DNR Wildlife Resources Section Files Legislative Rules for Review

The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has filed legislative rule changes with the Secretary of State's office, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division's Wildlife Resources Section. The proposed rules will be open for review and written comment until 4:30 p.m. on July 28, 2005 . The availability of the proposed rules will be advertised in the State Register . In addition, the proposed rules will be available for review at each DNR district office, the Elkins office and the Charleston office. Individuals interested in reviewing the proposed rules should contact the Wildlife Resources Section staff at these offices.

Written comments may be submitted to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief, Wildlife Resources Section, Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 812, Charleston , WV 25305 .

Wild Boar Hunting Rule

Restructuring of the hunting and fishing license system during the 2005 Session of the West Virginia Legislature eliminated the need for a separate Wild Boar License (Class P) and included that privilege in the Resident Big Game Stamp (BG) and the Resident Hunting, Fishing and Trapping License. This proposed rule deletes the requirement for a separate Wild Boar License. In addition, this rule would continue to allow residents only the opportunity to hunt for wild boar.

Special Waterfowl Hunting Rule

Restructuring of the hunting and fishing license system during the 2005 Session of the West Virginia Legislature eliminated the need for a separate West Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp (Class MW) and included that privilege in the base resident and nonresident hunting licenses. This proposed rule deletes the requirement for a separate West Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp.

Special Fishing Rule

The Special Fishing Rule proposes to allow an additional fishing method for anglers. This rule is adding fishing with jugs or floats.

Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses Rule

Concerns relating to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and the potential risks associated with captive cervid facilities exposing the state's wild deer population to this serious disease have resulted in the filing of this proposed rule on Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses. This proposed rule establishes certain terms and conditions for all captive cervid facilities in the state (e.g., inventory, record keeping and marking of animals, minimum standards for captive cervid facilities including fence design and construction, disease testing and monitoring requirements for animals including testing for CWD and other transmissible diseases, etc.).

Falconry Rule

The Falconry Rule proposes to reduce permit fees for nonresident falconers who possess a valid falconry permit from another state that meets Federal falconry standards.

Lifetime Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Licenses Rule

Restructuring of the hunting and fishing license system during the 2005 Session of the West Virginia Legislature increased certain fees for annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses. In addition, the fees for lifetime hunting, trapping and fishing licenses were set at 23 times the fee for the equivalent annual licenses or stamps. This proposed rule allows for these fee adjustments to take place.

After the public review and comment period closes July 28, 2005 , appropriate changes will be made to the proposed rules and they will be re-filed by the DNR for action by the Legislative Rule Making Committee prior to the 2006 Session of the West Virginia Legislature.

**DNR**