The bill amends the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act by introducing a new requirement for individuals to obtain a commercial harvesting facility license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to operate a facility for the harvesting or hunting of legally acquired cervidae, including species such as white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk. The bill defines a "commercial harvesting facility" and establishes an annual license fee of $300. It mandates that applicants provide proof that any wildlife or domesticated animals have been sourced from outside the wild stock in Oklahoma and allows for inspections by the Secretary of Agriculture or designated officials to ensure compliance with the law.
Additionally, the bill amends Section 4-106 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes, removing references to certain types of licenses previously issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and updating the language to reflect the new licensing structure for commercial hunting areas. The amendments clarify that upland game licenses will now be required for specific species and establish new rules for the inspection of records and facilities related to commercial hunting operations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.