Relating to the allocation of nonresident deer hunting licenses, and making penalties applicable

This bill relates to nonresident deer hunting licenses issued by the natural resource commission (NRC). Currently, NRC issues up to 6,000 antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses to nonresidents, which are allocated among zones based on deer populations. Not more than percent of the licenses shall be bow season licenses. The bill requires NRC to reserve 500 of the nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses for nonresidents who have made a reservation with an outfitter, as defined in the bill, that is currently registered as a business entity with the secretary of state and has maintained registration since prior to July 1, 2022. 8(3). The bill requires an outfitter to certify to the department of natural resources that the outfitter is properly registered as a business entity. If fewer than 500 nonresidents apply for a reserved license by the application deadline set by NRC, the excess reserved licenses shall be available for purchase in the same manner as other excess nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses. A nonresident shall include with the license application evidence that the reservation is scheduled for a time during which the license is valid. Not more than percent of the issued reserved licenses and not more than percent of the remaining licenses shall be bow season licenses. A person who violates a provision of the bill is subject to a scheduled fine of $35.