This bill amends West Virginia Code 20-2-5j to clarify the use of leashed dogs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for tracking mortally wounded game, including deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, and bear. It allows hunters who believe they have mortally wounded an animal to use a leashed dog or UAV, or both, for tracking purposes, while ensuring that the hunter or dog handler maintains physical control of the dog. The bill introduces new provisions that permit a handler to humanely dispatch a mortally wounded animal at the request of the hunter, under specific circumstances, and clarifies that any dispatched animal will count toward the hunter's bag limit.

Additionally, the bill establishes that any dog handler or UAV operator providing tracking services for profit must be licensed as an outfitter or guide, and those advertising such services must also hold the appropriate licenses. It removes the requirement for the hunter to accompany the dog handler and allows licensed outfitters or guides to dispatch mortally wounded game for self-defense or to prevent unnecessary suffering. The Director is tasked with providing a public list of licensed outfitters and guides offering tracking services, ensuring transparency and compliance with the new regulations.

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