FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1282

                         C 210 L 95

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing landowners to kill coyotes and Columbian ground squirrels.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fuhrman, Mastin, Buck, Goldsmith, Koster, Padden, Mulliken, Lambert, Crouse, Thompson, Basich, Hargrove, Sheldon, McMahan, Pelesky, Sheahan, Boldt and Elliot.

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  In Washington, a person must have a hunting license in order to hunt for wild animals.

Under current law, the owner or tenant of real property may trap or kill on that property wild animals or wild birds, other than endangered species, that are damaging crops, domestic animals, fowl, or other property.  Wildlife trapped or killed under this provision remains the property of the state, and the person trapping or killing the wildlife must notify the Department of Fish and Wildlife immediately.  The department is to dispose of the wildlife within three working days of the notification.

Summary:  The individuals who may also trap or kill wild animals or wild birds, other than endangered species, that are damaging crops, domestic animals, fowl, or other property are expanded to include immediate family members and employees of the property owner.

The property owner, family member, employee, or tenant killing or trapping wild animals or wild birds under this provision is not required to have a hunting license.  Coyotes and Columbian ground squirrels trapped or killed under this provision do not remain the property of the state and will not be disposed of by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     79 17

Senate    46 0 (Senate amended)

House     81 11 (House concurred)

Effective:  July 23, 1995