This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish specific provisions regarding elk management and hunting permits. It mandates that five percent of all elk hunting permits be allocated to West Virginia residents who are honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces. Additionally, the bill outlines the creation of an Elk Damage Fund, which will receive ten percent of all application fees for elk hunting, to compensate for damages caused by elk to agricultural crops, fences, and personal gardens.

The bill also updates the criminal penalties associated with illegal hunting of elk, specifying that it is unlawful to hunt, capture, or kill elk outside of established hunting seasons or permits. The penalties for violations are categorized by the number of offenses, with increasing fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for rulemaking by the director of the Division of Natural Resources to establish parameters for the elk management plan, procedures for issuing depredation permits, and protocols for ensuring the health of imported elk.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-2-5h