Bill > HB2572

This bill modifies existing wildlife hunting regulations to allow hunters to kill bears in areas where deer baiting is occurring during concurrent deer and bear hunting seasons. Specifically, the bill amends a previous restriction that prohibited hunting bears using bait, by adding a provision that exempts bear hunting when corn or other grains are already present in an area for deer hunting. Under the current law, baiting for bear hunting is strictly prohibited, with "bait" defined broadly to include corn, grains, animal remains, and other edible attractants. The new language creates an exception to this rule during overlapping deer and bear hunting seasons, effectively allowing hunters to take bears in areas already prepared with deer bait. The bill maintains other existing hunting regulations, such as restrictions on killing bears under a certain weight, bears with cubs, and requirements for tagging and registering bears after a hunt. The modification aims to provide hunters with more flexibility during hunting seasons and potentially reduce barriers to bear hunting in West Virginia.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2572&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill