Hunting Ban Looms as 50,000 Attend Portland Sportsmen's Show

Oregon's hunting tradition faces uncertainty as PEACE Act petition threatens to criminalize hunting and fishing activities.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The 51st annual Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show in Portland drew over 50,000 attendees this past weekend, but the event unfolded under the shadow of a potential seismic shift in Oregon's outdoor landscape. A petition known as the PEACE Act (People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions) threatens to remove many existing exemptions from Oregon's animal cruelty laws, effectively criminalizing the taking of animal life for sport or sustenance. The implications for hunting, fishing, farming, and other industries have sparked concern among sportsmen and conservationists.

Why it matters

The PEACE Act could have far-reaching consequences beyond just recreational activities. A key concern is the impact on conservation funding, as Oregon's Department of Fish & Wildlife relies heavily on fees generated from hunting and fishing licenses, tags, and permits, as well as excise taxes on related equipment. Eliminating these revenue streams could jeopardize crucial habitat restoration, wildlife management, and public access initiatives.

The details

If Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act) gathers more than 117,000 signatures by July 2nd, it will appear on the November ballot. The act aims to remove many existing exemptions from Oregon's animal cruelty laws, effectively criminalizing the taking of animal life for sport or sustenance. While exemptions would remain for self-defense and veterinary practices, the implications for hunting, fishing, farming, scientific research and even restaurants are substantial.

  • The Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show took place this past weekend (February 10-12, 2026).
  • Initiative Petition 28 (the PEACE Act) needs to gather more than 117,000 signatures by July 2nd, 2026 to appear on the November ballot.

The players

Todd Adkins

The executive director of the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA), who expressed the anxieties of many hunters and fishermen about the potential impact of the PEACE Act.

Michelle Dennehy

A representative from Oregon's wildlife agency, who highlighted the multi-generational and cultural significance of hunting and fishing activities in the state.

Tim Rozewski

A representative from Leupold, who noted the growing popularity of bowhunting among hunters seeking a more sustainable and ethical approach.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

The state agency that relies heavily on fees and taxes generated from hunting and fishing activities to fund conservation programs.

Oregon Hunters Association (OHA)

A hunting advocacy group that is preparing to launch a campaign against the PEACE Act initiative should it qualify for the ballot.

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What they’re saying

“People who hunt and fish are very dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle, and this essentially strikes us off the landscape.”

— Todd Adkins, Executive Director, Oregon Hunters Association (newsy-today.com)

“That system benefits birdwatchers, hikers, kayakers and all of us.”

— Todd Adkins, Executive Director, Oregon Hunters Association (newsy-today.com)

“Hunting and fishing are multi-generational activities and you will notice several generations at hunting camp together.”

— Michelle Dennehy, Representative, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Oregon Hunters Association is preparing to launch a campaign against the PEACE Act initiative should it qualify for the November 2026 ballot.

The takeaway

The potential passage of the PEACE Act in Oregon could have far-reaching consequences for the state's hunting and fishing traditions, as well as the conservation funding model that has supported wildlife management and habitat restoration efforts for decades. This issue highlights the ongoing tensions between animal welfare concerns and the role of sustainable hunting and fishing in environmental stewardship.