This bill establishes a new weighted bonus points program for the random drawing of hunting licenses for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose, replacing the previous preference point system. Starting in the 2026 license year, applicants with fewer than twenty preference points will have their points converted to weighted bonus points, while those with twenty or more points will enter a separate preference point drawing. The allocation of licenses will be divided, with 25% available through the weighted bonus point drawing and 75% through the preference point draw. The bill also includes amendments to residency requirements, the powers of the commission, and the issuance of complimentary licenses, while repealing certain restrictions on licenses for cow or calf moose and ewe or lamb bighorn sheep.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the application process for hunting licenses for big game species and wild turkey, prohibiting multiple applications for the same species when license issuance is limited. Violating this rule is classified as a high misdemeanor, resulting in the loss of all assigned points and disqualification for that species in the violation year. The legislation also repeals a specific subsection related to preference points and introduces a framework for transitioning to the weighted bonus point system for antlered moose and ram bighorn sheep licenses, with the game and fish commission responsible for implementing the necessary rules by January 1, 2032. While most provisions take effect on that date, some sections will be effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23-1-107, 23-1-302, 23-1-703, 23-1-705, 23-2-101, 23-2-109
Engrossed: 23-1-107, 23-1-302, 23-1-703, 23-1-705, 23-2-101, 23-2-109