SF0002

Failed

Hunting licenses-weighted bonus points system.

Establish a weighted bonus points system for bighorn sheep and moose hunting licenses, replacing the previous preference point draw system.

Full legal title

AN ACT relating to game and fish; establishing a weighted bonus points program for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose hunting license random draws; removing the preference point drawing for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose; providing for the calculation of weighted bonus points; making conforming amendments; repealing a provision; specifying applicability; requiring rulemaking; and providing for effective dates.

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View on wyoleg.gov Introduced Text (PDF)Digest (PDF)Engrossed (PDF)Fiscal Note (PDF)

What does this bill do?

Replaces the preference point system with a weighted bonus points system for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose hunting licenses, effective January 1, 2029.

Establishes a weighted bonus points system for antlered moose and antlered ram bighorn sheep licenses where bonus points are calculated by squaring the number of years an applicant has unsuccessfully applied, with at least 50% of available licenses distributed through weighted bonus point drawings and remaining licenses through random drawings of unsuccessful applicants. (W.S. 23-1-703(j), Sec. 1)
Allows applicants to accumulate bonus points for years in which they do not apply by paying a $7.00 fee for residents, maintaining continuity in their point accumulation. (W.S. 23-2-101(k), Sec. 1)
Authorizes the commission to establish nonrefundable fees for nonresident ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose bonus points, with fees not exceeding $150.00, and allows fees in lieu of applying. (W.S. 23-2-101(m), Sec. 1)
Repeals the previous preference point program for ram bighorn sheep and antlered moose licenses, transitioning all applicants to the new weighted bonus points system. (W.S. 23-1-703(b), Sec. 2)
Requires applicants failing to apply or pay the in-lieu fee for two consecutive calendar years to lose all accumulated bonus points and be treated as first-year applicants. (W.S. 23-1-703(j), W.S. 23-2-101(m), Sec. 1)
Subjects violators of multiple application rules to loss of all assigned bonus points in addition to existing penalties. (W.S. 23-2-109, Sec. 1)
Requires the game and fish commission to promulgate rules implementing the transition from preference points to weighted bonus points for antlered moose and ram bighorn sheep by January 1, 2029. (Sec. 4)
Makes conforming amendments throughout W.S. Chapter 23 to replace references to preference points with references to bonus points for antlered moose and ram bighorn sheep licenses. (W.S. 23-1-107, W.S. 23-1-302(p), W.S. 23-1-705(a), W.S. 23-1-705(k), Sec. 1)