SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 34

(By Senators Smith, Sypolt, Plymale, and Stollings)

[Introduced February 22, 2018]

Requesting the Division of Natural Resources to study deer hunting in the state and recommend changes in order to implement a more effective plan of deer hunting management.

Whereas, Since 1999, hunting license sales are down 59 percent for residents and 38 percent for nonresidents. Buck tag sales are also down 65 percent for residents and 62 percent for nonresidents; and

Whereas, Total hunting license sales are down by $545,612; and

Whereas, The Division of Natural Resources should consider lowering the buck limit to two, encourage doe harvest by changing the license structure, create an additional buck tag, create a universal Class N doe tag that can be used in any season, and create educational opportunities for hunters to be involved in deer management; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Natural Resources to study deer hunting in the state and recommend changes in order to implement a more effective plan of deer hunting management; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Legislature requests the Division of Natural Resources to seek input from hunting groups on how to achieve these goals; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Director of the Division of Natural Resources.