The proposed bill establishes a moose license lottery and auction system in Minnesota, requiring the issuance of at least four moose licenses each year, with two licenses allocated through a lottery and two through a public auction. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, specifically section 97A.431, to include the creation of a moose research account funded by fees from moose license applications and auctions. This account will support various research initiatives related to moose populations, including mortality evaluation and habitat relationships. Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for applicants, including restrictions on those who have received a moose license in the past ten years.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific fees for moose licenses, set at $25 per person for both the lottery and auction applications. It also establishes a separate selection process for certain applicants, such as those who have applied multiple times without success. The amendments to section 97A.475 include a new fee of $500 for successful bidders obtaining a moose license through the auction. The bill mandates that the commissioner publicly disclose the number of licenses, season dates, and conditions for taking moose at least 60 days before application deadlines, ensuring transparency in the licensing process.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 97A.431, 97A.475, 97B.505