Committee sends bill asking wildlife agency to write guide regulations

Representative Burns presented Senate Bill 2008, saying it directs the Department of Wildlife to promulgate regulations for hunting guides.

“Commercial hunt areas are exempt... and private landowners is exempt,” Representative Burns said, describing the version the committee considered. Burns said the measure is intended to “legitimize the hunting guide services” and to protect landowners and the commercial industry from unregulated operators.

Members asked whether private land used by a guide would require a new license. Burns said exempt categories would include private landowners and commercial hunt areas and that the rulemaking process with the wildlife department would clarify implementation. Representative Cornwell, who said he employs multiple guides, asked whether a guide working on a separate private parcel would need a license; Burns replied implementation details are to be defined in the department's rules.

Representative Kane asked whether the bill sponsor would be involved in oversight of the department's rulemaking; Burns said he would be involved in the public comment and vetting process.

A motion to report the bill passed on a voice roll call, with recorded “aye” votes including Representatives Kennedy, Cornwell and Stewart; the clerk announced 6 yeas and 0 nays. The chair declared the motion passed and said the bill would be reported as due passed.

The bill as presented directs the agency to develop rules; it does not itself set license fees or specific enforcement language. Burns told the committee that earlier versions had included more detailed licensing language but that the committee chose to leave details to the agency rule process.