815
496.815 Definitions for ORS 496.815 to 496.825
Status: in_force

As used in ORS 496.815 (Definitions for ORS 496.815 to 496.825) to 496.825 (Application fee) :

(1) “Department” means the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(2) “Director” means the State Fish and Wildlife Director.

(3) “Person” means an individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership, joint stock company, municipal corporations and all other political subdivisions of the State of Oregon. The federal government or any of its agencies are specifically excluded. [1985 c.674 §1]

Source: Section 496.815 — Definitions for ORS 496.815 to 496.825 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.045 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.045
501.045 Contracts to establish refuges on private lands
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission may enter into contracts with the owners of land for the purpose of establishing a wildlife refuge on the land. The contract shall be for such period and shall contain such terms, conditions and restrictions regarding the hunting and trapping of wildlife and other uses of the land as the commission considers appropriate to properly manage the supply and condition of the wildlife on the land. [1973 c.723 §108]

Source: Section 501.045 — Contracts to establish refuges on private lands , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.412 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.412
498.412 Application of ORS 498.406
Status: in_force

ORS 498.406 (License to operate certain outdoor clubs required) does not apply to any landowner offering to sell recreational access to property the landowner owns. [1973 c.749 §4]

Source: Section 498.412 — Application of ORS 498.406 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.236 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.236
496.236 Advisory councils to board
Status: in_force

(1) Individuals who reside in the various regions established for administration of the wildlife resources may form advisory councils, with membership in the same proportion as described for the board, to discuss and consider access and habitat programs and projects and to make recommendations thereon to the Access and Habitat Board. When the board considers proposals affecting a region, the board shall consult with the advisory council for that region if one exists.

(2) Employees of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or other professional biologists who are residents of the various regions may act in an advisory capacity to the various councils.

(3) An individual who serves as a member of an advisory council shall receive no compensation or expenses for service as a member. [1993 c.659 §17]

Source: Section 496.236 — Advisory councils to board; duties; no compensation or expenses for members , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.085 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.085
496.085 Fish Screening Task Force
Status: in_force

(1) There is established within the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the Fish Screening Task Force consisting of seven members appointed by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

(2) Three members shall be appointed to represent agricultural interests, three shall be appointed to represent fishing or fish conservation interests and one member shall be appointed to represent the public. Members of the task force shall serve for two-year terms. No member of the task force shall serve for more than three consecutive two-year terms.

(3) A member of the task force shall receive no compensation for services as a member. However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties from such moneys as may be available therefor in the State Wildlife Fund.

(4) The task force shall meet at such times and places as may be determined by the chair or by a majority of the members of the task force.

(5) The duties of the task force are:

(a) To advise the department in the development of a comprehensive cost-sharing program for the installation of fish screening or by-pass devices in water diversions.

(b) To advise the department in establishing a stable and equitable funding system for the installation and maintenance of fish screening and by-pass devices.

(c) To advise the department in identifying sources and applying for grants from local, state and federal governmental agencies for funding the installation and maintenance of fish screening and by-pass devices.

(d) To advise the department in monitoring fish screening programs.

(e) To advise the department in a survey and study of fish screening technology to determine the most cost-effective alternatives for screening in the various situations that may be encountered in the implementation of fish screening in this state.

(f) To advise the department in preparing a report on the capital costs and effectiveness of the program provided in ORS 498.306 (Screening or by-pass devices for water diversions) .

(g) To advise the department on the creation of the priority criteria and the priority listing referred to in ORS 498.306 (Screening or by-pass devices for water diversions) (14)(a) or (d). [1991 c.858 §6; 1995 c.426 §3; 2005 c.22 §368; 2007 c.625 §5a]

Source: Section 496.085 — Fish Screening Task Force; qualifications of members; duties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.002 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.002
496.002 Short title
Status: in_force

ORS chapters 496, 497, 498 and 501 may be cited as the wildlife laws. [1973 c.723 §2]

Source: Section 496.002 — Short title , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.731 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.731
496.731 Written notification requiring removal of attractant for potentially habituated wildlife
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Officer” means any person authorized to enforce the wildlife laws pursuant to ORS 496.605 (Enforcement of wildlife laws by State Fish and Wildlife Director, deputies and peace officers) , 496.610 (State police to enforce wildlife laws) or 496.615 (Commission employees to supplement state police) .

