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West VirginiaHB 20432025 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to use of dog and/or drones for tracking or locating mortally wounded deer, elk, turkey, wild boar or bear

Sponsored By: Adam Burkhammer (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§20-2-5J

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Hunters gain tracking options with strict rules

Beginning June 30, 2025, West Virginia hunters can use a leashed dog, a drone, or both to find wounded game. They must be legally hunting and reasonably believe they mortally wounded a deer, elk, turkey, wild boar, or bear. Hunters may use a dog handler or licensed drone operator. Tracking counts as hunting, so participants need hunting licenses or exemptions, other required approvals, and must follow hunting rules. Each handler may use only one leashed dog, kept under the hunter’s or handler’s physical control. A hunter using a handler cannot handle extra dogs for that handler. The hunter must accompany the handler, and only the hunter may kill the animal. A hunter physically unable to accompany the handler may name that handler to kill it instead. The animal counts toward the bag limit of the hunter who fired the initial shot.

Paid game trackers face licensing rules

Beginning June 30, 2025, dog handlers and drone operators providing game-tracking services for profit must hold a state outfitter or guide license. Drone operators working on property they do not own or lease must also hold an FAA Part 107 license. Before September 1 each year, the Director must publish a public list of licensed outfitters and guides offering these services. This list helps hunters find licensed providers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adam Burkhammer

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Chuck Horst

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 159 • No: 69

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Passed Senate (Roll No. 274)

Yes: 33 • No: 1

House vote • 3/25/2025

Passed House (Roll No. 181)

Yes: 88 • No: 10

House vote • 3/24/2025

Amendment rejected (Roll No. 177)

Yes: 38 • No: 58

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 115, Acts, Regular Session, 2025

    7/30/2025House

  2. Approved by Governor 4/8/2025

    4/8/2025House

  3. Approved by Governor 4/8/2025 - House Journal

    4/8/2025House

  4. Approved by Governor 4/8/2025 - Senate Journal

    4/8/2025Senate

  5. To Governor 4/3/2025

    4/3/2025House

  6. To Governor 4/3/2025 - House Journal

    4/3/2025House

  7. To Governor 4/3/2025 - Senate Journal

    4/3/2025Senate

  8. House received Senate message

    4/2/2025House

  9. On 3rd reading

    4/1/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    4/1/2025Senate

  11. Passed Senate (Roll No. 274)

    4/1/2025Senate

  12. Communicated to House

    4/1/2025Senate

  13. Completed legislative action

    4/1/2025Senate

  14. On 2nd reading

    3/31/2025Senate

  15. Read 2nd time

    3/31/2025Senate

  16. Introduced in Senate

    3/29/2025Senate

  17. Committee reference dispensed

    3/29/2025Senate

  18. Immediate consideration

    3/29/2025Senate

  19. Read 1st time

    3/29/2025Senate

  20. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/25/2025House

  21. Read 3rd time

    3/25/2025House

  22. Passed House (Roll No. 181)

    3/25/2025House

  23. Communicated to Senate

    3/25/2025House

  24. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/24/2025House

  25. Read 2nd time

    3/24/2025House

Bill Text

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