It’s Not Just Clark Couch Anymore
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralA class action suit has been filed against ODF&W (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife), it’s commissioners and directors for 50 million dollars. The core of the suit stems from ODF&W taking away ownership of animals that have been bought and paid for by Clark Couch and many others. ODF&W feels they have the right to classify any animal, bird or fish as wildlife if that animal exists anywhere in the world in its natural state. Unfortunately, they want ownership of the animals but are not willing to pay for them. Anywhere else this would be considered theft.
It’s Nice to see ODF&W now feels they can take care of the world’s animals; since they have done such a poor job managing Oregon’s. There are fifty plus people involved in this suit now. The elk breeders, exotic breeders, and pheasant breeders have all joined with Clark in this suit. One wishing to join this class action suit has until May 6th 2008. It costs nothing to file as the cost has already been paid. Anyone wanting further information should contact Clark Couch for details at 541-475-1133.
As usual, there is a gag order that has come down not to put any of this in the newspapers. Just another example of ODF&W and the state’s newspapers exercising their options for selective journalism.
Again if you feel you have been short sheeted by ODF&W feel free to contact Clark Couch. It’s time for breeders to quit being victims and start taking action to be part of the solution.
Good Hunting
Clover Creek Ranch Update 2008
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralWell another year has come and gone. Clark is somehow still in business. ODF&W was given the authorization to classify animals as wildlife by the legislature. This was granted to ODF&W even after they lost court cases in Jefferson County twice; appeals court in Portland and the Oregon Supreme Court. Instead of grandfathering in Clover Creek Ranch they found a way through the legislature to try once again to regulate him and the ranch out of business.
The game departments basis for what is wildlife is the following description: “If the animal is running wild somewhere in the world, then the animal is wildlife.” Obviously with that description ODF&W can classify and animal they want as wildlife. This will affect Elk, Ranchers, Pheasant Hunting Preserves and probably hunting on private property.
If I treated my customers the way ODF&W treats the hunters and fisherman in the state of Oregon I would not have any left. I guess that’s not a problem since this agency is out control and not accountable to the tax payers or anyone else, enough said on ODF&W.
According to Clark, he can still hunt buffalo, yak, sheep and goats. Ibex, even crossbreds and Aoudad sheep are off limits for the time being. Clover Creek Ranch has some additional help to serve their clients. Boars, pigs and some of the other animals I am not sure of. Clark has a new phone, 541-475-1133. I would suggest you call him to get an exact update on what can be hunted.
Good Hunting.
Oregon Legislative Session Overview
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged LegislationBreaking News!
With the end of the legislative session in sight, it looks like SCI will enjoy another very successful year in Salem. But there is important news that has recently been announced regarding the department that we need to share with you first.
The director of ODFW, Virgil Moore, announced his resignation today, stating he will return to Idaho, effective July 12, 2007. Marla Rae, chair of the ODFW Commission, has stated she will recommend that Roy Eliker, deputy director, serve as interim director while the search for a replacement is conducted.
Session Overview
SB 490 – Sponsored by Senator Vicki Walker, this bill directs the Fish & Wildlife Commission to adopt rules prohibiting the use of Internet or closed circuit media in hunting. It was broadly supported in both chambers and has been signed into law by the Governor, with an effective date of July 1, 2008.
SB 572 – Would have completely redefined the management of wildlife in Oregon and virtually reclassified all animals not indigenous to the state. The bill’s language was very broad, as well as vague. While it did pass through the Senate, upon arriving in the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, several concerns had been raised. Due to some significant lobbying and questions raised about the merits of the bill, Rep. Arnie Roblan did not schedule the bill for a work session and it died in committee.
SB 804 – This legislation was requested as the result of the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the definition of “wildlife.” Representatives of ODFW testified that the ruling completely overrode all previous rules regarding their authority to define exotic animals and the department needed the legislation passed to restore their authority to manage wildlife properly. Deputy Director Roy Eliker testified in committee that ODFW was not seeking broader authority and would not attempt to exceed the department’s previous role or status but as merely seeking to regain its previous role in managing wildlife. Based on this testimony, the legislation did pass both chambers and has been signed into law by Governor Kulongoski.
