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

HB 1249

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Authorizing a one-year deferral of hunter education training.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Kretz, Orcutt, Takko and Haigh.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue a once in a lifetime, one year license deferral of hunter education.
  • Authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of hunting privileges for 2 years if convicted of a hunting violation while hunting under the deferred license or as the accompanying nondeferred hunter.

Hearing Date: 1/22/07

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

Hunter Education & Licensure

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) has authority to license all hunters [RCW 77.04.012]. The DFW also is authorized to establish hunting, trapping, and fishing seasons and prescribe the time, place, manner, and methods that may be used to harvest or enjoy game fish and wildlife [RCW 77.04.055]. The money collected from the sale of licenses, permits, tags, and stamps is deposited into the State Wildlife Account [RCW 77.12.170].

A hunter education certificate is required in order to hunt for a person born after January 1, 1972, and purchasing a hunting license for the first time. The instruction for a certificate includes at least 10 hours in the safe handling of firearms, safety, conservation, and sportsmanship. The DFW may also accept certificates from other states indicating a person has successfully completed firearm safety, hunter education, or a similar course [RCW 77.32.155].

Hunting Violation Enforcement

If a person is convicted twice within 10 years for a violation involving unlawfully hunting, killing, or possessing big game, the DFW has authority to order revocation and suspension of all hunting privileges for two years. Or if the DFW finds the person had a willful or wanton disregard for conservation of fish or wildlife, the department is authorized to suspend all hunting privileges permanently [RCW 77.15.700]. Other suspensions exist for such crimes as: bear baiting, illegal use of dogs, failing to appear at a hearing to contest a DFW infraction, and assault on DFW employees while performing their duties.

Summary of Bill:

Hunter Education & Licensure

The DFW is authorized to defer the hunter education certificate requirement for one year and allow an individual to hunt under the direct supervision and in the physical presence of an adult who has successfully completed the requirement of a hunter education course. The deferred hunter education license can only be issued once in a lifetime.

The application fee for a deferred hunter safety license may not exceed $20 and must be used exclusively to administer the deferral program.

Hunting Violation Enforcement

If a violation occurs while hunting under a deferred license, or if the supervising hunter that is accompanying the deferred licensee violates an applicable law or regulation, the DFW will revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of the violator's hunting privileges for two years.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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