For many of us who grew up in Oregon, this story feels almost impossible to believe.
Hunting and fishing are not fringe activities here. They are part of Oregon's identity. They are cold mornings before sunrise on the river. They are family traditions handed down over generations. They are kids learning patience on lakes and streams, campfire stories after a long day in the woods, and freezers filled with responsibly harvested food.
So hearing that a petition many people initially viewed as extreme has reportedly gathered enough signatures to continue advancing toward Oregon's 2026 ballot process is causing some serious concern.
Initiative Petition 28, known as the PEACE Act, seeks to remove legal exemptions currently protecting hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, and related activities under Oregon animal abuse laws.
Supporters of the initiative say they have now reached the signature threshold necessary to continue moving forward.
That does not mean the initiative has officially earned a spot before voters yet.
The signatures now move into a state review process where election officials determine how many submitted signatures meet legal standards and whether enough survive verification requirements.
But for many Oregonians, the bigger question has become:
How are we even here?
This goes far beyond hunting season
If you're reading quick headlines, you might assume this is simply about deer season or people heading out with fishing poles.
It isn't.
The language surrounding IP28 reaches far beyond recreational hunting and fishing and could potentially touch numerous parts of everyday Oregon life.
The proposal targets exemptions that currently apply to:
• Hunting
• Fishing
• Trapping and wildlife management
• Farming and ranching practices
• Animal research and educational use
• Activities involving tribal hunting and fishing rights
That list alone explains why people across Oregon are paying attention.
This isn't just about hunters.
This is about ranchers.
This is about farmers.
This is about wildlife professionals.
This is about families.
This is about traditions that have existed in Oregon long before many of us were born.
Hunting and fishing help fund conservation
There is another piece of this conversation that many people may not realize.
Hunters and anglers are not simply users of wildlife resources. They help pay for protecting them.
Hunting and fishing in Oregon generate more than $1.9 billion annually in economic activity across the state.
License fees, tags, and federal excise taxes tied to hunting and fishing equipment help fund wildlife programs, habitat restoration, hatcheries, species recovery efforts, and public access projects throughout Oregon.
ODFW's funding for conservation efforts relies heavily on these revenue sources.
Many people hear "hunting" and immediately picture recreation.
Many lifelong Oregonians hear "hunting" and think stewardship.
This isn't just a rural issue
Roughly one million Oregonians hunt, fish, trap, or work in agriculture and related industries according to information shared regarding the initiative's potential impacts.
That reaches into nearly every corner of the state.
Small towns depend on seasonal outdoor economies.
Families depend on food harvesting traditions.
Communities depend on agriculture.
For many people, this debate feels larger than a single ballot initiative.
It feels like a fight over whether people who grew up with Oregon's outdoor traditions still have a voice in shaping Oregon's future.
And if this initiative ultimately survives the state's verification process and lands before voters, expect this debate to become one of the loudest Oregon has seen in years.
FAQ
What is IP28?
IP28, also called the PEACE Act, would remove existing exemptions in Oregon animal abuse laws involving hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, and related activities.
Has IP28 officially made the ballot?
No. Supporters report reaching the signature threshold, but state officials still must review submitted signatures and determine whether enough qualify for certification.
Would hunting and fishing be affected?
The initiative specifically targets legal exemptions currently protecting those activities under Oregon law.
How many Oregonians could be impacted?
Information provided about the proposal estimates impacts reaching approximately one million Oregonians involved in hunting, fishing, trapping, agriculture, and related industries.
How much economic activity comes from hunting and fishing?
Hunting and fishing contribute an estimated $1.9 billion annually to Oregon communities.
