Portland SCI

08/03/2026

07/25/2026

BREAKING:
Oregon hunting and fishing ban fails to qualify for November ballot

07/12/2026

Are deer turning our forests into green deserts?

Wildlife biologists across the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada say the answer can be yes. When deer populations become too high, they eat native shrubs, wildflowers, and young trees faster than they can grow back. They leave behind invasive plants and ferns they won’t eat, creating what scientists call a “green desert”—a forest that still looks healthy but can no longer regenerate and provides less habitat for songbirds and other wildlife.

White-tailed deer are incredibly productive. In many areas, about 25 to 30 percent of the herd must die each year just to keep the population stable. If fewer deer die, the herd grows. To reduce an overabundant population, annual mortality has to exceed that replacement rate.

Across much of North America, hunters are the leading source of deer mortality, making regulated hunting one of the most important conservation tools we have. It’s about more than filling the freezer—it’s about keeping deer populations in balance so forests and wildlife can thrive.

Aaron B. Futrell, Author|Owner, Delong Lures

07/10/2026

Oregon’s Democratic governor joins every House Democrat in opposing anti-hunting PEACE Act.

The proposed PEACE Act was already facing stiff opposition from hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, and conservation groups. Now it has lost support from some of Oregon’s highest-ranking Democrats. Governor Tina Kotek has publicly announced she opposes the measure, saying criminalizing hunting and fishing would be wrong for Oregon. Her announcement comes after every Democrat in the Oregon House also signed a letter opposing the initiative.

The PEACE Act would remove long-standing exemptions in Oregon’s animal cruelty laws, a move critics say could effectively criminalize hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock production, and many common agricultural practices. Opponents argue the measure goes far beyond preventing animal cruelty and instead threatens wildlife management, food production, and Oregon’s outdoor heritage.

Whether you lean left or right, this sends a clear message. Opposition to the PEACE Act is no longer just coming from sportsmen. It has become a bipartisan effort to stop what many believe is one of the most extreme anti-hunting ballot measures ever proposed.

Aaron B. Futrell, Author|Owner, Delong Lures

07/05/2026

You’re Celebrating This Week Because Regular Citizens Had Military-Grade Weapons 🇺🇸

07/03/2026

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/former-oregon-doc-officer-loses-hunting-privileges-for-life-fined-114000-for-big-game-violations/

Oregon fish and wildlife troopers provide more details on a "significant investigation" covering two different cases against a former state Department of Corrections Officer recently sentenced for poaching big game animals and unlawful possession of a firearm, silencer and wildlife, among other char...

06/06/2026

SCI is participating at The 5th annual youth fishing derby in Gillette Wyoming today. Organizers are S.P.C. a local motorcycle club.