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 nonresident fishing license fee is raised from $45 to $60, while the fee for a nonresident husband and wife fishing license is increased from $61 to $100. The bill also introduces new fees for certain permits related to gun dog activities, including a $100 fee for nonresident amateur trainers who bring more than four gun dogs into the state.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the requirements for obtaining a hunting guide or outfitter license, including a new provision that allows the director to administer written or electronic examinations to test proficiency in state and federal hunting laws. The frequency of these examinations is increased from twice to three times a year, with a stipulation that an individual cannot retake the exam within 90 days unless an undue hardship is demonstrated. The bill also clarifies that a professional gun dog trainer is defined as someone who trains dogs for remuneration as their livelihood, and it establishes a permit system for specific gun dog activities, with associated fees for both resident and nonresident trainers.

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