[5]By Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife [6],
SALEM, Ore.—A new and improved version of Oregon’s Hunting Map is now available online at
http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/ [7]
The interactive Google™ map has added functionalities including:
- Boundaries for Access and Habitat areas [8], wildlife areas [9], travel management areas [10], regulated hunt areas, national wildlife refuges [11], state parks greenways and wildlife management units [12]
- Additional ownership layers (BLM, U.S. Forest Service, other federal, state and tribal lands)
- Ability to search hunting areas on the map by species and location
- Latitude/longitude coordinates
- Printable screens and area details
- Driving directions and distances available through Google
- Links to recreation report and additional information on hunting and fishing opportunities
Funding for improving the map was provided through a $70,000 grant from the 2009 Hunting Heritage Partnership, a grant program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc [13]. The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation [14] provided additional support. ODFW also contributed $5,000 to the cost of the project.
“This online hunting access map is user-friendly and comprehensive for both new and experienced hunters,” said Melissa Schilling, Recruitment and Retention Manager for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. “We are pleased to be a part of Oregon’s effort to break down one of the top barriers to hunting–access.”
The Oregon Hunting Map was first introduced [15] back in August 2008. It is great tool to find out where to hunt, especially for people new to hunting or new to the state. Even seasoned hunters have discovered new hunting locations by exploring the comprehensive list of opportunities in a centralized place. Many hunters use it to scout out landscapes and opportunities from home.
Since it was launched, the Oregon Hunting Map has received more than 1 million hits from Internet visitors.