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WV HB4559
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/20/2026
Primary Sponsor
Eric Brooks
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends West Virginia Code §20-2-22a to allow hunters to legally kill bears in areas where bait (corn and other grains) has been placed to attract deer during concurrent deer and bear hunting seasons
- Removes the existing restriction that prohibited counting bears killed near deer bait toward a hunter's legal bear harvest
- Maintains all other bear hunting regulations, including the 10-day waiting period after bait removal and prohibitions on directly baiting bears with animal carcasses, grease, sugars, and scent attractants
- Introduced January 20, 2026, by Delegates Brooks, Pritt, and Martin and referred to the House Committee on Government Organization
- Preserves existing penalties for bear hunting violations: first offense carries $500-$1,000 fine and 10-30 days jail time; second offense $1,000-$3,000 fine and 30-100 days; third offense $2,500-$5,000 fine and 6-12 months
Legislative Description
To eliminate the restriction of hunting bears over bait
Natural Resources
Last Action
To House Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism
1/20/2026
Committee Referrals
Agriculture, Commerce and Tourism1/20/2026
Government Organization1/20/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available