Oregon hunters usually get an annual phone call from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  But this year the agency is implementing a mandatory hunter reporting system.  Hunters are asked to call a toll free number or access the department’s web site to tell agency about their season.   Wildlife biologist Joel Hurtago says the responses are compiled then released to the public.

Hurtago:  “But the main reason we collect this data is to use it in conjunction with the biological data we collect after the hunting season to determine herd health and the amount of animals that are taken so we can set our tag numbers for the next year.”

The mandatory system has no teeth yet, but if responses are lacking, the department will meet in June to discuss incentives or penalties.  Over 300,000 people apply for hunting licenses in Oregon every year.