AN ACT RELATING TO FISH AND WILDLIFE -- DEER HUNTING

HB 8451 allows the town of New Shoreham on Block Island to request a temporary exemption from statewide deer hunting restrictions to address local overpopulation and public health concerns. Under this bill, the town council would submit a detailed management plan to the state Department of Environmental Management, which must include evidence of deer-related threats to ticks, native wildlife, and safety, along with specific population reduction goals. If approved, the director could grant a time-limited exemption lasting up to two years, permitting the town to adopt its own local rules on hunting seasons, methods, and bag limits while maintaining state enforcement authority. The legislation also requires the town to hold public hearings, coordinate with landowners, and submit annual reports on deer harvests and population progress to ensure accountability.