The Oregon Bear and Cougar Coalition
P.O Box 82776
Portland OR 97282
(503) 232-8626
The following is from a videotape, produced by the hunters themselves, of several Oregon bear hunts. The Oregon Bear and Cougar Coalition obtained the tape from the state police, which had seized it for use as evidence in the 1990 poaching conviction of Mr. Johnie Young. Hunts such as this are now prevented by Measure 18, which Oregon voters passed in 1994 to ban the hunting of bears with dogs or bait, and the hunting of cougars with dogs. In response to Measure 18, hound hunting supporters formed the Oregon United Sporting Dog Peoples Committee, dedicated to overturning the measure in the state legislature. They chose Johnie Young as their treasurer.
Less than three months after Measure 18's passage, the Oregon legislature introduced the first of an unprecedented 10 bills designed to suspend or overturn the measure. Several of these bills came very close to passing, but thanks to a strong public outcry against legislative tampering with a popular vote, Measure 18 remains Oregon's law.
Despite this defeat, bear and cougar trophy hunters are very likely to renew their attacks on Measure 18 when the legislature reconvenes in 1997. They may also collect enough signatures to place a repeal on the 1996 ballot. The Oregon Bear and Cougar Coalition will continue to oppose these efforts in order to give bears and cougars a sporting chance. The alternative is to return to the unfair and cruel practices which this video documents.