Committee considers tougher penalties, privilege revocation for criminal trespass tied to shed‑horn thefts

Representative Jill Cohenour introduced House Bill 354 on Feb. 4, characterizing the measure as a response to growing trespass for shed‑horn collection and calling for stronger penalties to protect landowners and wildlife. Proponents—ranchers, sportsmen’s groups and FWP law enforcement—told the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee the current maximum fine for criminal trespass is too small to deter repeat offenders and that those people can profit far more by selling antlers than the state can extract in fines.

The nut graf: supporters said mandatory suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges would provide a stronger deterrent against organized trespass for antler collection and would help wardens and county attorneys take cases more seriously; opponents cautioned about drafting, the scope of enforcement and…