The bill introduces a new weighted bonus points program for ram bighorn sheep and moose hunting licenses, replacing the existing preference point drawing system. It amends various sections of the Wyoming Statutes to implement this program, which calculates bonus points based on the number of years an applicant has unsuccessfully applied for a license. The total weighted bonus points will be determined by squaring the assigned bonus points, and these points will be recalculated annually rather than accumulating year to year. The bill also includes provisions for issuing licenses through a random drawing based on these weighted bonus points and repeals the previous preference points program as outlined in W.S. 23-1-703(b).

Under the new system, at least seventy-five percent of available licenses in any hunt area will be allocated through a preference point drawing, prioritizing applicants with the highest assigned points. The bill specifies that these changes will take effect for all moose and ram bighorn sheep hunting seasons starting January 1, 2029, with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission responsible for creating the necessary rules for implementation. Certain sections of the act will take effect immediately upon the completion of legislative processes, allowing for a smooth transition for applicants and the Game and Fish Department while giving long-term applicants a fair chance to draw licenses.

Statutes affected:
25LSO-0058 v0.5: 23-1-302, 23-1-107, 23-1-703, 23-1-705, 23-2-101, 23-2-109