As you know, at the beginning of every biennium our state legislature establishes the state budget, including ODFW’s. This process is now underway for the 2026-2028 biennium which begins in June. ODFW is facing a serious budget shortfall which will impact anglers and hunters throughout the state. It’s short notice, but an important hearing on a couple of bills will occur on Monday and you can provide input before next Wednesday at 8 am. I’ll provide context and a method of expressing your opinion below but you need to take action soon.

ODFW’s budget request is actually slightly higher in nominal dollars than last biennium but lower in real dollars due to inflation. Costs are going up across the board for salaries and all programs such as hatcheries. In addition, approximately 51% of inland fish division revenues come from the federal government, at least some of which is in question going forward. (In the graph above, “other funds” includes license sales.) In the face of this, ODFW is likely to reduce headcount and eliminate programs.

As a result, ODFW has introduced two bills to increase revenues. HB 2342 will slightly increase fishing and hunting fees. For example, a regular fishing license would increase from the current $44 to $50 in 2026. The last fee increase was in 2020. HB 2977 would increase the state’s transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.5% with the new revenues going to ODFW for a range of conservation purposes.

If you follow the link to either bill you will see a tab labeled “Submit Testimony”. You can provide written testimony or simply indicate your “Position on Measure” (neutral, oppose, support). I have been told that most legislators do not have the time to read written comments but do look at the “Position on Measure” data. Note that you have to click on the “Submit text” button but do not have to write anything.