This bill amends existing legislation to authorize local law enforcement officers to act as "authorized agents" in the implementation of community-based deer management plans. These plans are designed to address deer populations that are causing significant property damage in designated special deer management areas. The bill defines "alternative control method" to include various techniques beyond traditional hunting, such as controlled hunting, shooting by authorized agents, capture and euthanization, capture and removal, and fertility control.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for a community-based deer management plan, which must include details such as the boundaries of the management area, proposed control methods, public notification procedures, safety precautions, and landowner consent. The Division of Fish and Wildlife is tasked with reviewing these plans and may approve, modify, or disapprove them. The inclusion of local law enforcement officers as authorized agents aims to enhance the effectiveness of deer control efforts while ensuring public safety and compliance with established guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23:4-42.4