BEND – The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has made wearing hunter orange mandatory for youth 17 years of age and younger. The rule will take effect Aug. 1, 2011.

The rule will require the wearing of a hunter orange upper garment or hat for youth hunters while hunting game mammals and upland birds (except turkey) with any firearm.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission also set the 2011 Oregon Big Game Regulations which include season dates, bag limits and open areas, statewide youth hunts, and other information.

There were several additions to the 2011 big game regulations including allowing the use of any legal weapon during rifle pronghorn, deer and elk hunts; and allow hunters who bought a Sport Pac to use the deer voucher for 600 series hunts.