ODFW Commissioners at Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show, Feb. 6

SALEM, Ore.—Fish and Wildlife Commissioners and ODFW staff will host a meet and greet on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 4:30-6 p.m. at ODFW’s booth (spot 539 in Hall C) at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show, Portland Expo Center. The following day, the Commission will meet at the Embassy Suites, Washington Square, Metolius River Ballroom, 9000 SW Washington Square Road, Portland. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. and follows this agenda, https://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission/minutes/20/02_feb/index.asp The only scheduled rulemaking during Friday’s meeting will involve amending falconry program rules. Falconry is an ancient sport and a traditional form of hunting dating back over 4,000 years. Falconers in Oregon must meet several requirements to obtain a license. New falconers must train with an experienced sponsor; build a housing facility that meets certain state and federal requirements and passes inspection; and pass a test about falconry husbandry and laws. The rule amendments being proposed by staff were developed in consultation with Oregon falconers, hunters and the Audubon Society of Portland. Among the proposed amendment are proposals to allow falconers to take a limited number of northern harriers and to broaden the categoies of qualified falconers permitted to take limited numbers of peregrine falcons for falconry each year. Commissioners will also be provided an update on the population status of white sturgeon and the 2019 sturgeon fisheries in the Columbia River. Status indicators for white sturgeon remain mixed. While surveys show a reasonable abundance of sub-adult and adult fish, the proportion of juvenile sized fish and young-of-year remains low, indicating an extended period of low productivity. Due to this, fishery managers continue to take a precautionary approach to sturgeon fisheries and management; see the Columbia River Zone Recreation Report page for more information on 2020 harvest guidelines and seasons. After other scheduled agenda items, Commissioners will hold a public forum for people to comment on topics not on the agenda. People who wish to participate in public forum need to call the ODFW Director’s office at (503) 947-6044 before 8 a.m. on Feb. 5 (48 hours prior to the meeting).