CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 268(FIN) "An Act relating to big bull moose derbies and the Snow Town Ice Classic; and relating to permits for games of chance and contests of skill." 9:25:57 AM Vice-Chair Fairclough remarked that there were many halibut derbies. She felt that eliminated the largest game, may affect the gene pool. She wondered if there was a concern about restricting the opportunity for obtaining large game. She asked if there was a different form of conducting the derbies. REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, explained that there had been discussion regarding Vice-Chair Fairclough's concerns. She stated that there were some areas that already designated the minimum size animals. She felt that there could be an option to bring the size to the closest possible minimum. She felt that it would not have a negative effect on the competition, and would increase participation in the derbies. Vice-Chair Fairclough restated her concern about the availability for breeding large animals. Co-Chair Meyer understood that concern. GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), testified against the legislation. He felt that the moose belonged to the residents of Alaska, and should not be used to benefit non-profit organizations that were directed toward non-residents of Alaska. He pointed out that the King Salmon derby directed funds to non-residents. He felt that the non-residents of Alaska did not use the meat of the bull moose. ROWENA PALOMAR, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVOCATES FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE, VALDEZ (via teleconference), spoke in support of the legislation. She stated that the Advocates for Victims of Violence was eligible to receive funds from the Snow Ice Classics, that would help reopen their office in Glennallen, and continue its operation to better serve the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. 9:32:54 AM Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED public testimony. Vice-Chair Fairclough asked for information regarding the issues of non-residents. Representative Wilson stated that there was a misunderstanding. She stressed that non- residents did not have different requirements than residents. The moose would still need to go to the check stations, and the meat would go with the person that shot the moose, not to the non-profit. The non-profit was based on the measurement of the size of the antlers. Co-Chair Meyer wondered if Mr. Vincent-Lang had heard the concerns about targeting large game. DOUG VINCENT-LANG, DIRECTOR OF WILDLIFE, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), understood that the legislation allowed non-profits to have a derby to raise funds within legal seasons and methods of means. He announced that there was some concern regarding taking large animals out of the population, and the affect that could have over time. He stressed that Department of Fish and Game (DFG) closely monitored the effects of targeting large game. Co-Chair Meyer RE-OPENED public testimony. 9:38:06 AM GRANT L. LEWIS, PRESIDENT, TANANA VALLEY SPORTSMAN'S ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the legislation. He stated that the Tanana Valley Sportsman Association was one of the oldest sportsman's groups in the state. He stated that the focus of the association was on firearms safety education. The money from the derby would help to increase those education programs. Co-Chair Meyer CLOSED public testimony. Co-Chair Meyer noted the zero fiscal note. Senator Olson looked at the last page of the bill. He asked about the organization referenced on Diomede Island. Representative Wilson asked for him to restate his question. Senator Olson looked at line 7, page 4, and wondered what kind of event was on Diomede Island. Representative Wilson wondered if Senator Olson meant the Snow Town Ice Classic. Senator Olson asked for information about the City of Diomede. Representative Wilson replied that the reference to the City of Diomede was already in statute, and the only new addition was the Snow Town Ice Classic. CSHB 268(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.