(b) “Potentially habituated wildlife” means bear, cougar, coyote and wolf.

(2) A person who places, deposits, distributes, stores or scatters food, garbage or any other attractant so as to knowingly constitute a lure, attraction or enticement for potentially habituated wildlife may be issued a written notification by an officer requiring the person to remove the food, garbage or other attractant within two days of notification.

(3) A person who receives a written notification under subsection (2) of this section shall remove the food, garbage or other attractant as directed.

(4) This section does not apply to:

(a) Activities related to an agricultural, forestry or ranching operation.

(b) Feeding potentially habituated wildlife with the State Fish and Wildlife Director’s authorization. The director may authorize the feeding:

(A) In order to prevent damage to private property;

(B) In order to mitigate the population loss anticipated by a predicted winter mortality; or

(C) As a part of a research or management program.

(c) Waste disposal facilities operating in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

(d) Zoos, wildlife refuges and persons that have a permit to keep wildlife in captivity for rehabilitation or other purposes pursuant to ORS 497.228 (Wildlife propagation license) , 497.298 (Scientific taking permit) or 497.308 (Wildlife holding and habitat removal permits) .

(5) Nothing in this section affects any provision of ORS 498.164 (Use of dogs or bait to hunt black bears or cougars) . [2011 c.284 §3]

Source: Section 496.731 — Written notification requiring removal of attractant for potentially habituated wildlife; exceptions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.470 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.470
496.470 Natural production of anadromous fish
Status: in_force

(1) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall adopt by rule plans for the natural production of anadromous fish runs in the basins set forth in subsection (2) of this section. The commission shall adopt the plans after government-to-government consultation in the forum established pursuant to United States v. Oregon, United States District Court Case No. 68-513 MA, among the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Nez Perce Tribe.

(2) The basins for which plans may be adopted under subsection (1) of this section are:

(a) Hood;

(b) Deschutes;

(c) Fifteenmile Creek;

(d) John Day;

(e) Umatilla;

(f) Walla Walla;

(g) Grande Ronde; and

(h) Imnaha.

(3) Of the basins set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the commission shall give priority to adopting plans for the Grande Ronde, Imnaha, Umatilla, Walla Walla and Hood basins. [1999 c. 671 §1; 2001 c.97 §1]

Note: 496.470 (Natural production of anadromous fish) to 496.480 (Reports on basin plans) were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 496.470 — Natural production of anadromous fish; rules; priorities , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.112 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.112
498.112 Use of live birds for competitive shooting prohibited
Status: in_force

No person shall use any live bird as a target for the purpose of competitive shooting. [1973 c.723 §86]

Source: Section 498.112 — Use of live birds for competitive shooting prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.211 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.211
496.211 Limitation on amount and use
Status: in_force

(1) The State of Oregon shall be limited to a once a year provision of salmon pursuant to ORS 496.201 (Department to furnish salmon for ceremonies) .

(2) If the Indian tribes referred to in ORS 496.201 (Department to furnish salmon for ceremonies) (1) use salmon provided by the state for this purpose in any manner other than that described in ORS 496.201 (Department to furnish salmon for ceremonies) , they shall pay to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife the prevailing wholesale rate per pound of the entire amount of salmon supplied to that tribe or tribes for that year. [1981 c.575 §4; 1987 c.99 §3]

Source: Section 496.211 — Limitation on amount and use , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.116 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.116
497.116 Dedication of certain tags for qualified veteran use
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Disabled veteran” and “veteran” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 408.225 (Definitions for ORS 408.225 to 408.237) .

(b) “Organization” means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and has the principal purpose of granting hunting and fishing adventures for disabled veterans.

