Bill No. 1074 amends the Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act by introducing a new licensing requirement for commercial harvesting facilities that engage in the harvesting or hunting of legally acquired cervidae, such as deer and elk. The bill defines a "commercial harvesting facility" and mandates that individuals must obtain a commercial harvesting facility license from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry before propagating or holding wildlife for commercial purposes. The bill also establishes an annual license fee of $300 and requires proof that any wildlife or domesticated animals are sourced from outside the state's wild stock. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture or designated officials are granted the authority to inspect these facilities.
The bill further amends Section 4-106 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes, removing references to certain types of licenses and updating the language to clarify that licenses will now be issued for commercial hunting areas specifically for upland game. It also stipulates that upland game licenses will expire on June 30 each year, and outlines the penalties for violations, including fines and potential revocation of licenses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.