H.R. 542 — Introduced in House

I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 542 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 6, 2013 Mr. Fleming introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To limit restrictions on deer hunting within the Kisatchie National Forest. 1. Hunting in Kisatchie National Forest (a) In general Consistent with the Act of June 4, 1897 (16 U.S.C. 551), the Secretary of Agriculture may not restrict the use of dogs in deer hunting activities in Kisatchie National Forest, unless such restrictions— (1) apply to the smallest practicable portions of such unit; and (2) are necessary to reduce or control trespass onto land adjacent to such unit. (b) Prior restrictions void Any restrictions regarding the use of dogs in deer hunting activities in Kisatchie National Forest in force on the date of the enactment of this Act shall be void and have no force or effect. (c) Adjacent landowners Landowners whose property abuts a unit of the Kisatchie National Forest may petition the Secretary of Agriculture to restrict the use of dogs in deer hunting activities that take place on such units which abut their property. If the Secretary of Agriculture receives a petition from an adjacent landowner, the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, may impose restrictions on the use of dogs in deer hunting— (1) limited to those units of the Kisatchie National Forest within 300 yards of the boundary of the petitioning landowner’s property; and (2) consistent with subsection (a).