(c) “Qualified veteran” means a disabled veteran who is sponsored by an organization and who provides the State Department of Fish and Wildlife with documentation demonstrating that the veteran is a disabled veteran.

(2) Annually upon approval by the State Fish and Wildlife Director, notwithstanding ORS 497.112 (Hunting tags) , the department may issue big game tags free of charge to organizations for use by qualified veterans. Tags issued under this section must be for black bear, deer, elk or pronghorn antelope.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, the department may not issue more than 20 tags annually under this section.

(b) The department may not issue an organization a total of more than five tags annually under this section. However, tags for black bear do not count toward the annual tag limit for an organization. An organization is limited to two tags for black bear annually.

(4) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If any tags made available under ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19) to sponsors of hunting trips for terminally ill children have not been requested by a sponsor 30 days prior to the relevant open season, the department may make the unrequested tags available for issuance under this section. If any tags made available under this section have not been requested by an organization 30 days prior to the relevant open season, the department may make the unrequested tags available to sponsors described in ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19).

(b) Not more than 10 of the total tags issued under this section and ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19) in a year may be for hunting black bear. Not more than 10 of the total tags issued under this section and ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19) in a year may be for hunting deer. Not more than 10 of the total tags issued under this section and ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19) in a year may be for hunting elk. Not more than five of the total tags issued under this section and ORS 496.146 (Additional powers of commission) (19) in a year may be for hunting pronghorn antelope.

(5) A qualified veteran may obtain only one tag under this section annually. A tag issued under this section authorizes the taking of a single animal. A qualified veteran need not be a resident of this state.

(6) A qualified veteran may use a tag issued under this section to hunt within any wildlife management unit except specific area closures identified in department rules regulating the hunting of big game animals, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and the Starkey Experimental Forest enclosure.

(7) A tag issued under this section does not exempt a qualified veteran from any requirement to:

(a) Comply with department rules regarding hunting hours;

(b) Hold a valid Oregon hunting license; and

(c) Use a lawful weapon to hunt the species for which the tag is issued. [2018 c.100 §2]

Note: 497.116 (Dedication of certain tags for qualified veteran use) was added to and made a part of the wildlife laws by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 497 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 497.116 — Dedication of certain tags for qualified veteran use , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.502 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.502
498.502 Actions that affect core area habitat
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to and consistent with the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-205, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and notwithstanding any provision of ORS 496.171 (Definitions for ORS 496.171 to 496.182) to 496.182 (Protection and conservation programs) :

(a) If a person applies for a permit, license, authorization or other form of permission required by law from a state agency for a proposed action that may affect core area habitat of sage grouse, the person may file with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, at any time before or after the commencement of the relevant permitting, licensing, authorization or other form of permission process, a report that uses the best scientific and commercial data available to provide a description of the proposed action and its possible effects on the habitat.

(b) The report described in this section must describe the core area habitat of sage grouse affected by the proposed action, specify whether the habitat is essential and irreplaceable and provide proposals for off-site mitigation or a mitigation bank.

(c) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A) Within 60 days after the filing of the report described in this section, the department shall evaluate whether the proposals specified in the report result in a net loss of either the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat and provide a net benefit to the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat.

(B) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(i) If the department concludes that the proposals specified in the report do not result in a net loss of either the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat and do provide a net benefit to the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat, the department shall issue an order finding that the core area habitat of sage grouse affected by the proposed action is not irreplaceable. The department may not thereafter reverse or modify the order except pursuant to a judgment of a court.

(ii) If the department concludes that the proposals specified in the report result in a net loss of either the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat and do not provide a net benefit to the quality or quantity of sage grouse habitat, a person affected by the action may request a contested case hearing before the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, to be conducted as provided in ORS chapter 183.

(2) The provisions of this section apply to a site certificate for an energy facility described in ORS 469.300 (Definitions) (11)(a)(F), but do not apply to a site certificate for any other facility under the provisions of ORS 469.300 (Definitions) to 469.563 (Court orders for enforcement) .