HB 2295 – This is the legislative proposal to redefine gray wolves as a game mammal. There was sufficient opposition mounted to keep the proposal in the House Committee on Natural Resources and it received only one public hearing and died in committee.
HB 2970 – This legislation was introduced at the request of the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and clarified some concerns regarding the suspension of an individual’s hunting or fishing license. It is part of the Wildlife Violators Compact and will bring Oregon into a better position to be able to support the compact. The legislation strengthened the sanctions for those who violate hunting laws and allows suspension of a violator’s license for committing crimes against the state’s wildlife and hunting laws. It has been signed into law by the governor.
HB 2971 – This bill allows ODFW to appoint agents to hunt cougars that damage property with dogs and was promoted as another for ODFW to properly manage the state’s cougar population. It was supported by ODFW but was still somewhat controversial due to the many complaints of anti-hunting activists. It was opposed on the basis that it violated the state initiative prohibiting hunting with dogs, but the bill still won legislative approval and has gone to the governor’s desk for his signature.
HB 3164 – Sponsored by Representatives Krieger and Clem, this bill was meant to clarify how public lands should be used for wildlife management and was designed to increase access to public lands for hunting. The bill was passed overwhelmingly in the House but stalled in the Senate once it reached that chamber’s Natural Resources Committee. It never even received a hearing in the Senate and died in committee.
HB 3165 – Also sponsored by Representative Krieger, this legislation directs the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission to establish a youth hunter mentoring program. The bill received a public hearing in House Agriculture on March 21, 2007. It was supported also by Oregon Gun Owners, Oregon Hunters Association and National Rifle Association-Oregon. Unfortunately, despite all the positive aspects of such a program, the bill never received a work session in the House and died in committee.
HB 3437 – This bill added crocdylia (crocodiles) to the list of exotic animals in Oregon but was originally written to establish new procedures for defining who can and cannot own and breed exotic animals in Oregon, and ban most exotic animals as pets. While it did make it to the House floor for a vote, it was referred by the committee chair, Rep. Arnie Roblan, back to the House Committee on Rules for further consideration. The bill was amended to restrict the ownership of some exotic animals and exempt anyone with a USDA license from the legislation but has still not been sent to the floor for a vote.
Oregon Legislative Update From SCI
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralThings are moving very quickly in Salem and the legislature is still scheduled to adjourn by June 29th. We have been working very hard at addressing the many issues raised by this session which are of concern to SCI members. We have scored some significant victories but the session is far from over and we will need to remain alert. Here is a summary of the latest events.:
SB572: The proposal defining exotic animals was scheduled for a hearing the House Natural Resources Committee but was removed from the schedule by the chair, Rep. Arnie Roblan due to some significant lobbying and questioning raised about the merits of the bill. Stay tuned! It is aimed at only facility but the drafters (animal rights) have raised concerns as it causes issues with the Department of Agriculture.
HB2791: The bill allowing ODFW to appoint agents to hunt cougars that damage property with dogs was passed out of the House with 40 AYES and is on its way to the Senate. This will provide an excellent tool for managing the bear and cougar plans that have already been developed. Some folks have suggested we shouldn’t support a management plan and try for repeal. When democrats control both Houses and the Governor’s Office, a more realistic approach is required. Some animal rights groups will attempt to derail this bill in the Senate.
HB3437: This bill add crocdylia (crocodiles) to the list of exotic animals in Oregon, but also contained language that could have opened the door for unintended consequences to Oregon Hunters. While it did make it to the House floor for a vote, it was referred by the committee Chair, Rep. Arnie Roblan, back to the House Committee Rules for further consideration. We have asked that more testimony be allowed when it is next heard.
HB2295: This is the legislative proposal to redefine gray wolves as a game mammal and eligible for taking. It was very controversial and appears dead as compromise by some groups was not accepted. It has not gone to the House for a vote yet so it still has a ways to go before adjournment.
There are many other issues we are watching or working for or against. The ODF&W budget presented a challenge as some wanted to move hunter program money to support fishery issues. For now this effort has been stalled.
