The bill amends Oklahoma's hunting license regulations to allow nonresident landowners who own at least eighty acres of noncommercial land in the state to qualify for residential hunting licenses. To obtain these licenses, nonresidents must provide proof of land ownership and evidence of property taxes paid for the previous year. The amendments to Sections 4-101 and 4-112 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes also clarify that all licenses are nontransferable and must be carried by the license holder during licensed activities. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for false statements made to acquire licenses and outlines the revocation process for licenses upon conviction of violations.
Moreover, the bill specifies that no hunting license is required for individuals training dogs, as long as they are not hunting or attempting to take game. It introduces a temporary thirty-day substitute license for individuals arrested for hunting without a valid license (excluding certain game), with fees set at $100 for residents and $300 for nonresidents, directed to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. The bill also details penalties for hunting violations, with fines and potential jail time varying for residents and nonresidents. Charges may be dismissed if proof of a valid license is provided within 72 hours of the violation. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is responsible for implementing the necessary rules, and the act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.