(3) The commission may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section. [2013 c.710 §2]

Note: See note under 498.500 (Mitigation of adverse effects on core area habitat) .

Source: Section 498.502 — Actions that affect core area habitat; reports; orders; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 501.400 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 501 / Section 501.400
501.400 Columbia River Wildlife Refuge
Status: in_force

There is created a wildlife refuge within the following described area: Beginning at the railroad bridge at Celilo in Wasco County; thence easterly along the railroad right of way to Boardman; thence due north to the center of the Columbia River (Washington State Line); thence westerly down the center of the Columbia River to a point due north of the point of beginning; thence south to the point of beginning. [Formerly 498.205]

Source: Section 501.400 — Columbia River Wildlife Refuge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors501.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.014 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.014
497.014 Validity of licenses in Pacific Ocean or Columbia River
Status: in_force

(1) A person may take fish or shellfish in the waters of the Pacific Ocean within three miles of the coast of the State of Oregon or the State of Washington, between the Oregon-Washington boundary and Cape Falcon, or in the waters of the Columbia River where it forms the Oregon-Washington boundary, if the person holds either a valid Oregon or Washington license therefor in accordance with the laws and rules of the respective state. However, a person other than a Washington resident landing fish or taking shellfish by boat in Oregon must hold a valid Oregon angling or shellfish license. All persons landing fish by boat in Oregon are subject to all Oregon laws, rules and regulations relating to taking fish or shellfish, including bag and length requirements.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section applies only if the State Fish and Wildlife Commission by rule determines that laws, rules or regulations of the State of Washington, in substance or effect, contain provisions that make a valid Oregon license lawful in the waters of the Pacific Ocean within three miles of the coast of the State of Oregon or the State of Washington, between the Oregon-Washington boundary and Leadbetter Point, or in the waters of the Columbia River where it forms the Oregon-Washington boundary. [1983 c.173 §§2, 3; 1985 c.373 §1; 2003 c.656 §4; 2005 c.260 §1]

Source: Section 497.014 — Validity of licenses in Pacific Ocean or Columbia River; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.465 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.465
496.465 Interference with project prohibited
Status: in_force

Except for activities or projects authorized by a unit of municipal, state or federal government, no person shall disturb, damage, destroy or interfere with the operation of a salmon and trout enhancement project referred to in ORS 496.450 (Application for project) . [1989 c.940 §2]

Source: Section 496.465 — Interference with project prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.222 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.222
498.222 Transportation or release of fish without permit prohibited
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall:

(a) Transport any live fish unless the person has first obtained a permit therefor from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

(b) Release or attempt to release into any body of water any live fish that was not taken from that body of water, unless the person has first obtained a permit therefor from the commission.

(2) The commission may refuse to issue the permit referred to in subsection (1)(b) of this section if the commission finds that release of the fish into a body of water would adversely affect existing fish populations.

(3) Subsection (1)(a) of this section does not apply to live fish that are for aquaria use.

(4) Violation of subsection (1)(b) of this section is:

(a) A Class C felony if the violation is committed intentionally or knowingly.

(b) A Class A misdemeanor if the violation is committed recklessly or with criminal negligence.

(5) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) Notwithstanding ORS 497.415 (Revocation or denial of licenses, tags or permits for wildlife law violations or failure to comply with citation) (1), (2), (3) and (5), when a person is convicted of violating subsection (1)(b) of this section, the court in which the conviction occurs shall notify the commission, which shall revoke all angling licenses and tags issued to that person pursuant to the wildlife laws. Revocation of licenses and tags is in addition to and not in lieu of other penalties provided by law.

(b) No person who has been convicted of violating subsection (1)(b) of this section shall apply for, obtain or possess any angling license or tag issued pursuant to the wildlife laws within five years after the conviction.

(6) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) The commission may institute suit for the recovery of damages for the control or eradication of live fish released into a body of water in violation of subsection (1)(b) of this section. The damages awarded under this subsection shall be the amount necessary to return the body of water to its condition prior to the violation.

