Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/26/2001 09:05 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 72(RES)
"An Act relating to 'take-a-child-hunting' seasons for big
game."
KRISTOPHER KNAUSS, Staff, Senator Kelly, stated that SB 72 would
allow the Board of Game to establish big game hunting seasons
before the school year starts in the fall and before the regular
hunting season begins for Alaskans. Currently, many children begin
their school year before the start of hunting season and are unable
to share the experience with their families. Under the
legislation, families would have the opportunity to enjoy time
together and learn important aspects of the hunting culture.
Mr. Knauss stated SB 72 would require the Board of Game to limit
use of the "extended season" to children accompanied by a resident
parent, stepparent, or legal resident guardian. The Board would
have the authority in determining game units for implementation.
Mr. Knauss referenced the blank committee substitute before
Committee members, work draft, 22-LS0084\P, Utermohle, 2/19/01.
[Copy on File].
Co-Chair Kelly moved to adopt that work draft. There being no
objection, the work draft was ADOPTED as the version before the
Committee.
Senator Austerman asked how the person older than 17, but not yet
21 years old would be classified.
Co-Chair Kelly noted that his staff had spoken with Legislative
Legal who stated, "judgment calls could be made" on those ages.
The intent of the bill was not to allow an 18 year old to take a
17-year-old hunting. However, a 21 year old could take a 17-year-
old hunting. There would be a separation provided in the bill.
MATT ROBUS, Deputy Director, Division of Wildlife Conservation,
Department of Fish & Game, acknowledged that the Board of Game does
have the authority to establish this type of hunt; however, it
would develop a new class of "hunter". He pointed out that given
that, it would be best to address it through legislation. The bill
language provides the Board of Game discretion on establishing the
hunts.
Mr. Robus stated that such hunts would not be appropriate where
there is already a hunting season prior to school. The legislation
should pertain primarily to moose hunts, which generally start in
early September.
The Department requests that the Board of Game provide the
following regulations:
· Separate youth seasons from the main regular hunts;
· Administer the hunts through a registration hunt, in
order that participation could be tracked in the hunt so
that the harvest would be known; and
· Request that the registration hunt be established as a
two-person hunt with a bag limit of one animal.
Mr. Robus voiced his concern with early season moose hunting and
how successful children would be in doing that type hunt. He
commented that caribou and black bear hunting would probably be
more successful for the child.
Senator Austerman asked the legal age for a license requirement.
Mr. Robus replied that there is no legal minimum age requirement
and that anyone under 16 years of age would not need a license.
Senator Austerman inquired what was being classified as "big game".
Mr. Robus replied that big game would be black bear, brown bear,
mountain goat, sheep, caribou, deer and moose.
Senator Olson questioned why musk oxen had been excluded from the
bill.
Co-Chair Kelly replied that was a recommendation of the Department.
Senator Olson noted that in his part of the State, musk oxen were
the only big game animals available to hunt.
Co-Chair Kelly explained that musk oxen are strictly "permit"
hunting. He added that harvest is tightly managed because of the
number of existing animals.
Senator Olson indicated that in Nunivak, there are big game guides.
Mr. Robus responded that in Game Management Unit #18, which
includes Nunivak, a registration permit is necessary for a cow musk
ox, with the month-long season beginning September 1. That hunt is
available by registration and not by lottery. He stressed that
statewide, the musk oxen tend to be in short supply.
Co-Chair Kelly interjected that in highly managed herds, the option
of youth hunts would not be eligible. The way, in which the bill
is structured, the Board would be given the discretionary choice.
Senator Olson interjected that he wanted to guarantee that his
constituents were being represented.
Co-Chair Kelly indicated that he would speak with the director of
the Board of Wildlife Conservation regarding that concern.
Mr. Robus explained to Senator Green that if there were an adult
and child hunting together before the season opened, the
legislation would allow the adult to be hunting before any other
adult, which would allow the adult privileges of taking a second
animal. He knew that would be controversial for those that do not
have children and warned that it could promote the youth hunt for
the wrong reasons.
Senator Green indicated that she did not notice those concerns
addressed in the bill.
Co-Chair Kelly stated that the Department should indicate those
concerns to the Board. He added that he would also send a letter
to the Board.
Senator Hoffman understood that whoever shoots the animal would be
responsible to tag it. He asked if only the child would have the
authority to shoot.
Mr. Robus acknowledged that whomever shoots must tag it; however,
either party can shoot. The Department advises that animal would
then become the animal allowance for both of the parties for that
season.
Co-Chair Kelly commented that the point of who shoots is not
critical to whom the tag is attributed. If the family decides to
take advantage of the early season shot, then the tag would be
used.
Senator Ward commented that he would like to encourage parents
taking their children hunting. He thought that some families might
need more than one animal each year. He added that the kill should
not take away from the parents permit.
Co-Chair Kelly interjected that it would not take away from that
situation. The family could make the decision and then be given
the option.
Senator Leman moved to report CS SB 72(FIN) from Committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note.
There being no objection, CS SB 72 (FIN) MOVED from Committee with
a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by
Department of Fish & Game.
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