HB 1512-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires the commission to authorize either one or two antlerless permits per hunter for special hunts held in damage areas when qualified department staff, or their designee, have confirmed six incidents of crop damage caused by deer or elk.

Provides that, as an alternative to hunting, the department shall work with affected entities to relocate deer and elk when needed to augment existing herds.

Provides that, when the department receives six complaints concerning damage to commercial agricultural and horticultural crop production by wildlife from the owner or tenant of real property, or from several owners or tenants in a locale, the commission shall conduct a special hunt or special hunts to reduce the potential for the damage, and shall authorize either one or two permits per hunter. Each complaint must be confirmed by qualified department staff, or their designee.

Provides that the director shall determine by random selection the identity of hunters who may hunt within the area of the special hunt and shall determine the conditions and requirements of the selection process.

Requires hunters who participate in hunts under this act to report any kills to the department. The department must include a summary of the wildlife harvested in these hunts in the annual game management reports it makes available to the public.