(b) In any action under this subsection, the court shall award to the prevailing party, in addition to costs and disbursements, reasonable attorney fees.

(c) Damages awarded under this subsection shall be in addition to other penalties prescribed by the wildlife laws for releasing or attempting to release live fish without a permit.

(d) Any circuit or justice court has jurisdiction to try any case for the recovery of damages as provided by this subsection. [1973 c.723 §94; 2009 c.243 §1; 2011 c.597 §66]

Source: Section 498.222 — Transportation or release of fish without permit prohibited; penalties; revocation of angling licenses and tags; suit for recovery of damages , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.126 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.126
497.126 Use of certain moneys from angling licenses
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of the wildlife laws, of the moneys received from the sale of the following licenses, the following amounts shall be deposited as provided for in ORS 496.283 (Use of certain moneys) :

(1) Resident annual combination license issued under ORS 497.132 (Combined licenses for residents) , $4.

(2) Resident annual angling license issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(a), $4.

(3) Angling and shellfish license to angle and take shellfish for one day issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(d), $2.

(4) Angling license to angle for two days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(e), $2.

(5) Angling license to angle for three days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(f), $2.

(6) Nonresident annual angling license issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(b), $10.

(7) Nonresident angling license to angle for seven consecutive days issued under ORS 497.121 (Angling and shellfish licenses and tags) (1)(c), $5. [1989 c.512 §4; 1991 c.184 §1; 1993 c.619 §3; 1997 c.8 §9; 1999 c.1006 §11; 2003 c.643 §1; 2009 c.765 §1; 2015 c.779 §16; 2019 c.458 §4; 2022 c.56 §5]

Note: 497.126 (Use of certain moneys from angling licenses) was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 497 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 497.126 — Use of certain moneys from angling licenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.460 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.460
496.460 Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

(1) The Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Advisory Committee is established as an advisory committee to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. The committee shall be of such size and have such geographical representation as the commission determines appropriate. Members of the committee shall be appointed by the Governor.

(2) The committee shall review the policies of the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and make recommendations to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission and to the department concerning the implementation of salmon and trout enhancement projects.

(3) A member of the committee shall receive no compensation for services as a member. However, subject to any applicable law regulating travel and other expenses of state officers and employees, a member shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties from such moneys as may be available to the department therefor. [1981 c.317 §8]

Source: Section 496.460 — Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program Advisory Committee; members; duties and powers; travel and expenses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.056 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.056
498.056 Aiming rifle from moving motor vehicle prohibited
Status: in_force

No person who is the occupant of a motor vehicle that is moving on a road open to the public shall aim a rifle or other firearm from the motor vehicle at a time when the hunting of wildlife is lawful. [1993 c.440 §4]

Source: Section 498.056 — Aiming rifle from moving motor vehicle prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.490 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.490
496.490 Fishing tackle program
Status: in_force

(1) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall establish a Keep Oregon’s Rivers Clean program for the collection, recycling and proper disposal of fishing tackle, including monofilament line, fluorocarbon leaders, lines, lead weights and lures.

(2) The program shall consist of collection points located at or near established fishing areas and boat ramps. At each collection point, the department shall work with conservation and outdoor sports groups to provide a container for collection of tackle and post permanent signs or other notices that explain the program, the benefits of proper tackle recycling and disposal and the Oregon conservation ethic.

(3) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife may work cooperatively with the State Parks and Recreation Department to establish a method by which deposited tackle may be collected for recycling and disposal.

