Committee backs study of $10 upland game bird stamp to raise wildlife-management funds

The West Virginia Senate Natural Resource Committee voted to adopt a resolution directing a study of the economic feasibility of requiring hunters to purchase an upland game bird stamp in addition to a standard hunting license when hunting on game and wildlife management areas.

Committee counsel summarized recitals stating that a recent survey indicated roughly 7,300 hunters purchase a standard hunting license in West Virginia and that a pilot estimate suggested a $10 stamp could raise approximately $37,000, "assuming that half of the hunters purchase a stamp." Counsel presented the estimate as contingent on that participation assumption.

The committee approved the resolution by voice vote and then moved to report it to the full Senate with a recommendation that it be adopted; the chair declared the motions adopted. The resolution asks a joint committee to study economic feasibility and report findings to the Legislature in 2027. The transcript contains a transcription ambiguity on the hunter-count figure; the committee did not provide additional detail on the survey methodology, projected participation rate, or any dedicated expenditure plan for potential revenue.