RICHMOND, R.I. (AP) - An elite outdoor sporting club is seeking permission from Rhode Island lawmakers to import exotic animals for hunting.
The Providence Journal reports Tuesday The Preserve at Boulder Hills in Richmond is hoping to import elk, and potentially other nonnative animals for members to hunt.
A bill being considered by lawmakers would allow any shooting preserve with over 500 acres to permit taking of animals other than domestic game birds, as long as members have a hunting license. While elk can currently be imported, Democratic State Rep. Stephen Ucci says they are not allowed to be hunted.
Some legislators opposed to the bill say they’re concerned elk could carry diseases that could infect the local deer population.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com
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