Assembly Bill 1076 proposes significant changes to the hunting permit system for sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin. The bill eliminates the current cumulative preference system for issuing permits, which prioritizes applicants based on accumulated preference points, and replaces it with a lottery system that will be implemented five years after the bill's enactment. Additionally, the processing fee for sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits will increase from $2.75 to $9.75, with $7 of each fee allocated to support the administration of permits and management activities related to sharp-tailed grouse.

The bill also amends existing statutes to reflect these changes, including the removal of references to the cumulative preference system in the context of sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits. New provisions will allow the Department of Natural Resources to issue permits to any applicant who pays the required fees, with a random selection process for both resident and nonresident applicants if demand exceeds supply. This restructuring aims to streamline the permit issuance process and enhance the management of sharp-tailed grouse populations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 29.192(4)(a), 29.192, 29.563(14)(a)1, 29.563, 29.563(14)(a)3