HOUSE 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.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Amondson, Basich, Beck, Bumgarner, Hargrove, Meyers, Sayan, Schmidt and S. Wilson.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (6)

      Signed by Representatives Belcher, Cole, Fuhrman, Haugen, C. Smith and Spanel.

House Staff:Bill Koss (786-7129)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES APRIL 3, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Currently, no statutory provisions specifically prohibit interference with licensed hunters during a legally established hunting season.  There is no requirement that only individuals who intend to hunt may purchase hunting licenses, tags, or permits.  Some individuals cite instances, in Washington and other states, of citizens harassing wildlife in order to keep hunters from taking game animals.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  It is a gross misdemeanor to fish or hunt after a person's license has been revoked or forfeited.

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 Washington State Patrol, or other law enforcement officers.  A violation is subject to a fine of up to $1,500 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.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ENGROSSED BILL:  New language makes it a gross misdemeanor to hunt or fish after a person's license has been revoked or forfeited.  The current penalty for these violations is a misdemeanor.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Brad Owen, Prime Sponsor; Brad Ace, King County Outdoor Sportsmen's Council; Kay McAudie, Washington State Riffle and Pistol Association; Mike Wray, National Rifle Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    In other states, individuals have organized to disrupt legitimate hunting activities.  Nineteen other states impose penalties on people who disrupt hunting.  While this would be difficult to enforce, it will deter activists.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.