Wildlife CD Management Plan-100th GA - SB 1983
Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that prior to the opening of a new hunting season for an animal that was listed on the endangered or threatened species list in the past 15 years, the Department of Natural Resources shall develop a management plan including: (1) an overall goal for the continued growth of the animal's population and return of a stable population in all prime habitat areas throughout the State for that animal; (2) an analysis demonstrating the impact of hunting in different regions of the State and the impact on different take limits on statewide animal populations; (3) identification of biological indicators that would indicate vulnerability in animal populations in particular counties or regions of the State and a plan for immediately suspending a hunting season in those areas based on those biological indicators; (4) a summary of any scientific data considered and a list of scientific and academic literature consulted; (5) identification of the steps that will be taken to enforce the management plan, to inform hunters and the public, and the financial resources needed by the Department; and (6) an emergency plan to cancel a hunting season if the Department finds that the proposed season conflicts with the management plan, staffing or resource constraints that fail to provide adequate enforcement of the management plan, or new scientific findings or research indicate the closing of the hunting season is appropriate. Provides that if the Department opens a hunting season for a new animal, it shall set a fee for hunting permits for the animal. Provides that it shall be unlawful for any person to take an animal in this State that was added to the list of hunting seasons on or after January 1, 2017, and prior to the development of a management plan by the Department. Effective July 1, 2017.
SB 1983 Action
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