Committee backs bill expanding damage-permit authority for beaver and muskrat

Representative Paul Fielder sponsored House Bill 95, which he said expands authority for trapping or hunting beaver and muskrat that cause damage to include rural and urban structures beyond traditional irrigation and stock-pond situations. Fielder told the committee the bill would ‘‘allow more problems to be solved than just irrigation districts’’ and that it was requested by Fish, Wildlife and Parks to reduce paperwork and better protect private property.

Quentin Kujala, speaking for FWP as an informational witness, recommended passage and described the bill as a useful mitigation tool that applies beyond irrigation infrastructure to septic fields and residential sites. He told the committee the bill would extend opportunities for permits and permitless removal during a summer dispersal window to respond quickly when animals cause damage.

Property owners and trappers who regularly use the existing damage-permit system testified in support. Tom Jacobson described frequent bank erosion and damage to trees along rivers and said he ‘‘gets this permit every year’’ and would rely on the expanded tool. Michael McKenrick also voiced support.

Committee members asked about whether the measure applies only to private land (FWP: yes), whether a landowner must still grant permission for trappers to access private property (FWP: yes), and about the rationale for the June 1–Aug 31 permitless window (FWP: that is the dispersal period when conflicts commonly arise and pelts are less valuable to trappers). Kujala added that FWP is separately pursuing beaver-placement projects in suitable habitat and that HB95 would complement those efforts by providing a responsive mitigation option.

The committee adopted a vice-chair motion for a do-pass recommendation and advanced HB95 by unanimous voice vote.