SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5238

BYSenators Metcalf, Owen, Benitz and Rasmussen

Revising procedures concerning the disposal of skins or furs.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, Kreidler, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  January 23, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The director of the Department of Wildlife authorizes the disposal of wildlife taken by department employees or taken under the department's direction.  Skins or furs must be sold at public auction by the department and the proceeds from the sales are deposited in the state treasury and credited to the state wildlife fund.  The costs of storing the skins and conducting the public auction is often not covered by the income from such auctions.  At public auction, bearskins last sold from $2 to $10 apiece bringing in $350.  Giving the director the discretion to either sell furs or to use them in some other manner would be a better management policy.  Extremely valuable furs could still be sold at public auction at the discretion of the director.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that skins or furs shall be sold at public auction and the proceeds from sales be deposited in the state treasury is deleted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 17, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: John Gillespie, Department of Wildlife (pro); Larry Bell, Dave Wood, Washington Hound Council (pro); David Malm (con)