Outdoor Legislation

Appropriates $104,727,514 to the Game and Fish Department for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2027.

Defines farmed elk as mammals of the North American elk genus and species (cervus canadensis) confined in a manmade enclosure designed to prevent escape.

Nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for special allocation big game hunting licenses for fundraising must be exempt from federal income taxation under section 501(c). Currently, eligible organizations must be exempt under 501(c)(3). 

A resident disabled veteran who has a 50% service connected disability qualifies for the $3 combined general game, habitat, small game and furbearer license.

The department may establish educational and community outreach programs to promote public understanding of fisheries and wildlife management and promote interest in pursuing careers in fields employed by the department, including by job shadowing of field activities and ride alongs.

The department may not adopt a rule or implement a policy prohibiting or restricting the use of supplemental feed on private property for hunting a big game animal.

The number of pronghorn gratis licenses issued may not exceed one-half of buck licenses prescribed for each unit. Referred to senate energy and natural resources committee.

An individual may not hunt or pursue game within 440 yards of a building, occupied structure, or storage structure without the consent of the property owner.