The Indiana Appeals Court ruled in favor of NFIB member Rodney Bruce and the hunting preserve owners in February, maintaining that state law and the Department of Natural Resources cannot regulate “high fence” deer hunting.
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center filed an amici curiae brief in this case, an issue that the center has been involved with since 2011.
“This is a significant win for small business owners and their property rights,” said NFIB/Indiana State Director Barbara Quandt.
Last month, state lawmakers voted on HB 1453, authored by Rep. Sean Eberhart of Shelbyville, a bill that provides for the licensing and operation of hunting preserves on which farm raised and game birds are hunted. The bill would also exempt licensed hunting preserves from the licensing requirements for game breeders and shooting preserves.
The bill passed the House by a vote of 55-39, and is headed to the Senate.
