The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to hunting, fishing, and gun dog activity fees, as well as licensing requirements for hunting guides and outfitters. Key changes include adjustments to various license fees, such as increasing the nonresident small game hunting license fee from $101 to $150, and the resident big game hunting license fee from $30 to $35. Additionally, the bill modifies the fees for fishing outfitter licenses, raising the resident fee from $100 to $250 and the nonresident fee from $400 to $500. It also introduces a new fee structure for gun dog training permits, including a $20 fee for resident professional trainers and a $100 fee for nonresident trainers bringing more than four dogs into the state.

Furthermore, the bill updates the requirements for obtaining a hunting guide or outfitter license, stipulating that applicants must have legally hunted for parts of three years, with provisions for waivers under certain conditions. It mandates that the director administer written or electronic examinations to test proficiency in state and federal hunting laws, increasing the frequency of these exams from twice to three times a year. The bill also clarifies that a permit is required for specific gun dog activities, with associated fees outlined for both resident and nonresident trainers. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding hunting and fishing activities in North Dakota while adjusting fees to reflect current practices.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 20.1-03-12
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Bosch: 20.1-03-12, 20.1-03-36.1, 20.1-04-12.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 20.1-03-12, 20.1-03-36.1, 20.1-04-12.1
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 20.1-03-12, 20.1-03-36.1, 20.1-03-37, 20.1-03-38, 20.1-04-12.1
Enrollment: 20.1-03-12, 20.1-03-36.1, 20.1-03-37, 20.1-03-38, 20.1-04-12.1