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Committee advances bill making edible portions of certain big game nonwaste; some senators voice strong opposition
Summary
Senate Bill 101 was amended to require the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to adopt consistent regulations and the committee advanced the measure; several senators strongly opposed classifying predators like mountain lions in the same edible‑portion category as traditional big game.
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources amended and advanced SB101, which would prohibit causing the edible portion of specified big game mammals — including black bears and mountain lions — to go to waste and would void an existing related regulation. Jennifer Rudy, the Committee Policy Analyst, summarized the bill and noted a sponsor amendment from Senator Daley that deleted a statutory definition and required the Board of Wildlife Commissioners to adopt implementing regulations by July 1, 2026.
Senator Daley sponsored the amendment; the committee moved to amend and do pass SB101 and the motion passed on a recorded voice vote of 3 to 2. Senator Scheibel was noted as the mover and Senator Pzena as the second. Senator Hansen voiced strong opposition in committee debate, emphasizing tradition and health concerns regarding consuming predatory species and noting existing enforcement under the current “want and wait waste” provision that can carry a 12‑demerit citation and suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for three to five years.
Senator Hansen argued allowing mandatory consumption standards for predators such as mountain lions departs from historical practice and raised concerns about public health and management intent when predators were moved into the big game category decades ago. The chair noted the sponsor provided a different framing and assigned the floor statement to Senator Daley.
Ending: The committee advanced the amended bill; the record shows a divided committee and Senators opposing mandatory edible‑portion requirements for predators.
