A bill being considered in the Rhode Island legislature would make hunting for deer on private land without permission a felony level offense.
The measure, House Bill 7858, would also require jail time (up to two years) for anyone who hunts deer on private land without written permission. In addition, the use of a salt lick to entice deer would be considered a felony level violation.
Sponsored by Representative Scott J. Guthrie (D-Coventry), HB 7858 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee last week. The Department of Environmental Management and the Federated Rhode Island Sportsmen’s Clubs testified against the bill as being unnecessary and excessively punitive.
“While we certainly do not condone trespassing, the penalties included in this bill go well beyond any reasonable expectation,” said Tony Celebrezze, USSA’s director of state services. “Requiring imprisonment for someone who makes an honest mistake is draconian and overly excessive.”
Take Action! Rhode Island Sportsmen should call your representative today and tell them these penalties are overly excessive and unwarranted. Visit USSA’s Legislative Action Center to find your representative’s contact information.