Oregon nearly became the test case for one of the most alarming anti-hunting ballot measures in recent memory—and Amy Patrick is on the front lines of what happens next. As an independent lobbyist, sixth-generation farm kid, and late-blooming hunter, she reveals how IP 28 came frighteningly close, why the fight for a right to hunt and fish is far from over, and what it takes to push back when the politics are stacked against you.
Amy Patrick is an independent lobbyist in Oregon and the founder of Drift Creek Consulting. She also works closely with the sportsmen's community and serves as a client and advocate for organizations like the Oregon Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation. We break down how Oregon became a "petri dish" for extreme ballot efforts, why the state's initiative process makes it vulnerable, and how 140,000-plus signatures still weren't enough to stop the pressure. Amy explains the real-world impact of bad policy, the danger of political misinformation, and why wildlife funding, ballot measures, and conservation politics matter far beyond Oregon.
You'll hear Amy's experience at FTW Ranch and how being selected as one of the 12 applicants to attend the Field to Fork program in 2022 affected her, informed her and ultimately equipped her in more ways than just hunting. She shares how touched she was by the support she received and how she quickly picked up skills like field dressing and butchery. She uses her own experience and the understanding of how the nuances of hunting supports wildlife and habitat to advocate for its continuation at the legislative level.
Amy and Dana talk candidly about civics, polarization, social media outrage, and why too many people sign petitions or form opinions without understanding what they're actually supporting. This episode is essential listening if you care about hunting, fishing, trapping, conservation, public lands, or simply understanding how decisions get made before they quietly reshape your way of life. Amy's message is clear: if you want your rights preserved, you can't stay on the sidelines.
Tags: Women Hunt, Advocacy