The bill amends various sections of Wyoming's game and fish laws to establish separate hunting licenses and seasons for mule deer and whitetail deer. Key provisions include the definition of "big game animal" to now explicitly include both mule and whitetail deer, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is empowered to create rules for the issuance of these separate licenses and hunting seasons. Additionally, the bill outlines specific fees for resident and nonresident licenses for both types of deer, with a set fee of $40 for resident licenses and $372 for nonresident licenses.

Other amendments include the introduction of preference point programs for nonresident hunters, allowing them to accumulate points for future license drawings, and the establishment of penalties for illegal hunting of these deer species. The bill also includes provisions for landowners regarding hunting licenses and the compensation they receive for deer killed on their property. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 23-1-101, 23-1-302, 23-1-703, 23-1-705, 23-2-101, 23-3-102, 23-3-105, 23-3-301, 35-7-1302