Brief Description: Requiring a turkey tag to hunt for turkey.

Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Upthegrove and Buck.

Hearing Date: 2/3/05

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for managing wildlife and authorizing the taking of wildlife. Except for big game, a small game hunting license is required to hunt for all classified wild animals and wild birds. The fee for a small game hunting license is $30 for residents, $150 for nonresidents, and $15 for youth. A turkey transport tag is included with the purchase of a small game license. Additional turkey tags cost $18 for residents, $60 for nonresidents, and $9 for youth. Transport tags are required for certain game, including wild turkeys, and a person who kills a wild turkey shall immediately validate and attach their own transport tag to the carcass.

Summary of Bill:

A turkey tag is required to hunt for turkey in addition to a small game license. The fee for a primary turkey tag is $12 for residents and $40 for nonresidents. A purchaser of a youth small game license may request a primary turkey tag for no charge.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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