This bill introduces a new weighted bonus points program for the random draws of hunting licenses for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose, replacing the existing preference point drawing system. Starting in the 2026 license year, applicants with fewer than twenty preference points will be converted to weighted bonus points, while those with twenty or more will continue in the preference point drawing. The allocation of available licenses will be divided, with 25% going to the weighted bonus point drawing and 75% to the preference point draw. The bill also includes amendments to residency requirements, the commission's powers, and the issuance of complimentary licenses, ensuring that only bona fide residents receive licenses and that certain restrictions do not apply to complimentary licenses.

Furthermore, the bill establishes regulations for the application process for big game species, prohibiting multiple applications for the same species when license issuance is limited. Violating this rule is classified as a high misdemeanor, leading to the loss of all assigned points and disqualification for that species in the violation year. The legislation also repeals a specific provision in W.S. 23-1-703(b) and clarifies the consequences of multiple applications in W.S. 23-1-703. The new framework for antlered moose and ram bighorn sheep licenses will be implemented for hunting seasons starting on or after January 1, 2032, with the game and fish commission responsible for creating the necessary rules by that date. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2032, with some sections 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