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 currently prohibits the killing of 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, thus allowing hunters to take bears under these circumstances.
In addition to this primary amendment, the bill maintains existing regulations regarding bear hunting, including tagging requirements, penalties for violations, and procedures for property owners who experience 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 provide more flexibility for hunters while still enforcing necessary regulations to manage bear populations and protect property.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 20-2-22a