ALLOW "HUNTER PINK"

House Bill 5484 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Lisa Lyons

Committee:  Natural Resources

Complete to 4-25-16

SUMMARY:

House Bill 5484 would allow the wearing of "hunter pink" while hunting.

Specifically, the bill would amend Section 40116 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA) by allowing an individual to take game during established daylight hours from August 15 through April 30 while wearing hunter pink.

"Hunter pink" would be defined as, "the highly visible color commonly referred to as hunter pink and includes bright pink, blaze pink, and fluorescent pink."

Presently, hunter orange is the only color that an individual is permitted to wear when taking game. The outmost layer that the individual has on must be of an eligible color. The article of clothing can be a cap, hat, vest, jacket, or rain gear. As long as camouflage is not less than 50% of an eligible hunting color, it is compliant with the color requirement.

Individual engaging in the following activities are exempt from the color-wearing requirement:

o   Taking deer with a bow or crossbow during archery deer season

o   Taking bear with a bow or crossbow

o   Taking turkey or migratory birds other than woodcock

o   The sport of falconry

o   Stationary and in the act of hunting bobcat, coyote, or fox

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5484 would not affect costs or revenues for the Department of Natural Resources.  This bill would also not affect costs or revenues for local units of government.

                                                                                        Legislative Analyst:   Josh Roesner

                                                                                                Fiscal Analyst:   Austin Scott

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.