The proposed bill establishes the "Upland Game Bird Restoration Act," which mandates that hunters must possess a valid upland game bird stamp before hunting any upland game birds in Kansas. However, exemptions are provided for individuals not required to hold a hunting license, those hunting on private land, and lifetime license holders. The bill also creates the Upland Game Bird Restoration Fund, which will be funded by fees collected from the upland game bird stamp, and outlines that these funds will be used exclusively for the procurement and release of upland game birds in the state. Additionally, a youth hunting season is established, allowing individuals aged 17 and under to hunt upland game birds under adult supervision.

The bill amends existing law regarding hunting fees, specifically K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 32-988, to include a maximum fee for the upland game bird stamp, set at $15 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. It also repeals the previous section of the law that governed these fees. The Secretary of Wildlife and Parks is tasked with administering the new program and fund, ensuring that all expenditures align with the purposes outlined in the act, which include promoting youth hunting opportunities, reestablishing upland game bird populations, and increasing tourism revenue in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 32-805, 32-807, 32-988