A sweeping ballot initiative in Oregon could fundamentally reshape not only wildlife policy, but food production, conservation funding, and rural economies across the state.
Initiative Petition 28 — known as the PEACE Act (People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions) — is nearing the 117,713 verified signatures required to appear on the November ballot. If approved, the measure would remove longstanding exemptions that currently allow hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock slaughter, and animal husbandry in Oregon.
Supporters frame the proposal as a moral evolution. Critics call it an economic and environmental disaster waiting to happen.
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What the PEACE Act Would Do
Chief petitioner David Michelson has acknowledged that “it’s unlikely 50 percent of Oregonians are ready right now to move away from killing animals,” but says the initiative is meant to spark change.
If passed:
• Wildlife would receive protections similar to pets
• Hunting and fishing could be classified as animal cruelty
• Ranching and slaughter practices would be heavily restricted
• Non-lethal wildlife management would be required
Limited exceptions would remain for veterinarians and self-defense.
Supporters also propose a “Humane Transition Fund” to assist workers impacted by the measure.
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The Economic Ripple Effect
According to Oregon State University, cattle ranching contributes over $900 million annually to Oregon’s economy. Approximately 15 million acres are used for grazing cattle, with roughly 11,000 ranches statewide.
Sportfishing generates nearly $1.5 billion in economic output and supports over 13,000 jobs.
Beyond direct revenue, conservation funding depends heavily on hunting and fishing participation through:
• Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act
• Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act
In fiscal year 2023 alone, Oregon received more than $37 million combined from these programs.
Remove license sales — and that funding model shifts.
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Wildlife Management Concerns
Levi Barrera of the Oregon Hunters Association warns eliminating hunting could create overpopulation problems.
“There are predators that make an impact on deer populations,” Barrera said. “If you take away hunting, there will be an out-of-control effect.”
Supporters counter that sterilization and non-lethal methods could replace hunting as wildlife control tools.
The debate centers on whether Oregon’s current conservation model — often described as “user-funded” through licenses and excise taxes — can survive such a dramatic shift.
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Food Prices Already Rising
National cattle numbers have fallen to record lows — 86.2 million head as of January 2026 — contributing to beef prices averaging $6.69 per pound in December 2025.
The Trump administration has attempted to ease pressure through expanded imports and agricultural reforms, but supply constraints remain.
Removing domestic ranching capacity in a major agricultural state could further impact pricing and supply chains.
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What Happens Next?
Petitioners must submit 117,713 verified signatures by July 2 to qualify for the November ballot.
If it reaches voters, Oregon could become the first state in the nation to directly vote on eliminating hunting and most forms of animal slaughter.
The outcome will test whether voters prioritize animal rights reform — or economic and conservation stability.
This is more than a wildlife debate.
It’s a referendum on food security, rural livelihoods, and the future structure of conservation funding in America.
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