[ODFW-News] Hunter Access to Private Lands Reduced near Heppner

[ODFW News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife =09
Contact: 	Anne Pressentin Young (503) 872-5264 x5356=09
Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 872-5700
=09
For Immediate Release	September 16, 2002

Hunter Access to Private Lands Reduced near Heppner

HEPPNER - The area available to most hunters in northeastern Oregon's =
Heppner Unit has been reduced by 37,000 acres with the closure of private =
lands that were open to hunting for more than three decades.=20

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife learned recently that Pioneer =
Resources elected to close their land along the western edge of the =
Heppner Unit to hunting due to the pending sale of the property. The =
affected areas include Opal Butte, French Pass, Parkers Mill, Tupper =
Creek, Board Creek, Thorn Creek and a small track near Blake Ranch. New =
signs have been posted alerting hunters that trespassing in not allowed in =
these areas.=20

The Pioneer Resources land was included in the Heppner Regulated Hunt =
Area, a cooperative program to provide hunter access. Other lands in the =
regulated hunt area and public lands will remain open to hunting. =20

ODFW biologists plan to continue efforts to increase access to private =
lands for hunting.=20

Hunters who have questions about the closure may contact ODFW's field =
office in Heppner at (541) 676-5230.=20

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Anne Pressentin Young
Public Information Officer
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
(503) 872-5264 ext 5356
anne.m.pressentin@state.or.us