Good Hunting
Oregon Senate Bill 572 Update
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralTo friends of hunting,
Well, Senate Bill 572 blew up in ODF&W’s face. Once again they tried to take over the entire animal kingdom and failed. The usual suspects were present. Kelly Peterson spent her usual amount of time trying to convince the committee that her points of view were valid.
It’s always amazing to me how far liberals like Kelly from the Humane Society will go to get their views across to others. On one hand she told a representative that Clover Creek Ranch was allowing hunting of Lions and Tigers. In another case she told a committee member that Clark was allowing hunting of Rhinos and Wildebeest. Since I have hunted the ranch more than a few times I guess Clark must have these animals hidden away in the Barn or perhaps under a real big rock.
In either case perhaps a mental exam would be better suited for many liberals since it is believed to be a mental disorder.
Good Hunting
Oregon Senate Bill 804: Another Bad Idea
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralSB804 should be opposed for the following reasons:
1. Against page 2 of the bill lines 9-11 “As defined by commission rule.” Wildlife means just that. Wildlife is defined as in its natural state and habitat, as per the Oregon Supreme Court.
2. If ODF&W were to be in charge of all mammals they would have to change their name to “World Department of all mammals and fish.”
3. 9-11 leaves the door wide open to give ODF&W their choice to select which mammals are wildlife or not. A specific list needs to be developed before hand, not after. ODF&W is famous for changing the rules later after they get a general listing.
4. Since there is only one game rancher in the state, of which ODF&W has been at odds with for 19 years most of their open ended controls would be pointed at Clover Creek Ranch and Clark Couch. Let me explain first they told Clark Couch to give up Bighorn Sheep (he did), then they told him to give up Elk and everything else is fine. Then later on Fallow Deer were off limits. Even though they don’t and can’t cross breed with any other deer. Its obvious they want to eliminate his animals one by one until there is nothing left.
5. I am against ODF&W having open ended control of what has already been classified as livestock by Agriculture Dept. and the Oregon Supreme Court and USDA. Their list is way too vague.
6. ODF&W needs to stick to Oregon’s Wildlife and stop trying to make up laws. They administer laws not make them up. They have not kept their word with Clark Couch and there is no reason to assume that they will keep it now. They want to get around the rules and laws so they can knock out Clark Couch’s operation.
7. While I was at the hearing Tuesday the 8th, I noticed the members of the committee voted in favor of a bill for raising White Sturgeon. Which is an exotic fish to Oregon and the ODF&W people were all in favor of that. Of course they are at $3,000 a pop. I am not opposed to raising any fish or mammal as long as they are raised and managed properly.
Its time to grandfather in Clover Ranch for what it is, an asset to the community and the state of Oregon. Remember some animals are both livestock and wild depending on their surroundings. Examples are Bison, Elk, Turkey, Ducks, and Pheasants, just to name a few. Many people eat Elk and Bison, because it is proven to be healthier than beef or other meats. If given broad controls ODF&W will classify these animals as “Wild.” Thus wiping out an alternative healthy option to beef.
Thank you for your time,
Good Hunting
Praise for Clover Creek Ranch
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged General"Your generosity helped raise over 100,000 that will be used for tuition assistance and to update our science and technology lab."
Shannon Polk
Director of Development
Trinity Lutheran School
Thanks for sharing your ranch with us on our recent hunt. We have literally hunted all over the world, even spent our twenty-fifth anniversary on safari in Africa, and our stay at the Clover Creek Ranch ranks as one of the best hunts we’ve ever experienced. Our sincere thanks for a wonderful hunt. We will be back.
Steve and Karen Timm
Publishers of The Varmint Hunter Magazine
The High Desert Chapter of Friends of NRA, under the umbrella of the NRA Foundation, would like to thank you for the generous donation of the Youth Hunt to our fundraising efforts.
Jay D. Green
Chairman
High Desert Friends of NRA
We appreciate your generous support and donation of a Corsican Ram hunt for our annual game dinner and fundraiser.
Eric Rasmussen
Treasurer
Safari Club International Central Washington Chapter
The Northwest Chapter of Safari Club International would like to thank you for your continued support of the mission of SCI and our conservation efforts. Your donation of ten youth hunts to our 34th annual banquet in Seattle has helped raise thousands of dollars to support Wildlife Conservation.
