HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5868

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senator Kreidler)

Allowing hunters to use big game permits in January following the year of issuance.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Brooks, Cole, Haugen, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 12, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Hunters who purchase hunting licenses and big game tags and receive a department permit to participate in special big game hunts must purchase an additional hunting license if the hunt takes place later than December 31.

In recent years, special deer and elk hunts have extended into January and February.

Some hunters do not wish to buy two hunting licenses in order to utilize one special hunt permit.

SUMMARY:

Hunters are not required to purchase a second hunting license to use a special hunting permit even if the special hunt extends into the following the year.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Kreidler, Prime Sponsor; Lee Smith, Department of Wildlife; and Jim King, WA State Sportsmen's Council.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The bill would result in less confusion for hunters, and help reduce the department's administrative problems associated with different expiration dates for licenses and permits.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.