SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5157

BYSenate Committee on Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Owen, Pullen, Warnke, Metcalf, Garrett, Barr and Deccio)

Authorizing the carrying of hand guns while hunting.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1987; January 27, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5157 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt; Vice Chairman; Conner, Craswell, McDonald, Metcalf, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

                  February 24, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 23, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Game Commission has the authority to prohibit or govern the time, place and manner of taking game animals and game birds.  The Game Commission adopted a regulation which prohibits the carrying of any firearm except muzzle-loaders during muzzle-loading seasons.  The Game Commission also prohibits carrying any firearm while in the field archery hunting, during the set bow and arrow season.  Concern has been raised that there is a need to carry firearms for protection during both of these seasons.

Concern has been raised that authorizing the use of crossbows for hunting encourages the acquisition of these weapons.  There is a perception that, because of their silence, they create additional problems for the control of poaching.

SUMMARY:

The Game Commission shall not prohibit the carrying of firearms for protection while hunting, nor shall the Game Commission allow the use of crossbows for taking animals.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Rich Poelker, Department of Game; Ted Cowan, Washington Sportsmen's Council