This bill amends existing laws related to game and fish in Wyoming, specifically addressing compensation for landowners and lessees who experience lost forage due to excessive big game herd sizes. It introduces a new subsection (j) to W.S. 23-1-901, which allows landowners, lessees, or agents to report damage caused by big game populations exceeding established objectives for two or more consecutive years. The bill outlines the process for reporting damage, filing claims, and the criteria for compensation, including the requirement that landowners permit hunting on their property during authorized seasons.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that landowners or lessees must own or lease at least 120 acres to qualify for compensation, addressing concerns about discriminatory treatment. It also specifies that the Game and Fish Department will establish rules and methods for determining compensation amounts based on individualized harm suffered. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, with certain sections becoming effective immediately upon the completion of necessary legislative processes.

Statutes affected:
24LSO-0114 v0.6: 23-1-901