Another effort to protect hunting, fishing in Oregon Constitution inches forward

Oregon’s initiative process is moving toward a constitutional guarantee for hunting and fishing rights, with one proposal clearing an early hurdle. Initiative Petition 25 would amend the Oregon Constitution to guarantee that all Oregonians have the right “to hunt, fish, trap, farm, ranch, raise livestock, cultivate crops” and related activities. The actions are already legal, but supporters say they want the protection because another proposal—Initiative Petition 28—failed to collect enough signatures for the November ballot. The Secretary of State verified that IP 25 submitted sufficient signatures to obtain a ballot title. After the attorney general drafts it, organizers will collect signatures through summer 2028. Backers must submit valid signatures totaling at least 8% of votes cast for governor this fall, likely about 150,000.