FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1231

                                  C 197 L 89

BYRepresentatives R. King, S. Wilson, Hargrove and Fuhrman

Modifying procedures regarding disposal of skins and furs.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The director of the Department of Wildlife has authority to dispose of wildlife that is destroying or injuring real or personal property.  Property owners may remove or destroy animals that are causing damage with the assistance of the department, or department employees may dispose of the animals.  Hot spot hunts are usually used for bear outside of the usual season and hunting area.  These hunts involve hunters with hounds that are capable of taking the animal.

The director of the Wildlife Department is required to sell skins and furs that are taken by or in possession of the department.  The sale must be by public auction at a designated time and place.  The skins and hides from department hot spot hunts or from department trappers are sold through organized auctions like the Seattle Fur Exchange or the annual Washington State Trappers' Association auction.  The number of skins sold and the money received for them do not cover costs of storage, preparation (particularly in the case of beaver hides), and auction fees.

SUMMARY:

The director of the department is no longer required to sell the skins and furs of wildlife taken or possessed by the department.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 88   0

      Senate    46     0 (Senate amended)

      House 90   0 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989