This bill amends West Virginia Code §20-2-15 to allow landowners or lessees whose property is damaged by deer or other wildlife to hire a third party to kill the offending animals using a bow and arrow. The current law requires the landowner or lessee to report the damage to a natural resources police officer or biologist, who will then investigate and issue a permit for the landowner to kill the wildlife themselves. The new provision specifies that the director must also issue a permit allowing the landowner or lessee to employ a third party for this purpose.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing regulations regarding the methods of killing deer or other wildlife, ensuring that all individuals involved must adhere to the same caliber and bow poundage restrictions that apply during regular hunting seasons. This change aims to provide landowners with more options for managing wildlife damage while ensuring compliance with established hunting regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-2-15