Fish and Wildlife Service discusses big game fines and reptile enforcement concerns

The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss several key issues related to fish and wildlife regulations in Vermont. The meeting began with an introduction by Justin, the director of the workroom service, who addressed the committee regarding proposed changes to the state's fish and wildlife rules.

The first significant topic of discussion was the request for an increase in penalties for big game violations. Justin explained that the current fines have not been adjusted in several years and are considerably lower than those in neighboring states, where penalties can reach $20,000 to $30,000 annually. The proposed increase aims to align Vermont's penalties with those of other states and enhance compliance with wildlife regulations.

Following this, the committee turned its attention to Section 6 of the proposed regulations, which pertains to the taking of reptiles and amphibians. Justin acknowledged that this area represents a new frontier for wildlife management in North America. He expressed concerns about the enforcement of these regulations, particularly in light of the growing illegal wildlife trade, which has recently expanded to include reptiles and even ants, with some species fetching high prices on the black market.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in regulating and protecting these species, as well as the need for updated rules to address emerging threats in wildlife conservation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of revising Vermont's fish and wildlife regulations to ensure they are effective and reflective of current challenges in wildlife management. The committee plans to continue its discussions and consider the proposed changes in future sessions.