Oregon lawmakers pass bill to provide incentives for turning in poachers

Oregon state representatives unanimously passed a bill this week that will award hunting tag preference points to hunters who turn in poachers.

"When you sign up for a tag every year, if you don't get a tag you're awarded points to give you an increased chance of getting a tag the next year," said Rep. Greg Barreto from Oregon's 58th District, which includes Morrow and Umatilla Counties.

He says lawmakers increased poaching fines in the past few years, and they're hopeful that this program will help to provide them with more information to catch poachers.

"Will it cure poaching? No. All we're looking for is steps to offer incentives. We've got fines in place already, but you don't always catch the guys."

The bill now goes to the Senate.