Relating to deer depredation

Progress

1. Introduced
   February 19, 2026
2. Subcommittee
   —
3. Committee
   —
4. Passed House
   —
5. Passed Senate
   —
6. Signed
   —

Died at end of session The General Assembly adjourned on May 3, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to deer depredation. Under current law, eligibility for the wild animal depredation program requires a producer to have suffered “crop, horticultural product, tree, or nursery damage due to wild animals”. The bill changes this eligibility requirement to cover a producer who has suffered “economic loss to agriculture, horticulture, or silviculture operations due to wild animals”. The bill authorizes any conservation officer to issue depredation permits or deer shooting permits (permits). In addition to landowners as currently allowed, the bill allows tenants to receive permits with written approval from the landlord.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text