Connecticut Senate Bill SB00915

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/13
• Refer: 2/20/13

Caption

An Act Authorizing Bow And Arrow Hunting On Sunday Under Certain Circumstances.

Impact

The bill is seen as a significant modification of the state's hunting regulations, which traditionally restrict Sunday hunting to preserve certain wildlife and local community norms. By allowing bow and arrow hunting on Sundays, the bill may attract more hunters to private lands, potentially increasing deer population control efforts and impacting local ecology. However, it mandates that such hunting must be conducted with the property owner's written permission, ensuring that landowners maintain control over their properties.

Summary

SB00915, introduced in the General Assembly, aims to authorize hunting deer using bow and arrow on Sundays under certain circumstances. The bill amends existing laws that currently prohibit hunting on Sundays, thus allowing an exception specifically for bow and arrow hunting. This change is intended to expand hunting opportunities and bring the state’s hunting regulations in line with increasing demand from hunters who seek to utilize their weekends for this activity.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding SB00915, particularly concerning wildlife management principles and the potential impact on public lands. Opponents of the bill may argue that allowing Sunday bow and arrow hunting could disrupt wildlife patterns or hinder other outdoor activities such as hiking and recreation, especially on public trails where safety could become a concern. Additionally, the bill's stipulation that hunting cannot occur within forty yards of a blazed hiking trail may also provoke debate around enforcement and compliance.

Additional_note

The bill reflects a broader trend of revisiting hunting laws to accommodate the needs of modern sportsmen, alongside ensuring wildlife sustainability. As discussions continue around this bill, key stakeholders including hunters, conservationists, and local communities will likely weigh in on the balance between hunting rights and wildlife preservation.