This bill proposes an amendment to West Virginia's wildlife resources law, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding bear hunting. The key change is the elimination of the restriction that prohibits killing bears in areas where bait is used for deer during concurrent hunting seasons for both species. The new legal language clarifies that this restriction does not apply if a bear is killed in an area where bait was used to attract deer, provided that the hunting seasons for deer and bear are concurrent.

In addition to this primary amendment, the bill maintains existing regulations regarding bear hunting, including requirements for tagging and reporting bear kills, penalties for violations, and procedures for addressing property damage caused by bears. The penalties for illegal bear hunting remain stringent, with fines and potential jail time for violations, particularly those resulting in the death of a bear. Overall, the bill aims to streamline bear hunting regulations in conjunction with deer hunting practices, reflecting a shift in wildlife management strategies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-2-22a