HARRY HUGHES, Governor

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wildlife, but "raccoons, fox, or opossum may be hunted on foot at
nighttime during the open season with the use of a dog or light,
or both" (emphasis added). House Bill 208, as introduced, only
added the word "fox" to Section 10-410(b) for the sake of
consistency and clarity.

The legislative history and letters I have received since
the legislation was passed indicates there is much confusion as
to its impact. When the bill was considered in the House, the
Environmental Matters Committee amended the bill to specify that
a person hunting fox at night could only use a .22 rimfire rifle
or pistol or a shotgun loaded with shot that was not larger than
BB pellets. In the Senate, the Economic and Environmental
Affairs Committee amended the bill further to add raccoon or
opossum to the House amendment but limited the prohibition on
weapons to a .22 rimfire rifle or pistol. The concern of the
Environmental Matters Committee was that there should be some
type of limitation on the caliber of weapons to discourage the
jacklighting of deer. In the Economic and Environmental Affairs
Committee, the concern voiced in debate was that fox hunting with
shotgun pellets could do damage to fox hides.

I have received numerous letters from legislators, hunting
groups, and concerned citizens requesting that I veto House Bill
208 because of the danger nighttime hunting of fox will pose to
hunters, hunting dogs, and the public. The letters reveal some
confusion with the existing law in that even if House Bill 208
were not enacted, a person may currently hunt fox at night on
foot and with any caliber weapon. The letters, however, raise
legitimate concerns regarding the adverse impact this legislation
might have on jacklighting of wildlife and public safety.

Recognizing the concerns and confusion raised by legislators
and citizens, the Secretary of Natural Resources has requested
that I veto House Bill 208. It is my understanding that the
Department will review this matter more thoroughly and work with
hunting groups on possible legislation for next Session.

Therefore, for the above reasons, I have decided to veto
House Bill 208.

Sincerely,
Harry Hughes
Governor

House Bill No. 208

AN ACT concerning

Nighttime Fox, Raccoon, and Opossum Hunting

FOR the purpose of exempting fox from the prohibition on
nighttime hunting; and limiting a person to the use of