Nebraska joins wildlife management compact

Nebraska will work with other states to enforce wildlife management laws under a bill passed by the Legislature April 24.

As introduced by the Natural Resources Committee, LB566 enters Nebraska into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Under the compact, an officer may issue a citation for the violation of wildlife management laws to any person who lives in a participating state.

The bill includes provisions from LB635, a bill introduced by Sen. Bruce Bostelman of Brainard that increases penalties for violating certain game management laws in Nebraska.

The hunting of elk out of season is now a Class II misdemeanor, and the fine increases from at least $500 to at least $1,000 for each violation. Any person who illegally takes game or has such game in his or her possession is now guilty of a Class III misdemeanor and will be fined at least $50 for each animal. Additionally, the fine for shooting at wildlife from a highway or roadway increases from at least $100 to at least $500.

Senators voted 49-0 to pass the bill.