The bill amends Section 5-401 of Title 29 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the authority of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission to declare open seasons on wildlife. Key changes include the insertion of "Oklahoma" to clarify the Commission's jurisdiction and the establishment of specific periods for hunting black bears, which must now include a muzzle loader and archery period starting no earlier than September 1 each year. Additionally, the bill specifies that the Commission can charge fees for special permits or licenses, with a portion of the fees allocated to the Acres for Wildlife Program.
The bill also updates the language regarding the Commission's authority to assess wildlife populations and make necessary adjustments to hunting seasons, bag limits, and methods of taking wildlife based on the health of the species and their impact on agricultural lands. The term "they" has been replaced with "the Commission" to clarify accountability. Furthermore, the bill declares an emergency, allowing it to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.