Relating to the allocation of special nonresident deer hunting licenses

This bill relates to the allocation of special nonresident deer hunting licenses. Under current law, the director of the department of natural resources allocates 50 nonresident deer hunting licenses for the purpose of allowing state officials and local development groups to promote the state and its natural resources to nonresident guests and dignitaries. The bill changes the allocation and purpose of the 50 nonresident hunting licenses by allocating 40 of the licenses to Iowa conservation organizations and 10 of the licenses to the governor for the purpose of allowing state officials and Iowa conservation groups to promote the state and its natural resources to nonresident guests and dignitaries. The bill allows the governor to accept all, part, or none of the allocation. Any nonresident deer hunting license not accepted by the governor by September 1 is added to the allocation for Iowa conservation organizations. The bill defines “conservation organization” as an organization that is incorporated and managed pursuant to Code chapter 504 and whose mission emphasizes natural resource conservation or supports science-based natural resource management. Under the bill, a local or state chapter or division of a national or international conservation organization qualifies as a conservation organization.