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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (June 17, 2021)
Community June 17 3 Hunting and Sports Groups Call for More Accuracy in IP 13 Ballot Title 2021 Initiative petition would prohibit hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife management practices Several pro-hunting conserva- tion organizations have challenged the draft language of the ballot title and sum- mary for Initiative Petition 13, which they contend do not adequately convey the initiative’s devastating impact to le- gal hunting, fishing and trapping. The groups have submitted comments to the Oregon Attorney General’s office re- questing clarification to the initiative’s draft ballot language. The organizations, which in- clude the Oregon Hunters Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Or- egon Trappers Association, Sportsmen’s Alliance, and the Congressional Sports- men’s Foundation, also assert that the draft ballot title inappropriately uses the term “prohibits” rather than “criminali- zes,” which they believe is more accu- rate. IP 13 would criminalize killing an animal for any reason other than an immediate act of self-defense. It would criminalize good animal husbandry prac- tices, animal breeding of both livestock and pets, training techniques, and even pest control. In keeping with the “no kill” directive, it would also criminalize any livestock slaughter practices, with the proponents stating that meat consump- tion would still be allowed from animals that have died of old age. IP 13 effectively would outlaw a self-sufficient lifestyle, according to Or- egon Hunters Association outreach coor- dinator Amy Patrick. “Under this initiative, it would be illegal to put a deer in the freezer, catch fish, or raise animals to offset a family’s grocery bill,” Patrick said. “While it pre- vents Oregonians from securing their own naturally raised or harvested food, it does not prohibit grocery stores from carrying animal proteins, meaning those items would be imported from states that do not have such outrageous regulations, effectively creating even more distance between Oregon families and their food.” Patrick said IP 13 would impact Oregonians who want to ensure natu- ral, local food sources for their families through hunting, fishing, trapping, or raising their own livestock. “I have cattle in my pasture, chickens in my coop, my husband hunts, and I like to fly fish,” she said. “IP 13 would make us criminals for our attempts to control our food sources and be less reliant on the mainstream food network.” If the initiative language is certi- fied by the AG’s office, the proponents will have until June 2022 to collect the more than 112,000 signatures required to place it on the November 2022 general election ballot. The groups challenging the draft ballot language have stated that they will not rule out legal action if the current lan- guage is upheld. OHA (www.oregonhunters.org) is the state’s largest Oregon-based pro-hunting organi- zation, with 10,000 members and 26 chap- ters statewide. Its mission is “protecting Oregon’s wildlife, habitat and heritage.” Publisher and Managing Editor Scott Laird 503-367-0098 scott@vernoniasvoice.com Contributors Photography Chip Bubl Scott Laird Tobie Finzel Superintendent Aaron Miller Vernonia’s Voice is published Will Steinweg on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursday of each month. One year subscription (24 issues) $35 Want to advertise? Have an article? Contact: scott@vernoniasvoice.com Vernonia’s Voice, LLC (503) 367-0098 PO Box 55. Vernonia, OR 97064 Yes, I support Vernonia’s Voice with this one time contribution. [ ] $12 [ ] $75 [ ] $24 [ ] $100 [ ] $50 [ ] Other $ Receive the Voice in your mailbox twice each month. Subscription cost covers first class postage for one year. Cedar Side Inn [ ] $35 Thank you for your support Mail check or money order to: Vernonia’s Voice PO Box 55, Vernonia, OR 97064 or PayPal: scott@vernoniasvoice.com Specialty Pizzas Taco Tuesday from opening until 9 pm 3 hardshell or 1 softshell $4.25 11:00 am - 11:00 pm every day Check our Facebook page for daily specials 756 Bridge Street, Vernonia 503-429-5841 Name Address City State Zip