SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5185

BYSenators Owen, Pullen, Tanner, Nelson, Vognild, Talmadge, von Reichbauer, Garrett and Johnson

Providing for the protection of hunters during legally established seasons.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

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

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

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

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  April 18, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

There are no statutory provisions which specifically prohibit interference with licensed hunters who hunt during a legally established hunting season.  There is no requirement that only legitimate hunters may purchase hunting licenses, tags, or permits.  Some individuals may interfere with legal hunting activities, and there is no state authority to control such interference.

SUMMARY:

It is unlawful to purchase hunting licenses, permits, or tags with no intent to hunt.

Frightening, baiting, luring, or stampeding game prior to, or during a legally established hunting season, for the purpose of disrupting hunting, is prohibited.

Waterfowl blinds may not be vandalized to render them unusable.

A person may not harass, interfere with, or intimidate a licensed hunter in the field who is hunting legally.

Any person who attempts to harass, interfere with or intimidate a licensed hunter during a legal hunting season is subject to arrest and citation by Game Commission agents, sheriffs or sheriffs' deputies, the State Patrol or other law enforcement officers.  A violation is subject to a fine of up to $1500 and/or imprisonment for not more than six months.

The provisions do not apply to illegal hunters, persons preventing injury to protected wildlife, persons protecting unauthorized trespass on private property, self-defense against a person who is attempting to prevent legal hunting, a landowner preventing wildlife damage to his property, or federal and state wildlife personnel controlling wildlife.

The provisions apply to all lands in the state.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

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