Oregon ballot measure that would have criminalized hunting and fishing fails to qualify for vote | OutKick
Oregon hunters and outdoorsmen can breathe a sigh of relief. Initiative Petition 28, a proposal that would have criminalized common activities like hunting, fishing, and ranching, failed to reach the state ballot this November. The campaign needed 117,173 valid signatures to qualify for a vote. After a formal review by the Oregon Secretary of State, officials determined only 104,262 signatures met the criteria. The initiative fell roughly 13,000 signatures short of the necessary threshold.
While supporters branded the measure the PEACE Act, critics argued it would have stripped away legal protections for vital land management and agricultural practices. Under the proposal, standard activities including pest control and farming would have faced severe criminal penalties. This extreme reach spurred a rare, united front of opposition across the political spectrum. Democratic leaders including Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Jeff Merkley joined Republican lawmakers and major agricultural groups to oppose the move.
Experts note the failure of the measure is a critical win for wildlife conservation. Hunters and anglers provide substantial funding for state land acquisition and research through license fees and excise taxes. This capital supports ecosystems that benefit all public land users, from bird watchers to hikers. Without regulated hunting, state agencies would face major costs to manage growing animal populations and prevent habitat destruction.
Despite the current failure, proponents of the measure indicate they remain active. Chief petitioner David Michelson characterized the campaign as a multi-year project rather than a one-time effort. Supporters likely view the signature collection process as an opportunity to build donor bases and identify potential voter blocks for future rounds. The rejection of these signatures prevents the proposal from appearing on this year's ballot, but the broader debate over outdoor rights in Oregon and across the country persists.