Public input needed for hunting regulation changes, May 12

Proposed “premium hunts” discussed at public meetings. Premium hunts, new upland game bird regulations and mandatory reporting are just a few topics to be discussed at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual hunting regulations meetings next week in Southern Oregon. Meeting dates: South Coast: May 12, 6:30 p.m. at the North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend; Grants Pass: May 13, 7 p.m. at Elmer’s Restaurant, 175 NE Agness, Grants Pass; Medford: May 14, The Eagles Lodge, 2000 Table Rock Rd., Medford. Topics include: Black-tailed deer research study information. “Premium Hunt” concept – new controlled hunts series for deer, elk, and pronghorn. Local big game populations and hunting seasons. New upland game regulations. Mandatory reporting. General season harvest limits and date. Hunting regulations are updated yearly. Biologists take public input at meetings held around the state and present proposed changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their August meeting. Changes are typically implemented the following year.