RELEASE, Rep. Smith Affirms Support for Oregon Hunters and Cattleman
Release, Rep. Smith Supports Hunters and Cattleman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2026
REPRESENTATIVE GREGORY SMITH AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR OREGON HUNTERS AND CATTLEMAN
SALEM, OR — Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) reaffirmed his strong support for Oregon’s hunting community and cattle producers, recognizing the vital role they play in conservation, land stewardship, and rural economies across Eastern Oregon.
As the Legislature advances HB 4134 to address wildlife management funding, Smith emphasized the importance of policies that protect rural families while ensuring sustainable conservation efforts. “Our ranchers and sportsmen are not only part of our heritage, but they are also essential to the future of rural Oregon,” Smith said. “Their commitment to responsible land management, wildlife conservation, and agricultural production strengthens our communities and preserves the traditions that define our region.”
Amy Patrick, lobbyist for the Oregon Hunters Association and the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation, emphasized the importance of the hunting and angling community’s contributions to conservation: “Hunters and anglers are the ratepayers for wildlife conservation, providing the majority of funding for ODFW’s budget. We appreciate legislators like Rep. Smith supporting HB 4134 and the funding it provides the agency without having to increase the burden on the hunting and angling communities.”
The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association also expressed appreciation for legislative support. Diana Wirth, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, stated, “Wolf conservation only works when it doesn’t come at the direct expense of Oregon’s rural families. In the 2025 Session, we passed SB 777 to acknowledge the burden placed on our livestock producers. However, a policy without a funding mechanism is just a hollow gesture. HB 4134 provides the teeth that ranching families need to survive.”
Representative Bobby Levy (R-Echo) added, “My district strongly supports HB 4134 because for years we have overwhelmingly and disproportionately shouldered the burden of ranching, working, and living alongside wolves. My district understands why this modest tax increase is important, and I am proud to have sponsored it.”
Representative Smith reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside cattlemen, hunters, and conservation partners to ensure rural voices remain central in state policy discussions.
Rep. Greg Smith with the Oregon Cattlemen’s Leadership and legislators.
Representative Greg Smith is a Republican who represents the entirety of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, and Wasco counties, and portions of Clackamas, Jefferson, Marion, and Umatilla Counties.
###
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236
————————————————–