Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

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Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
Formation date:	1989
Member jurisdictions:	49
Issue(s):	Law enforcement
Compact website

The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is an interstate compact among 49 states. Only Hawaii is not a member. The compact was "created to promote compliance with the laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, and administrative rules that relate to the management of wildlife resources in the respective member states."

The compact allows member states to treat non-residents who violate wildlife laws as though they were residents. Before the compact was enacted, non-resident violators were often arrested, booked, and bonded. After the compact was formed, most violators are simply served a ticket and release on their own recognizance - a change that saves both time and resources for the officers charged with enforcing wildlife laws. Additionally, member states recognize the suspension of hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. This is to say that if a person loses the right or privilege to hunt, fish, or trap in any of the compact member states, they could lose those same rights and privileges in other member states as well.

History

In the 1980s, law enforcement agencies did not have a good method for dealing with individuals who violated wildlife and resource laws outside their home state. Legislators in Colorado and Nevada independently drafted compact documents, which were consolidated in 1989 and passed in the two states and Oregon.

Text of the compact

The legislature of each member state passes the laws with certain modifications, but the core of the legislation remains the same.

See also

• Interstate compact

External links

Suggest a link

• The Council of State Governments - National Center for Interstate Compacts
• Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact