STATUS OF PENDING LAWS
NOT DEAD YET : BILL ALLOWING ANTI-HUNTERS ON GAME COMMISSION
New Hampshire State Rep . Cathryn Harvey ’ s legislation allowing antihunting organizations to nominate people for the state Fish and Game Commission died in its first committee , but was revived for discussion in a working group and will be brought back up in 2022 .
BREEDING , TETHERING BILLS INTRODUCED IN THREE STATES
Legislation targeting the breeding and tethering of dogs has been introduced in three conservative states . Tennessee House Bill 547 and Senate Bill 511 had requirements for registration , inspections and fee schedules for anyone with 10 female dogs capable of breeding . Additionally , the legislation allows municipalities to pass more stringent laws , possibly creating inconsistent standards and costs statewide . The Sportsmen ' s Alliance defeated these bills .
Currently , nominations must have held a hunting / fishing / trapping license for five of the last 10 years . The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance sent letters and contacted the committee urging opposition to this legislation , and we will continue to fight as it moves forward next year .
Texas Senate Bill 323 would require anyone with five intact females who sells or exchanges even one puppy to be licensed as a dog breeder and to comply with commercial regulations .
Oklahoma House Bill 1580 bans the tethering of dogs under many circumstances and codifies parameters for keeping dogs outside . The ambiguous and confusing language could negatively impact common training and hunting practices for sporting dogs .
Breeding , tethering and transfer bills hit three sportsmanfriendly states .
TEXAS BILL HELPS FOOD BANKS , HUNTERS FEED HUNGRY
Texas State Rep . John Frullo introduced legislation that will give nonprofit food banks the ability to feed more people . House Bill 2213 , which passed the house and moved to the senate , allows hunters to donate exotic game , such as axis and fallow deer , to foodbanks . Current Texas law doesn ' t allow the donation of exotic game meat . This commonsense legislation will ease the burden that food banks face , especially in times of emergency , such as the recent storms that wreaked havoc on the Lone Star State or COVID-19 .
MONTANA BILL OPENS HOUND HUNTING FOR BLACK BEARS
Montana House Bill 468 creates a hound hunting and training season for black bear in the state . HB 468 would allow hound hunting of black bears during a spring season , as well as a training season from the end of the season through July 31 . HB 468 passed the Senate by a vote of 28-22 and the House by a 60-38 vote . It has been sent to the governor ' s desk to be signed into law .
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14 SPORTSMEN ’ S MONTHLY