Relating to the classification of persons with disabilities under the wildlife laws.

Oregon expands disability recognition for wildlife activities

Oregon expands who qualifies as a person with a disability under its wildlife laws. For fishing and shellfish harvesting, this includes people whose intellectual or developmental disability prevents holding or operating equipment. Examples include fishing rods, reels, clam guns, and shovels. A licensed doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician associate must certify this in writing to the State Fish and Wildlife Commission. Other qualifying routes include medical certification of permanent inability to walk without mobility aids, or permanent inability to hold or shoot a firearm or bow or hold a fishing rod. Qualifying lung disease means a one-second forced expiratory volume below 35% predicted, or resting arterial oxygen below 55 mm Hg on room air. A heart condition qualifies with American Heart Association Class III or IV limits. Permanent vision loss qualifies at 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses, or a visual field no wider than 20 degrees. Alternatively, applicants can submit their last official VA or military certification showing at least 65% disability. These are alternative routes, not requirements everyone must meet.