HSB 627

This bill relates to hunting untamed game livestock on hunting preserves. _____ The bill defines “untamed game livestock” as bison, sheep, goats, and swine that exhibit feral characteristics and are birthed and raised in this state for purposes of hunting on a preserve in this state. The bill includes untamed game livestock in provisions in Code chapter 484B (hunting preserves) so that untamed game livestock are regulated for hunting on a hunting preserve in a manner similar to ungulates. Those provisions include licensing, fencing, tagging, and health requirements. The bill prohibits remotely taking an untamed game livestock animal. A person who violates this prohibition commits a serious misdemeanor and a subsequent violation is a class “D” felony. The person is also subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $430 but not more than $2,560. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025 but not more than $10,245. The bill exempts untamed game livestock from prohibitions related to livestock neglect provided that the hunting preserve facility performs functions within the scope of accepted practices and disciplines associated with a hunting preserve. A person who commits a livestock neglect violation commits either a simple or a serious misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855. The department of natural resources may revoke the hunting license of a person who violates a general hunting preserve violation relating to hunting untamed game livestock, subject to rules established by the department. A person who pleads guilty or is convicted of an offense while the person’s license or licenses have been suspended or revoked commits either a simple, serious, or aggravated misdemeanor depending on how many prior offenses the person has committed.