(4) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall include in any statewide sportfishing regulations publication produced by the department a statement explaining the collection and recycling program and encouraging nongovernmental organization participation in the program. [2003 c.188 §1; 2005 c.108 §1]

Note: 496.490 (Fishing tackle program) was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

WILDLIFE COOPERATION; FEDERAL WILDLIFE AID

Source: Section 496.490 — Fishing tackle program , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.850 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.850
498.850 Disposition of hatchery-produced fish carcasses
Status: in_force

The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall adopt rules governing the disposition of carcasses of adult hatchery-produced fish returning to hatchery facilities that include but are not limited to requirements that:

(1) At least 45 percent of the carcasses from all adult hatchery-produced fish that return to hatchery facilities, averaged over 10 years, beginning in a year after the rules are adopted, must be retained and placed at seasonally appropriate times in natural spawning and rearing areas to enhance nutrient recycling, consistent with pathology constraints; and

(2) When selling eggs and carcasses from hatchery facilities to provide revenues to support hatchery programs and facilities, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall prioritize sales to, in the following order:

(a) Oregon small businesses in communities with high rates of unemployment; and

(b) Other Oregon small businesses. [2021 c.258 §2]

Note: 498.850 (Disposition of hatchery-produced fish carcasses) was added to and made a part of the wildlife laws by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 498 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

Source: Section 498.850 — Disposition of hatchery-produced fish carcasses; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 496.273 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 496 / Section 496.273
496.273 Agency assistance and advice regarding plan
Status: in_force

All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111 (“State government” defined) , are directed to assist and advise the State Department of Fish and Wildlife in the development of the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan and in the five-year reviews of the plan required under ORS 496.272 (Wildlife Corridor Action Plan) . [2019 c.272 §2]

Note: See note under 496.272 (Wildlife Corridor Action Plan) .

FISH RESOURCE PROTECTION, RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT

Source: Section 496.273 — Agency assistance and advice regarding plan , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 498.833 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 498 / Section 498.833
498.833 Oregon Hatchery Research Center
Status: repealed

The State Fish and Wildlife Director, after consultation with the chairperson of a department related to fish and wildlife at Oregon State University and the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board established under ORS 498.825 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board) , shall appoint a Director of the Oregon Hatchery Research Center. [2013 c.664 §6]

Note: See note under 498.825 (Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board) .

Note: Sections 1, 7 and 8, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, provide:

Sec. 1. (1) The Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fund shall consist of:

(a) All moneys received from the surcharge on angling licenses imposed by section 3, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015; and

(b) All moneys received from the ad valorem fee imposed by section 4, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015.

(2) Moneys in the fund may be expended only on research projects recommended by the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board. [2015 c.734 §1; 2017 c.120 §1]

Sec. 7. (1) The State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall provide a financial report quarterly to the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Board showing all revenues and deposits to and transfers and expenditures from the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund.

(2) The department shall provide a financial report annually to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the environment and natural resources showing all revenues and deposits to and transfers and expenditures from the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund. [2015 c.734 §7]

Sec. 8. (1)(a) Sections 4 and 7, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, are repealed on January 2, 2027.

(b) Section 3, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, as amended by section 52, chapter 779, Oregon Laws 2015, is repealed on January 2, 2027.

(c) Section 1, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, as amended by section 1 of this 2017 Act, is repealed on January 2, 2027.

(2) Any balance in the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund that is unexpended and unobligated on the date of the repeal of section 1, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, and all moneys that would have been deposited in the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Fund had section 1, chapter 734, Oregon Laws 2015, remained in effect, shall be transferred to and deposited in the Hatchery Construction Fund, and are appropriated for expenditure as in the case of other moneys in the Hatchery Construction Fund. [2015 c.734 §8; 2015 c.779 §53; 2017 c.120 §3]

HATCHERY-PRODUCED FISH

Source: Section 498.833 — Oregon Hatchery Research Center; director , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors498.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 497.218 — OR Code / Title 41 / Chapter 497 / Section 497.218
497.218 Fur dealer license
Status: in_force

(1) No person shall engage in the business of buying the skins or pelts of any fur-bearing mammal unless the person has first obtained from the State Fish and Wildlife Commission a fur dealer license.

(2) Every fur dealer shall maintain a record of transactions involving the skins or pelts of fur-bearing mammals. The record shall be in such form and contain such information as the commission, by rule, prescribes to accurately indicate the date, type and number of skins or pelts received and the name and address of the person with whom such transaction was made. [1973 c.723 §60]

Source: Section 497.218 — Fur dealer license; records , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors497.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).