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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 2020)
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 9 No hunting, fishing for non-residents Citizens can report to law enforcement online ODFW is closing rec- reational hunting, fishing, crabbing and clamming to non-residents due to con- cerns about travel to Oregon to participate in these out- door activities. The agency believes that such travel could spread the virus and put more of a burden on Oregon9s rural communities. As of Friday, April 10, non-residents may no longer participate in these activi- ties in Oregon. The restric- tion extends until COVID- 19 restrictions are lifted and it is deemed safe to travel into Oregon. This order does not apply to anyone liv- ing in Oregon for less than six months who has not yet established residency. Some states, including Washington, have closed hunting and fishing to limit the spread of the virus. While seasons remain open in Oregon (except for Columbia River salmon/ steelhead fishing), resident hunters and anglers should not be travelling to partici- pate. ODFW is hearing con- cerns from rural communi- ties about people visiting to hunt and fish and plac- ing additional burdens on these communities9 limited resources. <Rural communities are concerned about the poten- tial impact of COVID-19 on medical and emergency ser- vices, search and rescue and their citizens. Some have asked us to close seasons to reduce travel,= said ODFW Director Curt Melcher. <We would like to keep seasons open to give locals an outlet during this difficult time, but that doesn9t mean it9s OK to travel to these communities. Stick close to home and fish at your local lake, pond or river and do not go crabbing or clamming unless you live on the coast, and then only to places where access is still open.= ODFW monitoring has shown that while Oregonians are still participating in fish- eries, clamming, shed hunt- ing, and wildlife viewing it is in significantly lower numbers and that the major- ity of participants are doing it close to home and prac- ticing social distancing. <We appreciate that many Oregonians are taking the Stay Home, Save Lives order seriously,= added Melcher. ODFW field staff moni- toring participation in the field have seen out of state license plates and out of state angling and shellfish licenses in use. Staff are also fielding numerous calls from non-residents inquiring about plans come to Oregon to hunt or fish. <ODFW believes this action restricting non-resi- dents will help local commu- nities enforce the restrictions on out-of-state travelers vio- lating the order, and putting local resources and residents at risk,= said Melcher. <We appreciate everyone9s under- standing at this difficult time and look forward to seeing you outdoors again in the future when this passes.= ODFW anticipates there will be opportunity for non- residents who have already purchased a 2020 license to participate in hunting, fish- ing or shellfish opportunities later in the year. ODFW will refund non-resident spring bear and spring turkey tags and reinstate preference points for spring bear hunt- ers. Please contact Licensing at odfw.websales@state. or.us, 503-947-6101 to arrange for a refund. Non-residents inter- ested in applying for a fall controlled hunt may still apply online at https://odfw. huntfishoregon.com/login and the deadline to apply remains May 15. Oregon residents who do choose to hunt, fish, crab or clam are reminded to: " Stay close to home rather than traveling far. The Governor9s Executive Order says hunting and fishing are OK, but to limit travel. " Practice social distanc- ing and stay six feet away from anyone who doesn9t live in your immediate household, including when outdoors. " Check access where you are headed as the area may be closed. State Parks are closed, counties have closed some parks and boat ramps, beach access is closed in some areas and national forests and BLM lands have closed recreation sites. " Stay home if you are sick. " Carry needed supplies with you to minimize non- essential stops4includ- ing buying your license/tag online instead of making a trip to a license sale agent if possible and bringing all needed food, water and sanitization supplies with you. The Deschutes County Sheriff9s Office is now offer- ing an online reporting ser- vice that allows citizens to file non-emergency reports over the Internet. The service can be uti- lized for a minor traffic crash, theft, criminal mischief, or a vehicle break-in. A citizen will receive a no cost copy of their report within seven days of it being submitted and approved. Citizens can also submit a crime tip, request extra patrol at a specific location, or complete a vacation check request. The sheriff9s office notes that this service should not be used for any crime where a known suspect has been identified or for in-progress crimes or emergencies. To file on online report, visit sheriff.deschutes.org and follow the link to File Online Report. Reports can be sub- mitted via a desktop com- puter or by mobile device. If a particular crime or incident is not listed on our webpage, call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911 and speak with a deputy. Spri ng Cleaning! FREE ESTIMATES! • Window & gutter cleaning, power washing • Residential & commercial screen cleaning/repair & glass restoration • Housekeeping & deep cleaning • Monthly, bi-monthly, move m v ve mo e i in/out n/ / o ou u t Mendoza’s Cleaning Services LLC 541-610-5760 • Cesar “Sisters Businesses are Here to Serve” page to find curbside pick up, delivery, and more.