Gary Tennison
SCI Region #1 Representative
SCI Southern Oregon Chapter Opposes Senate Bill 572
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralDear Representative Garrard,
I am writing to let you know of our Chapter’s opposition to Senate Bill 572. I understand that this Bill is currently in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and if voted out will go to the full house for a vote.
It is no secret that this bill is not intended to better Oregon Law or to fix some major oversight but rather is aimed at Clover Creek Ranch and its owners, Clark and Nancy Couch. The State has been after this ranch for two decades now and is still unable to close it down.
One of the issues brought up in the Senate debate was that Oregonians are against so called "canned hunting". If this were the case how is it that the State operates an enclosed fenced unit for elk hunting that draws thousands of applicants every year?
And further, the Oregon Hunters’ Association has written up Clover Creek Ranch hunts many times as being great hunting experiences.
Our chapter of SCI has taken a number of children with severe life threatening illnesses on hunts at Clover Creek and all involved were very happy with the hunts.
Also in "Safari, Journal of Big Game Hunting", the official publication of Safari Club International, an article appeared just two issues ago showing the Portland Chapter also taking chronically ill children hunting at Clover Creek, and what a great experience it was for the children.
What is the difference between hunting on Grandpa’s 320 acre farm, or Russian Boar on Clover Creek’s nearly 3,000 acres, or elk on the Starkey Unit’s 10,000 acres? The only advantage the hunter has is that he knows the game he is seeking is there and with enough perseverance and endurance he may get a chance at it.
One final thought that I hope you will consider in making up your mind about this Bill is that it appears to be fraught with many unintended consequences that the Courts will undoubtedly be ruling over for years to come.
Darrell W. Mitchell
President, SCI-Southern Oregon Chapter
The Facts on Oregon Senate Bills 572 and 804.
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralSenate bills SB572 and SB804 is just another attempt by Oregon Fish and Wildlife to gain control over all mammals, fish birds, exotics and wildlife. If given this kind of control ODF&W will tell game breeders, ranchers, and their real target, Clover Creek Ranch what they can and cannot do with their livestock. Here are just a few of the problems this creates for the State of Oregon.
- First and foremost what they are trying to do is illegal. The Oregon Supreme Court has already ruled that Clover Creek Ranch animals are not wildlife. That’s why ODF&W wants control over all mammals, because they have already lost in Oregon’s lower and high courts. The US Department of Agriculture classifies these animals as livestock. What ODF&W is doing is against federal mandates. The animals that Clover Reek Ranch and other breeders have is not wildlife. These animals are under the authority of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, not ODF&W. So far ODF&W has lost in three lower courts. How much plainer does it need to be? If ODF&W is given this control the State of Oregon and certain state officials are opening themselves up to all kinds of legal issues and lawsuits.
- ODF&W has already spent over 3 million dollars of Oregon’s money to try and knock out Clover Creek Ranch. They flat don’t want Clark and Nancy Couch in business. They have hassled them for over 19 years. Investigations have already started to find out why. The outcome of these findings opens the state to more legal issues.
- ODF&W is responsible for the state wildlife, not it’s livestock. They don’t need and can’t handle more responsibility. The hunters and fishermen of the state are sick and tired of the how the state’s fish and wildlife is being managed. That’s why the states license and tag sales go down year after year. More lost revenue for the State of Oregon. In the 1960’s a person had a 60% plus chance of getting an animal he or she was hunting. Today that number is less than 10%. If that isn’t mismanagement I don’t know what is. A 50% in school gets you an "F" grade. I would hope that they would concentrate on improving the states management of its fish, ducks and wildlife. The Federal Fish and Wildlife people consider ODF&W one of the two worst game departments in the United States. Just another example of what Oregon does not need. Perhaps with a little effort ODF&W could start to regain the trust of its customers I.E. hunters and fishermen.
- ODF&W is supposed to be a management body of the states wildlife. Instead they concentrate on putting Clark Couch’s ranch operation out of business, why? This website has been started to inform hunters, fishermen and interested parties as to the goings on of ODF&W . It has information about articles written by Kelly Peterson and Ryan Deckert. Both of who spin the truth and twist it to death. They have no idea about game ranching, wildlife, livestock or hunting. Otherwise they would not make the comments they have. Kelly Peterson has bad mouthed hunting, game ranching and Clark Couch for years.
