This bill introduces new legal definitions and prohibitions regarding wanton animal waste and certain wildlife hunting contests. Specifically, it defines "wanton waste" as the intentional act of leaving a wounded or killed animal in the field or forest without making reasonable efforts to retrieve it for consumption or use, with exceptions for diseased or grossly mutilated animals, and those taken in defense of person or property. The bill establishes that no person shall commit wanton waste of a wild animal they have wounded or killed while hunting, making such an act a violation. Additionally, it allows for the executive director to adopt rules regarding the applicability of this section to hunting and fishing in the state.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the organization, promotion, or participation in wildlife killing contests that target species regulated by the fish and game commission, defining a contest as any competition where prizes are awarded for taking individuals of covered species. Exceptions are made for lawful taking, scientific investigations, and specific contests comparing sizes of registered deer and turkeys, as well as permitted fishing derbies. Violations of this section are classified as a class B misdemeanor. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and it is anticipated to have indeterminable fiscal impacts on state and local expenditures due to potential changes in enforcement and judicial costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 207:1