The bill amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by updating definitions and regulations related to wildlife management, specifically concerning deer and elk. It introduces new legal language that clarifies the definitions of terms such as "deer or elk baiting," which refers to the practice of depositing feed to aid in the taking of these animals, while also specifying what does not constitute baiting. The bill removes the previous definition of "deer and elk feeding" and replaces it with the new term "deer or elk baiting," thereby distinguishing between feeding for recreational viewing and baiting for hunting purposes.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission, in consultation with the commission of agriculture and rural development, will issue orders regarding deer or elk feeding in the state. It allows individuals to engage in deer baiting during designated open seasons, thereby regulating the practice within specific timeframes. The amendments aim to enhance wildlife management practices while ensuring that regulations are clear and enforceable.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 324.40102, 324.40111