The proposed amendments to Senate Bill No. aim to revise the eligibility and issuance process for gratis antelope licenses in North Dakota. The bill stipulates that residents, including individuals and various types of entities such as corporations and partnerships, can apply for one free antelope hunting license if they own or lease at least 150 acres of land actively used for farming or ranching. The license must be specific to the land described in the application and can only be used on that property. Additionally, the bill allows for the transfer of eligibility for the license to a spouse or legal dependent, but limits the issuance to one license per qualifying land.

Significantly, the bill modifies the cap on the number of licenses issued without charge, stating that it cannot exceed one-half of the total number of pronghorn licenses prescribed for each district or unit by the governor's proclamation. If applications exceed the available licenses, a lottery system will be implemented to allocate the licenses. Furthermore, if an applicant does not receive a license through the initial lottery, they may still be considered for any remaining licenses in a subsequent lottery. This amendment aims to streamline the process while ensuring fair access to hunting opportunities for eligible residents.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 20.1-03-11
25.0379.02002 : 20.1-03-11
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 20.1-03-11
Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 20.1-03-11