House approves wildlife amendments clarifying night take tools, board membership and depredation payments

Representative Snyder presented second substitute House Bill 309 on Feb. 26, 2025. Sponsor explanation and floor discussion outlined four main provisions: clarification of tools (spotlighting, thermal vision) for authorized night take of certain unregulated wildlife, membership qualifications for the wildlife board, licensing requirements for access to some Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) properties purchased with license dollars, and an adjustment to the livestock depredation multiplier used to compensate producers.

Key points on the floor: Snyder said the bill clarifies that spotlighting and thermal vision are available tools for taking unrestricted wildlife (e.g., foxes, raccoons, coyotes) and requires that at least some wildlife board members hold hunting licenses to ensure representation of hunters in administrative decisions. The bill also allows the DWR to require a hunting or fishing license to access certain properties funded through license sales; Snyder and others clarified that general public travel on roads across those properties remains permitted and that exemptions exist for grazers or those with cooperative agreements.

On depredation payments, Snyder explained a 3‑to‑1 multiplier for livestock loss when only one carcass is found but studies indicate multiple animals were likely lost to predators; the change affects how depredation funds are expended to compensate producers.

Vote and next steps: The House passed the second substitute HB 309, 63–6. The bill was transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.

Ending: Sponsors said the bill updates administrative rules and protections for both wildlife management and livestock producers; the House record shows debate and clarifying questions before the vote.