Wyoming House Bill 331 targets vehicle use to kill predators on public land

The House Agriculture Committee of the Wyoming Legislature convened on February 6, 2025, to discuss House Bill 331, titled "Taking of Predators on Public Land." The primary focus of the bill is to prohibit the intentional use of vehicles as weapons to injure or kill predatory animals on public lands, while still allowing landowners to manage predators on their private property.

The bill's sponsor emphasized that it aligns with existing Game and Fish statutes and clarified that it does not intend to criminalize accidental vehicle strikes on animals, such as deer or coyotes. Key amendments proposed included changing the wording from "harassing" to "intentionally" in specific sections of the bill to better reflect its intent.

The bill aims to prevent the misuse of vehicles in a manner that could lead to the torture of animals, addressing concerns raised by incidents in Sublette County that have negatively impacted the community's reputation. The sponsor highlighted the importance of this legislation in closing gaps left by previous bills, particularly House Bill 275, which allowed for the use of vehicles in a way that could result in animal suffering.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions about the implications for government trappers and the use of night vision equipment, with assurances that these activities would remain unaffected by the new legislation. The bill specifies that government agencies can continue to use various methods, including aircraft, to manage predator populations.

As the meeting progressed, representatives expressed concerns about the clarity and effectiveness of the bill compared to previous legislation. The committee ultimately decided to open the floor for public testimony, inviting stakeholders to share their perspectives on the proposed changes.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and public input, indicating that the bill's future will depend on continued dialogue among lawmakers and constituents. The committee's next steps will involve reviewing feedback and potentially refining the bill before it moves forward in the legislative process.