The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was originally established as the Oregon State Fish Commission in 1878. Initially, its duty was to enforce fishing regulations and the 1848 Territorial Constitution to ensure the conservation of salmon runs. Under the direction of Hollister McGuire in 1893, the agency's duties were expanded to include protection of wildlife from exploitative hunting. Since then, the ODFW has enforced protective regulations for the conservation of Oregon's fish and wildlife.
From the guide to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife records, 1902-1981, 1960-1977, (Oregon Historical Society)