HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 2577

BYRepresentatives Morris, R. King, S. Wilson and Haugen; by request of Department of Wildlife

Allowing the issuance of special hunting permits.

House Committe on Fisheries & Wildlife

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives R. King, Chair; Morris, Vice Chair; S. Wilson, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bowman, Cole, Smith, Spanel and Vekich.

House Staff:Robert Butts (786-7841)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The 1987 Legislature passed legislation that allows the Wildlife Commission to authorize the hunting of "post mature male trophy quality animals" from herds in areas not normally open to the public.  For these special hunts, permits and tags must be sold by auction.

The legislation also allowed organizations to contract with the department to sponsor the hunt.

Since passage of the legislation, questions have risen regarding the definition of a "post mature male trophy quality animal."  In addition, strong sentiment has been expressed that the Wildlife Commission should not be limited to utilizing just an auction in issuing these permits, but also should be able to use a raffle.

SUMMARY:

Instead of limiting special hunts to "post mature male trophy quality animals" in specified areas, special hunts may be authorized by the Wildlife Commission for "trophy quality" game animals without regard to location.  The commission shall adopt rules defining trophy quality for each species involved in a special hunt.

Language permitting the use of auctions for selecting participants for special hunts is removed:  participants shall be selected only by raffle.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 9, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Original Bill)  Lee Smith, Department of Wildlife; Jim King, WA State Sportsmen's Council; J.K. Johnson, WA Muzzleloaders Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Original Bill)  The measure will expand options available to the Wildlife Commission when it considers the authorization of special hunts.  The occasional use of a raffle to allocate certain game permits and tags is favored by many hunters.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.