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. The bill also 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.

Additionally, the bill updates the criminal penalties associated with illegal hunting of elk, specifying fines and potential jail time for violations. It also includes provisions for rulemaking by the Division of Natural Resources to set parameters for the elk management plan, establish procedures for depredation permits, and ensure the health of elk imported into the state. The language changes include the insertion of the requirement for veteran permits and the rephrasing of certain legal terms to clarify the unlawful actions related to elk hunting.

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