PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTED: ODFW is Making an Agreement with the Coquille Indians to allow tribe members to Hunt, Fish & Trap for FREE and Everyone Else will Still have to Pay
The ODFW is requesting public comment from anyone who would like to express how they feel about having to pay for something that others will get free of charge.
Agreement for hunting, fishing, and trapping by the Coquille Indian Tribe and cooperative management
FILING CAPTION: Agreement for hunting, fishing, and trapping by the Coquille Indian Tribe and cooperative management.
LAST DAY AND TIME TO OFFER COMMENT TO AGENCY:
06/17/2022 5:00 PM
The Agency requests public comment on whether other options should be considered for achieving the rule's substantive goals while reducing negative economic impact of the rule on business.
CONTACT: Roxann Borisch 503-947-6314
roxann.b.borisch@odfw.oregon.gov
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302
Filed By: Roxann Borisch Rules Coordinator
NEED FOR THE RULE(S) The new rules are needed to advance the government-to-government relationship between the state of Oregon and the Coquille Indian Tribe. The agreement describes how the Tribe and its members will hunt, fish, trap, and gather species over which ODFW has management authority within a defined geographic area.
MAIN POINTS:
Given that the agreement will functionally eliminate fees from tribal members choosing to hunt, fish, or trap under the agreement, there may be small reduction in sales of licenses, to the extent that members of the Coquille Indian Tribe who currently purchase a license from ODFW would no longer do so.
Members of the Coquille Indian Tribe will benefit by not purchasing a license for hunting, fishing, and trapping activities conducted within the specified area and the Tribe will benefit by being able to authorize hunting, fishing, and trapping consistent with tribal values within annual harvest limits and areas set by mutual consent between the tribe and ODFW staff.
It is not anticipated that overall fishing and hunting activities by tribal members will increase as a result of this rule, but it is possible that small reductions in opportunities for the general public to take a few species with limited population sizes may be created to accommodate tribal activities.
Whereas, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), pursuant to ORS 496.012 and ORS 496.146, has the legal obligation and authority to manage wildlife for the benefit of its present and future citizens;
Whereas, the mission of the ODFW is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations;
Areas in Coos County affected by this agreement:
Coquille Valley Wildlife Area (Coos County) 635-008-0068
The Coquille Valley Wildlife Area is open for wildlife-oriented public use compatible with the goals and objectives contained in the 2016 Coquille Valley Wildlife Area Management Plan (the “Plan”) unless otherwise excluded or restricted by the following rules. The Wildlife Area Goals and Objectives in the Plan are incorporated into this rule by reference.
(1) Free daily Hunting/Access permits are required, must be possessed at all times by users and must be completed and returned at the end of the day. Consult annual Game Bird regulations for time and date restrictions and hunting requirements.
(2) Discharging firearms is prohibited except as authorized during game bird and game mammal seasons.
(3) No person shall possess or use any shot other than federally-approved nontoxic shot at any time, except for big game hunters using buckshot or slugs.
(4) Discharge of firearms into, from or across Safety Zones is prohibited.
(5) Posted Refuges are closed to public access except to retrieve lawfully taken wildlife during authorized hunting seasons.
(6) Camping is prohibited.
(7) Open fires are prohibited.
(8) The wildlife area is closed to the public between 10 pm and 4 am. (9) Any vehicle found parked or unattended on the Wildlife Area between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am, or obstructing public or administrative access may be towed at the expense of the registered owner or owners.
(10) Parking is allowed in designated areas only.
(11) No boats with gas powered motors may be launched from the area.
(12) Trapping is prohibited.
South Slough National Estuarine Reserve 635-065-0625(23) Specific areas are closed to hunting due to public health and safety. Contact reserve headquarters office for specific closures.
Agreement for hunting, fishing, and trapping by the Coquille Indian Tribe and cooperative management.
My Comments to the ODFW:
I am opposed to the hunting, fishing, trapping, and cooperative management agreement between the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Coquille Indian Tribe unless the department is willing to extend those same opportunities to everyone equally.
Under this agreement, the ODFW would not be applying the law equally if they were to allow members of the Coquille Indian Tribe to hunt, fish, and trap without charging them the same fees that they would force everyone else to pay.
Every individual has the right to the equal application of the law and this agreement violates those tenets of the US Constitution.
Sincerely,
Rob Taylor
PO Box 973
Bandon OR 97411
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