Committee advances HB 1063 to expand deer‑management and change Sunday‑hunting rules after extended debate

The House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 20 approved House Bill 1063, a broad measure covering DNR authority for deer population control on certain properties, modifications to Sunday hunting rules in specified counties and a temporary, limited allowance for hunting certain migratory game birds on Sundays for juniors, seniors, apprentices and students.

The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allow deer‑population control on contiguous properties of at least 10 acres with documented deer damage, modifies Sunday hunting hour restrictions during deer firearm season in specified counties, and includes a three‑year period for certain migratory bird hunting changes beginning July 1, 2027. The measure also requires DNR to report by Dec. 1, 2029, on the effectiveness of the changes.

Subcommittee amendments altered deer‑damage permit provisions, adjusted Sunday‑hunting time limits and clarified trail‑distance protections (increasing the distance to 150 yards in some instances). Committee members voiced sharply different views.

Delegate Grammer and Delegate Jacobs raised conservation and population‑management concerns. Grammer said he opposed parts of the bill and noted past moratoriums that followed population declines. Delegate Grammer said the migratory‑bird provisions and expanded Sunday authorizations could have broader impacts than the bill’s supporters described.

Several members, including Delegate Anderson and Delegate Boyce, said they supported the bill because of constituent safety concerns (noting vehicle collisions with deer) and because federal regulation and DNR authority would protect migratory species. Chair Boyce and others stressed the bill represents years of iterative work and compromise in subcommittees.

The committee proceeded to a roll‑call vote; several members recorded no or opposing votes. The bill passed and will advance to the House floor for further consideration.

What happens next: With committee passage, HB 1063 moves to the floor. DNR will be responsible for regulations and reporting required by the bill. Lawmakers and stakeholders will watch the department’s subsequent rulemaking for effects on county‑level hunting authority and wildlife populations.