Bill Text: VA SJR79 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Hunting over bait; Department of Game & Inland Fisheries to study effects of removal of prohibition.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-07 - Passed by indefinitely in Rules with letter by voice vote [SJR79 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2014-SJR79-Introduced.html

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14102064D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 79 Offered January 8, 2014 Requesting the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to study the effects of a removal of the prohibition against hunting over bait. Report. ---------- Patron-- Ruff (By Request) ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, baiting wild birds or wild animals while hunting creates positive economic value in the Commonwealth through spending on bait, supplies, and services; and

WHEREAS, baiting enhances hunting opportunities for Virginia hunters; and

WHEREAS, baiting is an integral part of a sound wildlife management strategy; and

WHEREAS, baiting is a traditional hunting practice and has been permitted in Virginia in the past; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries be requested to study the effects of a removal of the prohibition against hunting over bait. Baiting is permitted in many other parts of the country, and recent experience in one or more of those states may provide instructive lessons for Virginia wildlife management practice.

In conducting its study, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall study those states that allow baiting, focusing on an investigation of the policies of North Carolina and the experience of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for this study, upon request.

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2014, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2015 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.