New SAW Act Bans Using Motorized Vehicles to Hunt Predators on Federal Land, Threatens $10,000 Fine

The Snowmobiles Aren't Weapons Act, or the SAW Act, is setting a clear federal boundary: you can’t use a motor vehicle to intentionally pursue, harass, or kill a mammalian predator on federal land. This is a big deal for wildlife conservationists and anyone who uses public lands, establishing a severe penalty for what the bill sees as an unethical hunting practice.

The New Rulebook for Federal Land

What this bill does is straightforward: it creates a federal prohibition against using a “motor vehicle” (which the bill defines broadly—think cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, even planes or boats) to intentionally harm or capture certain animals on land owned by the U.S. government. If you’re caught using your truck or snowmobile to chase down, shoot, or trap a predator, you could be looking at a fine up to $10,000, up to five years in prison, or both. That’s a serious deterrent.

Crucially, the bill includes an Exception for Self-Defense. If you engage in this prohibited conduct because you genuinely need to avoid injury or death to yourself or another person, you haven’t violated the Act. So, if you’re driving an ATV and a predator charges you, the law isn't going to punish you for defending yourself. This is a necessary safety valve for anyone working or recreating in remote areas.

Who’s a Predator and Who’s Enforcing It?

One key detail that remains undefined is exactly which animals are covered. The bill delegates the definition of “mammalian predator” entirely to the Secretary of the Interior. This means the list could be narrow (like just wolves and coyotes) or very broad, covering anything that preys on other animals. For people who live or work near federal land, this definition matters a lot, and we’ll have to wait for the Secretary to issue guidance before we know the full scope of the law.

Enforcement falls to the Secretary of the Interior, who is given broad authority to investigate violations. They can call in help from the FBI, the Department of the Treasury, and local or state law enforcement. This means the federal government is serious about prosecuting these cases, leveraging resources from multiple agencies. For hunters, trappers, and ranchers who might engage in predator control, this means federal authorities will be watching closely to ensure compliance with the new rules.

Where This Rule Doesn’t Apply

It’s important to note where this prohibition doesn't apply. The bill explicitly excludes land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an American Indian Tribe. This means tribal sovereignty and existing land management practices regarding wildlife are not affected by this new federal rule, respecting the distinct legal status of those lands. For everyone else using national forests, parks, and other federal holdings, however, the SAW Act sets a strict new standard for how we interact with wildlife.