The bill amends the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act by establishing a new licensing framework for commercial harvesting facilities that engage in the harvesting or hunting of legally acquired cervidae, including whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, and various exotic species. It defines "commercial harvesting facility" and prohibits the propagation or holding of state wildlife in captivity without a license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The bill requires applicants for a commercial harvesting license to provide proof that their animals were sourced from outside the state's wild stock and establishes an annual license fee of $300. Additionally, it grants inspection authority to the Secretary of Agriculture and the State Veterinarian, allowing them to inspect facilities if there is probable cause of violations.
The bill also amends existing law by modifying the licensing requirements for wildlife propagation and holding. It replaces the previous licensing structure with a new commercial harvesting license, removing certain inspection authorities and license fees associated with big game and upland game licenses. The expiration date for licenses is changed to August 31 of each year, and the bill includes provisions for rule promulgation by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.