DEER DAMAGE SHOOTING PERMIT S.B. 685:
SUMMARY AS ENACTED
Senate Bill 685 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 65 of 2012
Senate Committee: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
House Committee: Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation
CONTENT
The bill amended Part 401 (Wildlife Conservation) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish a deer damage shooting permit request process; and allow a person holding such a permit to authorize up to 15 people to implement it, unless the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) authorizes otherwise.
The bill took effect on March 27, 2012.
Part 401 allows the DNR to issue permits authorizing the taking of animals for a number of purposes, including the prevention or control of damage and nuisance. Under the bill, except during open season for deer, deer may be taken under such a permit if the DNR determines that deer have caused damage to emerging, standing, or harvested crops or to feed properly stored in accordance with normal agricultural practices. Within five business days after receiving a request for a deer damage shooting permit, the Department must determine whether the permit should be issued. If it determines that the permit should not be issued, the DNR must deny the request in writing within 10 business days after receiving the request. In denying a request, the Department must advise the applicant on other techniques for controlling or preventing damage caused by deer.
In addition, the bill provides that a permittee under a deer damage shooting permit may designate not more than 15 authorized shooters to implement the permit's provisions, unless the DNR authorizes differently.
BACKGROUND
Under the DNR's Wildlife Conservation Order, the Department may issue deer damage shooting permits statewide to owners of specific land with significant documented agricultural or horticultural crop damage. As amended in June 2012, the Order provides that it is unlawful to designate more than 15 authorized shooters to implement the provisions of the permit, unless additional shooters are approved by the wildlife management unit supervisor and district law enforcement supervisor. Previously, the Order allowed up to three authorized shooters.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.