The bill H.166 seeks to establish minimum requirements for hunting with dogs in Vermont, particularly for the training and hunting of black bears and furbearers. It introduces new definitions and regulations, including terms like "accompanied," "at large," and "control of dog." Key provisions mandate that hunters maintain visual or auditory contact with their dogs at all times and obtain written permission from property owners before allowing dogs to run on private land. Furthermore, dogs used for hunting must wear collars equipped with GPS trackers that display the owner's contact information.

In addition to these new regulations, the bill outlines permit requirements for pursuing black bears and coyotes with dogs, including associated fees for residents and nonresidents, and establishes a point system for violations related to hunting with dogs. It also proposes the repeal of certain definitions and requirements from the Fish and Wildlife Board rules, specifically the definitions of "supervise" and "control of dogs," as well as the landowner permission requirements found in 10 V.S.A. App. 3.1, 3.6, and 4.20.7. This repeal aims to streamline regulations concerning wildlife management and dog control. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-115, 10-4502, 10-4712(a), 10-4712