OAR 635-067-0032: Bighorn Sheep Auction Tag

(1) One bighorn sheep tag will be auctioned to the highest bidder annually in the manner and at such time as provided by the Department. The Department may contract with a sportsmen's group or organization to conduct the auction. (2) The bighorn sheep auction tag and auction shall be limited as follows: (a) Bag Limit: One bighorn sheep ram. (b) Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. (c) Open Season: The season shall begin on August 1 and shall end on November 30. (d) Open Area: Any 500 series controlled bighorn sheep hunt area described in the current Oregon Big Game Regulations where controlled tags are authorized for the current year. The remainder of the state is closed to bighorn sheep hunting. (e) Auction Requirements: (A) The minimum acceptable bid for a bighorn sheep auction tag shall be $25,000. The bid price includes the hunting license and tag fee. A valid bighorn sheep tag will be provided to the winning bidder in the auction and a valid hunting license will be provided if the winning bidder has not already purchased one, so long as the winning bidder is eligible to purchase an adult Oregon hunting license or a juvenile Oregon hunting license. (B) Any person, resident or nonresident, is eligible to bid. (C) If the highest bid is submitted by a person other than the person who is to receive the tag, the Department shall be notified within five business days of the name, address, and phone number of the individual who is to receive the license and tag and his or her position or affiliation with the corporation or organization. (D) Acceptance of the highest bid shall be conditional until the full amount of the bid is paid. Payment shall be made to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife by cashier's check or certified check within 60 days of the date of the auction, whether conducted by the Department or by a sportsman's group or organization authorized by the Department to conduct the auction. (E) If the full amount is not paid as provided in OAR 635-067-0032(2)(d)(D), the Department may, at its discretion, reject the bid and offer the tag to the next highest bidder. If the Department offers the tag to the next highest bidder, such next highest bidder must make payment to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife by cashier's check or certified check within 30 days of notification of his or her opportunity to obtain the tag. (F) The successful bidder may be required to complete a bighorn sheep hunting orientation course prior to their hunt. The hunter shall inform the Department when and where the hunt will be conducted. The successful bidder shall be required to take appropriate steps to assure that any ram taken is marked with an identification pin by Department personnel within five days of being taken. (G) The Department shall reserve the right to accept or reject any or all bids.