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Committee amends and advances bill to protect November mule deer buck hunts
Summary
The committee approved an amendment and advanced HB139 that sets parameters protecting November mule-deer buck hunting opportunity; supporters said it preserves tradition while allowing management, opponents argued season-setting should remain with the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee took executive action on House Bill 139, a measure framed by sponsors as protecting November mule-deer buck hunting. Vice Chair moved an amendment clarifying historical context and naming the measure the "November Mule Deer Buck Hunt Protection Act." Debate focused on whether season-setting belongs in statute or with the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission and whether codifying dates would constrain scientific management.
Opponents, including conservation organizations and some committee members, urged keeping season-setting with the commission and warned that statutory seasons reduce the ability of biologists to respond to changing conditions. Representative Marler and others argued the commission, staffed with biologists and stakeholders, is the appropriate venue for season-setting.
Supporters and some legislators said the amendment and bill provide guardrails to preserve a long-standing November hunting tradition and allow the commission to close hunts in areas where necessary. A roll-call vote on the amended bill recorded 11 ayes and 9 noes, and the committee ordered HB139 to pass as amended to the floor.
Next steps: HB139, as amended, will advance to the House floor for further consideration. Committee debate underscored competing views about legislative versus commission authority on season-setting.