Well enough on the ODF&W. Here is some information on what goes on at Clover Creek Ranch and the good it does.
- Their operation hunts for bison, boars and various hybrids of sheep. They do not hunt lions, tigers, or bears. Nor do they hunt elk, mule deer, zebras, camels or donkeys. People like Kelly Peterson want you to believe that Clark hunts exotic animals. The animals Clark offers are anything but exotic. The animals are considered "run of the mill" animals in state like Missouri, Texas and Florida.
- Clover Creek Ranch offers hunts for youths, seniors, handicap folks, and hunters in general. The Safari Club International’s pacific northwest chapters have youth hunts on this ranch. These hunts are conducted to teach youth about the outdoors, gun safety, hunting safety, camping and in general to give them an alternative to sitting around watching TV. A number of adults accompany the kids on these hunts. I personally helped guide Madison Melgard on our last youth hunt of August 2006. She was a seven year old who was very sick and it was her wish to go hunting with her father. This was one of the most satisfying experiences of my hunting career, which has now been over fifty years.
- I have hunted on Clover Creek Ranch a number of times and what the Couch’s offer is a real hunting experience. Yes, it does have a high fence but it’s over 16 miles around. The ranch hunts like 3,000 plus acres, not exactly a small area.
- Clover Creek Ranch is good for Oregon’s economy. Ahswood Oregon was considered a ghost town a few years back. People stay at the ranch, in Madras or other small towns along the way. Thus supporting local motels, stores, gas stations and restaurants.
- SCI and Clover Creek Ranch provide opportunities for Sportsmen Against Hunger. The program works like this: after an animal has been harvested the meat can either be taken home or donated to Sportsmen Against Hunger. The meat is cared for and wrapped. After that it is given to the Salvation Army or another needy cause for distribution to people who can readily use it.
I can go on and on about Clover Creek Ranch and the Couch’s. They run a first class operation. They stress safety and even adjust their prices for youth hunts so the kids can be with their parents on the adventure. I realize you folks have a lot of bills in front of you to deal with, however; I have got to believe that giving ODF&W total authority over all mammals, fish and birds is not important. You have other bills much more important and pressing than that. The courts and departments, both state and federal have said no to ODF&W. Why should they be given an authority the should not have, can’t handle and been told legally their not entitled to.
Sincerely,
Good Hunting
Senate Bill 804 - Reclassifying Mammals and other Wildlife
Published by Good Hunting on Tagged GeneralThese two Senate Bills (SB572 & SB804) in affect allow mammals, birds and fish to in many cases be reclassified and placed under Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s authority. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODF&W) is trying to receive authority to reclassify any mammals as wildlife that they choose to. If they receive a favorable vote in the House, then ODF&W will have effectively closed down Clover Creek Ranch. These bills affect ducks, fish, birds, exotic animals and mammals of all kinds.
The Bills themselves and summaries of them are listed on the www.friendsofhunting.org website. Please take a look. Opposing comments on these bills will be listened to in Salem on Thursday May 3rd after 3:00 PM. They are trying to push these two bills through on the fast track.
1. It is urgent that you email the five Agriculture House Committee members listed below, and express your views on these two bills.
2. Tell your friends, hunting and fishing buddies, taxidermist, etcetera. Pass this info on, forward the email, get the word out.
In my opinion, this is a total takings by the ODF&W of Clover Creek Ranch and any game breeders. They want and are going for total control, period. Please respond to this issue immediately and contact the members of the House Committee on Agriculture listed below.
Arnie Roblan, Chair - rep.arnieroblan@state.or.us
Brian Clem, Vice-Chair - rep.brianclem@state.or.us
Patti Smith, Vice-Chair - rep.pattismith@state.or.us
Brian Boquist - rep.brianboquist@state.or.us
Ron Maurer - rep.ronmaurer@state.or.us
Thank you
Please follow this link to view the original PDF document of Bill 804:
www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/measpdf/sb0800.dir/sb0804.intro.pdf
