Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study feasibility of hunters buying upland game bird stamps with standard hunting licenses

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests a study by the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to examine whether hunters in West Virginia should be required to buy an additional upland game bird stamp when purchasing a standard hunting license. The proposed stamp would apply to hunters targeting species like ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and ring-necked pheasant specifically within wildlife management areas. The resolution includes preliminary data suggesting a $10 stamp could generate about $37,000 in revenue if half of the approximately 7,300 licensed hunters purchased it, with funds potentially used to stock more game birds. The committee is asked to report its findings and any legislative recommendations by the 2027 regular session, with study costs covered through existing legislative appropriations.