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Bill Summary · SF 83

Summary of SF 83: Deer Depredation Bill

Bill Number: SF 83
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Status: Subcommittee Meeting scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Room G15
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Crops, Damages, Deer Depredation, Firearms, Game Animals, Hunting, Natural Resources Department, Wildlife

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 83 is to address the issue of deer depredation, which refers to the damage caused by deer to agricultural crops and horticultural products. The bill aims to provide a mechanism for landowners who suffer significant damage from deer to obtain permits that allow them to manage the deer population effectively.

Key Provisions

  1. Depredation Permits:

    • The bill mandates the Department of Natural Resources to issue depredation permits and deer shooting permits to landowners who incur damages of $1,000 or more due to wild animals, specifically deer.

  2. Designated Deer Depredation Season:

    • 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 can hunt deer.

  3. Methods of Take:

    • The bill specifies that during the designated season, hunters may use various methods to take deer, including:
      • Rifles with approved cartridges
      • Shotguns
      • Muzzleloaders
      • Handguns
      • Crossbows
      • Bows

Who Would Be Affected

  • Landowners: Those who experience crop, horticultural product, tree, or nursery damage due to deer will benefit from the provisions of this bill, as it provides them with legal means to mitigate their losses.
  • Hunters: Individuals interested in hunting deer during the designated depredation season will need to obtain the appropriate permits and licenses.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Natural Resources and Environment committee on January 22, 2025.
  • A subcommittee meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2025, to discuss the bill further.

Conclusion

SF 83 seeks to provide a structured approach to managing deer populations in relation to agricultural damage. By allowing landowners to obtain permits for deer hunting during a specified season, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by deer depredation while ensuring that hunting practices are regulated and controlled.

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

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