Oregon's Initiative Petition 28 is a reckless and deeply flawed proposal that would criminalize farming, wildlife management, hunting, fishing, and other longstanding activities that are essential to Oregon's economy, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage. Not only does this proposal threaten Oregon's economy, but it also threatens a deep-rooted way of life among Oregon's citizens: keeping Oregon's food source local. 

As of early July 2026, supporters of IP 28 have submitted 142,784 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State in an effort to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The measure has not yet qualified. State officials must now verify the signatures, and approximately 82% of those submitted must be determined valid for the initiative to move forward. That verification process is expected to continue throughout July. If the measure qualifies, the state will also prepare an official financial impact statement and explanatory statement for inclusion in the Oregon Voters' Pamphlet before the election.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers strongly opposes this misguided measure and is closely monitoring the qualification process. Should IP 28 qualify for the ballot it will no longer be called IP 28, and Oregon voters will likely decide whether to adopt the measure this November.

Even for Oregonians who do not hunt or fish, the consequences of this proposal are far-reaching. Those who take pride in seeing Oregon cheese featured on menus across the country, who value locally raised and responsibly produced food, or who enjoy the state's world-renowned shellfish and seafood industries all have a stake in this issue. The impacts of this proposal extend well beyond hunters and anglers—they threaten the agricultural traditions, local food systems, and natural resources that benefit all Oregonians.

Rather than improving animal welfare, it would undermine science-based wildlife management, threaten livelihoods, jeopardize funding for conservation programs, and criminalize family pastimes in the outdoors. We encourage all of our members not only to oppose this measure if it makes it on the ballot, but also to encourage their friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. This proposal will affect every Oregonian.

Join BHA today and help raise your voice in preserving Oregon's local, wild, and public food sources.