The bill establishes a three-year pilot program aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of allowing the taking of the first wolf that returns to a site of livestock predation. Under this program, livestock owners, their immediate family members, agents, or documented employees are permitted to monitor predation sites and take the first wolf that returns. Any wolf killed must be reported to the Department of Fish and Wildlife within 24 hours, and the carcass must be surrendered to the department. Additionally, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is required to report back to the legislature by December 1, 2028, regarding the outcomes of this pilot program.

The bill also amends existing law regarding the unlawful taking of endangered fish or wildlife. It specifies that such unlawful taking is not consistent with the new pilot program and clarifies the conditions under which a person can be charged with unlawful taking in both the second and first degrees. Notably, the language regarding prior convictions has been updated to clarify that a person has been convicted under the relevant subsection. The act is set to expire on July 1, 2029.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 77.15.120