OAR 635-079-0000. Purpose

These rules implement HB 2971, enacted by the 2007 Legislative Assembly, which authorized appointment of agents, subject to the Department’s direction and control, to assist the Department in its official duties by pursuing black bear and/or cougar with dogs. These rules authorize two classes of agents: (1) volunteer agents; and (2) private contractors hired by the Department on personal services contracts — for responding to specific conflict or management actions consistent with the Oregon cougar and bear management plans and/or to work on specific research projects.