PENDLETON, Ore.—The Fish and Wildlife Commission met today to set 2012 big game hunting regulations.

The 2012 Oregon Big Game Regulations will be online and at ODFW offices and license sales agents by Dec. 1. Besides standard calendar shifts in season dates, there are changes to hunt boundaries, new hunts and minor regulation changes from 2011.

Beginning in 2012, hunters will be able to acquire preference points (point savers)  through Nov. 30 each year. At this time, point savers must be purchased by May 15 each year, which is also the controlled hunt deadline. Extending sales through Nov. 30 will allow hunters to spread the cost of licenses, tags and applications throughout the year. It should also reduce the rush to meet the May 15 deadline, which often results in long lines for customers.

Most rifle big game hunting east of the Cascades and some Western Oregon hunting is limited-entry. Hunters build up preference points to increase the odds of drawing the tag of their choice.

Roy Elicker was reappointed to another four-year term as ODFW Director. The appointment is retroactive to Aug. 11, 2011.

The Commission approved the acquisition of a building in Newport to house the Marine Resources Program. The building has been leased by ODFW since 2008. The 2011 Oregon State Legislature approved the $600,000 purchase.

Funding for 13 Restoration and Enhancement Program projects totaling $403,357 was approved.

HB 3657 passed by the 2011 Legislative session limited non-resident commercial fishing licenses and permits to $50 higher than resident fees. The Commission approved new rules that reflect HB 3657. Non-resident commercial fees currently range from $120 to $440 higher than equivalent resident fees. The new fees will be effective beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

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