What if I told you there is a movement underway to ban hunting, fishing, and ranching? A group in Oregon tried this year to get enough signatures on an initiative to put the issue on the ballot. This is the third time they’ve made the effort, and they get more people to sign the initiative than ever before. They managed to get 142,784 signatures. They didn’t get enough verified as valid, so the effort failed just a few days ago. It won’t be on the ballot. But they intend to try again.

I had lunch with Kris Millgate of Tight Line Media recently. She wrote an article on this movement for Outdoor Life. Kris is an outdoor journalist and well known for her excellent articles, books and videos of our amazing outdoor world. She wouldn’t give me her opinion on this ballot initiative because she’s a journalist and remains nonbiased, as any good journalist should be on controversial topics. I will tell you she’s an avid outdoor recreationist, which includes fly fishing and bird hunting as well as hiking, biking, and boating.

She was as surprised as I was to learn this movement to ban hunting, fishing and ranching is being pushed by an Oregon group, many of whom are vegan. They see their movement as a ban against animal cruelty. Called IP28, the P.E.A.C.E. Act ( People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions) is raising money. Millgate said $315,008,33 in the last two years.

“Some of these donors are not based in Oregon, or even the United States.” Millgate added, “Outdoorsmen everywhere should take note, and prepare to stand up and speak out if they want to protect their recreation rights. ”

In her article, Millgate interviewed Brian Lynn, Sportsman’s Alliance vice president of marketing. He said the amount of money raised is not that concerning; it’s the time commitment that should trouble outdoorsmen. The campaign’s long-game strategy is a red flag for the agricultural industry and for sportsmen.

I’m not a hunter, or an angler, but I do eat meat. I couldn’t believe there was a movement like this right next door. Could it happen in Idaho?

“I don’t think it’ll get much movement in Idaho, Wyoming or Montana,” said Millgate.

Still, it’s getting talked about. It’s sparking discussion. And the group behind it seems determined. You heard it here first. Well, second. After Millgate brought it to my attention.

Keep your ears open. There was a time we never believed we’d reintroduce wolves into Idaho, and we all know how that ended.