Brief ⁽¹⁾

HB 2976 would amend current law to provide for a fine of $5,000 for the unlawful intentional taking of a trophy big game animal. This would be in addition to any other penalty provided by law. The bill would provide that trophy big game animal would include: an antlered whitetail deer having an inside spread measurement of at least 18 inches; an antlered mule deer having an inside spread measurement of at least 22 inches; an antlered elk having at least six points on one antler; or an antelope having at least one horn greater than 14 inches in length. The bill also would permit the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to adopt rules and regulations that may be necessary to implement this bill.

In addition, the bill would increase the potential civil penalty for the illegal importation or possession, or both, of feral swine into the state. The civil penalty would be not less than $1,000 (current law $250) to a maximum of $5,000 (current law $1,000).

Background

This bill was introduced by the House Agriculture Committee at the request of Representative Schwartz. At the hearing on the bill, Representative Schwartz testified in support of the bill stating that it was intended to curtail poaching of trophy big game animals. In addition, a representative of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Kansas Bowhunters Association spoke in favor of the bill. Three individuals also testified in support of the bill. No one appeared in opposition to the bill. One conferee suggested amending the spread measurement of an antlered whitetail deer.

The House Committee on Environment amended the bill to decrease the spread measurement for an antlered whitetail deer from 18 to 16 inches in order to meet the criteria of being a trophy big game animal.

The House Committee of the Whole amended the bill to increase the civil penalty for importation or possession of feral swine into the state.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources amended the bill to increase the spread measurement for an antlered whitetail deer from 16 to 18 inches in order to meet the criteria of being a trophy big game animal.

There was no fiscal note available on the bill at the time of adoption.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html