EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation formally opposes Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), a measure that would remove long-standing legal exemptions that protect hunting, fishing, trapping and farming from Oregon’s animal abuse statutes.
“We urge our members and partners to stay informed and engaged,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “This initiative threatens the future of hunting, fishing, trapping and agriculture across Oregon. It also threatens how Oregonians choose to eat.”
Despite a similar effort being blocked in 2024, proponents may have gathered enough signatures to get Oregon’s IP28, titled the PEACE Act (People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions), on the ballot this fall.
If enacted, IP28 would fundamentally redefine lawful and regulated wildlife management and agricultural practices as criminal acts.
Under the proposed measure:
- Hunting would be classified as animal abuse under state law, effectively ending all licensed hunting seasons.
- Fishing, both recreational and commercial, would be criminalized statewide.
- Trapping, including its role in wildlife and predator management, would be prohibited.
- Farming and ranching practices involving livestock for food, dairy, eggs and fiber production would be considered illegal.
- Scientific research and wildlife management involving animals would be banned.
- Tribal treaty rights would be jeopardized, as the measure does not provide exemptions for Oregon Tribes.
“It’s not just hunters, anglers and livestock producers that would be affected,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “IP28 would also affect Oregonians who enjoy a sustainable ‘locavore’ lifestyle. IP28 is a threat to Oregon’s farm-to-table ethos, whether it’s wild game, freshly caught seafood, locally raised eggs, meat or cheeses that are on the table.”
Nearly one million residents participate in activities that could be affected by the measure, while rural economies and conservation funding hang in the balance. The criminalization of hunting and fishing would eliminate $1.9 billion in economic activity — which supports jobs, local businesses and conservation efforts across Oregon communities — and restrict or eliminate about $180 million in annual funding for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wildlife conservation in Oregon is largely funded through hunting and fishing license sales and federal excise taxes generated through the Pittman-Robertson Act and Dingell-Johnson Act. If these activities are eliminated, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife would lose its primary source of funding for habitat management, species research and public access programs.
The NWTF joins a broad coalition of partners in opposition to IP28, including the Oregon Farm Bureau, Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Ducks Unlimited and Safari Club International, as well as bipartisan leadership from the Oregon Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus.
To qualify for the November 2026 ballot, proponents must collect 117,173 valid signatures by July 2, 2026. As of February, more than 100,000 signatures have already been gathered, placing the initiative within reach of appearing before voters.
IP28 represents the third version of a measure first introduced in 2020, each iteration carrying the same core objective: eliminating statutory protections for hunting, fishing, trapping and farming under Oregon law.
“This is important, and the NWTF will continue to inform and engage our members in constructive dialogue that supports science-based wildlife management and America’s hunting heritage,” Burckhalter said.
Learn more about NWTF’s policy and advocacy work.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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