HB 1396

Department of Wildlife Resources; permits; use of dogs in hunting game animals, fur-bearing animals, and nuisance species. Directs the Department of Wildlife Resources to establish a permit for persons and a permit for organizations that hunt game animals, fur-bearing animals, or nuisance species with the aid of dogs and makes it unlawful for any person to (i) release a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species on any tract of real property or (ii) engage in hunting for any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species with the aid of any dog unless such person has been issued a permit to hunt with dogs by the Department. The bill provides that no person shall release a dog that hunts, pursues, or chases any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species onto or across, or otherwise allow such dog to remain on, private property without written permission from the landowner or lawful occupant of such property. Finally, the bill exempts from permitting requirements any person or organization (a) engaged in mounted fox hunting or hunting waterfowl; (b) using a tracking dog to retrieve a wounded or dead bear, turkey, or deer; or (c) whose dog remains in the immediate visual presence and control of such person or organization.