I have listened to some of the comments and questions from commission members from the urban areas near Portland.

Among the nuggets: The reason beaver are not building dams in the coast range is because trappers have selectively trapped out the beavers that know how to make dams leaving only the lowly bank den dwellers. (Obviously if we don't see a dam and lodge we don't now there are beaver around). That from a member I shall allow to be un-named from Portland.

My thinking is that a potential commission member should have some wildlife experience or fundamental knowledge. And preferably be a licensed hunter or fisherman.

How many trappers were at the meeting? How many trappers are there in the State? How many trapper write there State representatives ? I would bet if there were numbers put to the above question it would be less than 1% and you wonder why you are not wining. JMO

Nothing like people trying to spread the word and fight for trapping and having someone that just has to try to run them down shows real moral character JMO

Would like to share an email I got this morning from a retired game warden that works tirelessly on our behalf. He was one of many that testified via zoom at the virtual commission meeting yesterday:

" A heart felt THANK YOU to everyone who worked with and supported the Oregon Trapper's Association in our quest to maintain the opportunity to engage in our most precious outdoor pursuit. While the petition was denied by a tie vote of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commissioners yesterday, it became apparent during the Commissioner's discussion that our sport and Oregon's trappers are in peril. I was completely disgusted and angered by the personal attack endured by ODFW's Derek Broman during open testimony, and have reached out to him and thanked him for his professionalism and in-depth knowledge of not only the dueling science of the issue, but the human dimension aspect as well. Oregon is blessed to have such a qualified young scientist/biologist working for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife!

The Beaver Work Group and the Trap Check Interval Work Group that are being formed will provide each of us and our organizations the opportunity (hopefully, equal opportunity) for input on how best to manage Oregon's fur bearing wildlife. While I agree with the concept of the work groups, I also fear that the disrespect for trappers and the dismissal of our first-hand knowledge of beaver and all fur bearers as citizen scientists will be overshadowed by the anti's and their supporting academics. The message that was repeatedly expressed by those supporting the petition was how if Oregon bans beaver trapping, beaver will become abundant and thereby mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and prevent devastating wildfires.

This message in my opinion is a subterfuge. It is clear to trappers that beaver and their management is a means to the ends---BAN ALL TRAPPING IN OREGON.

Again, thank you,

Stan Steele

Keep Oregon Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and Sport Shooting

I have been asked to take part in the Beaver Work Group. I'll keep y'all posted in the months ahead.

I have been asked to take part in the Beaver Work Group. I'll keep y'all posted in the months ahead.

I have been asked to take part in the Beaver Work Group. I'll keep y'all posted in the months ahead.

How can the state ban trapping beaver on Federal land? Just curious.