SALEM, OR — Following today’s 5:00 PM deadline for Initiative Petition 28 signature submissions, the Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) issued a strong declaration of readiness to defend the state’s outdoor heritage, science-based wildlife management, and rural economies against what it calls a reckless attack by out-of-state extremist groups.
While proponents of IP 28 submitted a batch of 142,784 signatures to the Secretary of State’s office at the final hour, OHA leaders emphasized that a raw signature count does not equal automatic ballot qualification. Over the coming days and weeks, the state will undergo a verification process to determine the legitimacy of the submitted signatures.
Regardless of the verification outcome, OHA is fully prepared to wage a sophisticated, fact-driven counter-offensive.
Statement from Todd Adkins, Executive Director of the Oregon Hunters Association:
“The animal rights extremists behind IP 28 waited until the absolute final hour to dump their signatures because they wanted political theater. They want to grab headlines, but we are looking at the data.
Let’s be completely clear: IP 28 is a dangerous, unscientific disaster for Oregon and our Oregon Way of Life. It is a radical proposal that threatens the very foundation of professional wildlife conservation and strips everyday Oregonians of their heritage.
But this isn’t just about hunters. This radical measure threatens the livelihood of our farmers, ranchers, and timber families, while completely tying the hands of wildlife managers and pest control professionals who keep our communities safe. It is an attack on Oregon’s entire rural economy, our food supply, and our state’s balance of nature.
OHA is running a highly disciplined, fact-driven campaign. We are launching an intensive, weekly strategic response panel to test our messaging directly with Oregon voters to ensure that our victory is decisive, definitive, and sends the extremists packing. Oregonians from all walks of life are standing united, and we are ready to win big.”
If IP 28 becomes a qualified ballot proposition, OHA will mobilize its statewide network of chapters and members for a comprehensive campaign focused on widespread public education and grassroots fundraising.
To learn more about the campaign or to support the defense of Oregon’s outdoor heritage, visit www.oregonHunters.org.
