02/24/2026
ALERT! HB1396 will be heard TOMORROW @ 9:30am in Senate Ag subcommittee. We just got word. Call + email these Senators NOW.
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This is the hound permit bill. It criminalizes trespass -- disguised as a civil penalty.
1. This bill is vague and legally vulnerable.
HB1396 is written so broadly that any permit developed under it may not withstand a court challenge. This bill remains a criminal process with a civil penalty attached. In other words, if a permit holder does not accept the decision of the DWR permit administrator, the issue must be resolved in District Court.
2. The “prevent” standard is unrealistic.
The Substitute language in Section A(v) requires the implementation of practices that “prevent” a hunting dog from entering onto real property. Those practices are not defined! But more importantly, no handler can absolutely guarantee a dog will never cross a boundary. This creates an impossible standard while continuing to make “dog trespass” a criminal offense. Calling it a civil offense does not change the fact that it will end up in District Court and continue to be on a person’s record.
3. The bill creates confusion for lawful hunters.
If a still hunter harvests a deer that has been run by someone else’s dog, and the hunter does not have a hound permit, are they in violation? Would a hunter be required to pass up a shot at a game animal if it is being run by a dog and the hunter has not purchased a hound permit? The bill does not clearly answer these valid hunting scenarios, opening the door to inconsistent enforcement and legal disputes.
4. The language may impact landowners protecting their property.
In this bill, “beginning July 1, 2027, it is unlawful for any person to (i) release a dog to hunt, pursue, or chase any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species on any tract of real property or (ii) engage in hunting any game animal, fur-bearing animal, or nuisance species with the aid of any dog unless such person has been issued a permit to hunt with dogs by the Department.”
Does this apply to owners whose dogs protect livestock and domestic animals from predators such as coyotes? Many working or protection dogs naturally pursue nuisance animals on their owner’s property. The bill does not clearly exempt these situations.
HB1396 leaves too many unanswered questions and puts responsible hunters and landowners at legal risk. Please contact Senate Ag subcommittee members listed, and respectfully ask them to vote NO on HB1396.
