House unanimously approves legislation designed to clamp down on illegal hunting

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) regulating illegal hunting and fishing on private property.

House Bill 1545 makes it a Class A Misdemeanor to provide guide services or knowingly transport an individual to hunt or fish on private property without the landowner’s permission.

“There are instances when an individual accepts a fee as a hunting guide and then takes the person offering payment to a location that turns out to be private property,” explained Moseley.

“In some cases, the individuals are taken out of state. The person paying the fee is often unaware that they are illegally hunting on private property without permission or authority.”

A Class A Misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $5,000 and is punishable by up to one year in jail. However, penalties are increased if valuable resources are taken from the property. Intentionally providing guide services to take wild animals, nests, or eggs that are protected by law and valued at least $500, but less than $5,000, is a Level 6 Felony. If the market value is greater than $5,000, a Level 5 Felony is committed.

In an effort to protect wildlife and prevent trespassing, Moseley worked with State Rep. Thomas Saunders (R-Lewisville) on the bill.

The legislation was approved 94-0 and now moves to the Senate for further legislative consideration.