ORS 496.162: Establishing seasons, amounts and manner of taking wildlife; rules.

(1) After investigation of the supply and condition of wildlife, the State Fish and Wildlife Commission, at appropriate times each year, shall by rule: (a) Prescribe the times, places and manner in which wildlife may be taken by angling, hunting, trapping or other method and the amounts of each of those wildlife species that may be taken and possessed. (b) Prescribe such other restrictions or procedures regarding the angling, taking, hunting, trapping or possessing of wildlife as the commission determines will carry out the provisions of wildlife laws. (2) In carrying out the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the power of the commission includes, but is not limited to: (a) Prescribing the amount of each wildlife species that may be taken and possessed in terms of sex, size and other physical characteristics. (b) Prescribing such regular and special time periods and areas closed to the angling, taking, hunting and trapping of any wildlife species when the commission determines such action is necessary to protect the supply of such wildlife. (c) Prescribing regular and special time periods and areas open to the angling, taking, hunting and trapping of any wildlife species, and establishing procedures for regulating the number of persons eligible to participate in such angling, taking, hunting or trapping, when the commission determines such action is necessary to maintain properly the supply of wildlife, alleviate damage to other resources, or to provide a safe and orderly recreational opportunity. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, except as provided in ORS 498.146 or during those times and at those places prescribed by the commission for the hunting of elk, the commission shall not prescribe limitations on the times, places or amounts for the taking of predatory animals. As used in this subsection, “predatory animal” has the meaning for that term provided in ORS 610.002. (4) In carrying out the provisions of this section, before prescribing the numbers of deer and elk to be taken, the commission shall consider: (a) The supply and condition of deer and elk herds; (b) The availability of forage for deer, elk and domestic livestock on public and private range and forest lands; (c) The recreational opportunities derived from deer and elk populations; and (d) The effects of deer and elk herds on public and private range and forest lands. [1973 c.723 §14; 1975 c.791 §1; 1981 c.218 §1; 2003 c.656 §3]