FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 11, 2024
Time Requested: 08:45 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1502 Introduced HB4321
CBD Subject: Natural Resources


FUND(S):

3200, 8707

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Increases Revenue From Existing Sources



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to create a new Upland game bird stamp to be administered by the Division of Natural Resources. Proceeds of the stamp sales are to be used for purchase and release of upland game birds into West Virginia Wildlife Management Areas. Should this bill become law, it is estimated that the Division of Natural Resources will receive approximately $36,375 in revenue to be used to purchase and stock upland game birds. Based on costs of a pilot study stocking quail in 2021, a total of 3,500 birds could be stocked throughout the state at this funding level.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 36,375 36,375


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Results of new stamp sales are estimated from a survey conducted in 2022 regarding the number of hunters for upland game birds. Upland Game Bird Stamp Source: 2022, Responsive Management, Hunting and Trapping In West Virginia. Species N Hunters % hunting Wild Birds Total Hunters Ruffed Grouse 5,142 100% 5,142 Bobwhite Quail 454 68% 309 Ring-necked Pheasant 865 68% 588 Woodcock 1,236 100% 1,236 Snipe Total Hunters 7,275 Assume 50 % will purchase stamp 3,637 Cost of Stamp $ 10.00 Estimated revenue from stamp sales $ 36,375



Memorandum


Currently the privilege to hunt all wild birds, including upland game birds, is included with resident and nonresident base hunting licenses. This legislation is unclear if the purchase of the upland game bird stamp is required prior to hunting wild upland game birds. For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact: Zack Brown 304-352-5126 zack.j.brown@wv.gov



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
    Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov