By Blake Jackson
A new Kentucky law ensures residents can fish and hunt on their own land without a license, if the property is five acres or less. This reverses a controversial provision implemented last year that required licenses for such activities on small farms.
Senate Bill 5, signed by Governor Andy Beshear, removes a rule tucked away in previous legislation empowering the state's wildlife department to acquire land easements. The prior rule, met with significant public backlash, mandated licenses for hunting and fishing on small farms, aiming to prevent license fraud, specifically "telecheck fraud," where individuals falsely reported harvesting animals on their land to avoid purchasing licenses.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources initially defended the five-acre rule, arguing it addressed telecheck fraud and its impact on the department's financial resources. However, with the signing of Senate Bill 5, the department now expresses support for allowing genuine farmland owners to enjoy these activities on their own property without additional permits.
Senator Robin Webb, who sponsored the initial legislation containing the five-acre rule, previously argued it addressed telecheck fraud and its financial implications. However, she later acknowledged potential misinterpretations surrounding the rule.
With the new law in effect, Kentuckians owning small farms regain their license exemption, allowing them to fish and hunt on their land without the need for additional permits. This move aims to strike a balance between addressing potential fraudulent activities and ensuring reasonable access to hunting and fishing opportunities for small-scale landowners within the state.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy