Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources Committee

HB 2341

Brief Description:  Attempting to control damage to crops caused by wildlife.

Sponsors:  Representatives Eickmeyer, Grant, Schoesler, Doumit and Jackley.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make all reasonable efforts to use a resident of the county to kill or drive‑off elk, deer, or other wildlife causing damage to crops.

Hearing Date:  1/23/02

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background:

Wildlife damage to crops is a concern to both farmers and the state.  The director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife may pay up to $10,000 per claim for damages caused to crops by deer or elk.  The department on occasion authorizes someone to kill or drive‑off problem deer or elk in an area where they are causing damage to crops.  The department, however, contacts people from a state‑wide list for this purpose.  This means that they don't always use a person who resides within the county to conduct the hunt or other activity.  People who are not familiar with an area often are not as efficient or successful as persons who are familiar with an area.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife must maintain a list of qualified people, arranged by county of residence, who have indicated they are available to hunt or otherwise drive‑off deer or elk causing damage to crops.  Individuals on the list must meet all the qualifications established by the department.

The department must use the list when contacting people to help control game damage to crops.  The department must make all reasonable efforts to use a resident of the county where the activity will occur before contacting a non‑resident of the county.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.