Brief Description: Decriminalizing certain hunter reporting requirements.

Sponsors: Representative Upthegrove; by request of Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hearing Date: 2/3/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

All individuals that hunt deer, elk, turkey, or bear are required to report their hunting successes or failures to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (department) during the calendar year in which their hunting license applied (WAC 232-28-299). Activity reports can be submitted to the department either by way of a toll tree automated phone system or through the department's internet website. If a hunter fails to submit his or her hunting activity report, then the department may deny that hunter's application for a hunting license the following year (WAC 232-28-299).

In addition to having subsequent license applications denied, a hunter that fails to compete his of her harvest report may be prosecuted for a misdemeanor (RCW 77.15.280). Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a fine of up to $1000 (RCW 9.92.030).

Summary of Bill:

It is no longer a misdemeanor to not submit harvest information required by the department. Instead, the Fish and Wildlife Commission may levy an administrative penalty of up to $50 against hunters that fail to submit a harvest effort report. The administrative penalty must be paid before the individual can be issued a hunting license in subsequent years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.