SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23
(By Senator Wiedebusch)
Requesting the joint committee on government and finance to make an
interim study of spring wild turkey hunting and the need for,
feasibility and effect of prohibiting the use of certain types
of weapons and ammunition for the conduct of same.
Whereas, The division of natural resources filed legislative
rules in the state register on the twelfth day of August, one
thousand nine hundred ninety-four, relating to a ban on the use of
rifles in spring wild turkey hunting season; and
Whereas, The division of natural resources refiled those
legislative rules in the state register on the fourteenth day of
October, one thousand nine hundred ninety-four, which had been
modified to meet the objections of the legislative rule-making
review committee; and
Whereas, A public hearing was held on the ninth day of
February, one thousand nine hundred ninety-five, before a jointly-
convened meeting of the House of Delegates committee on agriculture
and natural resources and the Senate committee on natural
resources; and
Whereas, At such public hearing strong sentiment was expressed both in favor of and in opposition to the proposed ban on the use
of rifles during spring wild turkey season, although many
conflicting factual assertions were submitted by the various
speakers in support of their arguments; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is
requested to conduct an interim study to review and examine the
issue of rifle hunting during spring wild turkey season, the
regulation of same and the need, if any, for change or improvement;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance is requested to include in such interim study a review and
examination of the laws relating to rifle hunting during spring
wild turkey season and the enforcement of those laws and the need
for and feasibility of recommending changes to those laws to
protect West Virginia hunting privileges while protecting the
safety of West Virginia citizens; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance report on its findings, conclusions and recommendations
together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations to the Legislature during the regular session of
the Legislature, 1996; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and finance shall consult with a broad array of organizations
interested in hunting and safety issues; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare the report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from the legislative appropriations to the joint committee on
government and finance.