WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 65

A bill for an act relating to deer depredation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Taylor Collins

HF 65 allows landowners suffering over $1,000 in deer damage to obtain hunting permits during a designated season, helping protect crops and property from wildlife.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 378.
#deerdepredation #hunting
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 65

Summary of HF 65 - Deer Depredation Bill

Bill Number: HF 65
Title: A bill for an act relating to deer depredation
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 378
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Deer depredation, Hunting

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 65 is to address issues related to deer depredation, which refers to the damage caused by deer to agricultural crops, horticultural products, trees, and nurseries. The bill aims to provide a mechanism for landowners who suffer significant damage from wild animals, specifically deer, to obtain permits that allow them to mitigate these losses through regulated hunting.

Key Provisions

  1. Issuance of Permits:

    • The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is mandated to issue depredation permits and deer shooting permits to landowners who incur damages of $1,000 or more due to wild animals.

  2. Designated Deer Depredation Season:

    • The bill establishes an annual deer depredation season from January 11 through January 31.
    • During this period, individuals holding a valid depredation license and tag or deer shooting permit may hunt deer.

  3. Methods of Take:

    • Permitted hunting methods during the designated season include:
      • Rifle (with an approved cartridge)
      • Shotgun
      • Muzzleloader
      • Handgun
      • Crossbow
      • Bow

Affected Parties

  • Landowners: The bill primarily benefits landowners who experience significant agricultural damage due to deer. By allowing them to obtain permits, they can take action to protect their crops and property.
  • Department of Natural Resources: The DNR will be responsible for the administration of the permits and the oversight of the hunting season.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Natural Resources Committee.
  • January 21, 2025: Subcommittee formed to review the bill.
  • January 23, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.
  • February 11, 2025: Committee reports recommending amendment and passage; committee vote results in 12 yeas and 9 nays.
  • February 13, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; bill renumbered as HF 378.

Conclusion

HF 65 seeks to provide a structured approach to managing deer populations that cause agricultural damage, thereby supporting landowners in protecting their livelihoods. The establishment of a designated hunting season and the issuance of permits are key components of this legislative effort. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process and has received initial approvals from relevant committees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.