Oregon’s IP28 Falls Short, but the Fight for Science-Based Conservation Continues
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On July 24, the Oregon Elections Division confirmed that IP28 had not met the signature requirement needed to appear on the November 2026 general election ballot. The petition received 104,262 valid signatures, representing 73.25% of the 142,347 signatures required for verification. While this decision represents an important moment for hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers and conservationists in Oregon, it also serves as a reminder that continued education and engagement are critical when policies have far-reaching impacts on wildlife management, agriculture and everyday life.
Earlier this year, the NWTF formally opposed IP28, a measure that would have removed long-standing legal exemptions protecting hunting, fishing, trapping and farming from Oregon’s animal abuse statutes. IP28 represented the third version of a measure first introduced in 2020. Referred to as the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, the initiative sought changes to Oregon’s animal cruelty laws that could have removed existing statutory protections for activities deeply connected to Oregon’s culture, economy and natural resource management.
For hunters and anglers, the outcome is a positive step in protecting traditions that have played a foundational role in conservation. However, the conversation surrounding IP28 extends well beyond those who participate in outdoor recreation.
Wildlife conservation in North America is built on a partnership between responsible use, science-based management, and funding generated largely through hunters and anglers. Hunting and fishing are recreational activities as well as critical tools used by state wildlife agencies to manage healthy wildlife populations, conserve habitat and support ecosystems.
At the same time, Oregon’s agricultural and food systems rely on clear and consistent laws that allow farmers, ranchers, livestock producers and fishing communities to operate responsibly. Policies that create broad legal uncertainty can have consequences that reach far beyond those directly involved in hunting or animal agriculture.
The impacts of these measures are not limited to people who hunt, fish or consume animal products. They have the potential to influence food production, rural economies, conservation programs, wildlife management, and the relationship between people and the landscapes they depend on.
"Although the Initiative petition won't be on the ballot this year, the NWTF considers this an opportunity to be proactive," said Patt Dorsey, NWTF director of conservation operations in the West. "We can't simply rest on our conservation investments and accomplishments. We must actively engage the public."
The NWTF encourages hunters, anglers, conservationists and all Oregonians who value responsible stewardship of natural resources to remain informed and involved. Similar conversations are taking place across the country as states evaluate proposals that could affect hunting, fishing and wildlife management.
Efforts such as the pursuit of constitutional protections for hunting and fishing in Colorado represent one approach states have taken to recognize the key role these activities play in conservation, outdoor recreation and local economies.
"Hunting is a powerful way for people to interact with wildlife in their native habitats, and we need to think of creative ways to share our story with others who enjoy the outdoors," said Dorsey.
The conclusion of the IP28 petition process is not the end of the conversation. As proposals affecting wildlife, agriculture and outdoor heritage continue to emerge, understanding their potential impacts and participating in the democratic process remains essential. Conservation succeeds when people work together — hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, policymakers, and those who simply value healthy wildlife populations and thriving natural landscapes. Protecting that shared future requires continued awareness, engagement and commitment.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.