Animals; Elk Population Study and Management Act; definitions; comprehensive study of the elk population; requirements; effective date; emergency.

HB 1770 mandates a comprehensive study of elk populations in Oklahoma's Special Northwest Zone (covering Woodward, Dewey, Ellis counties, and part of Roger Mills County) by the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority. The study, due by November 1, 2025, must assess elk population size, health, habitat use, current management strategies (like hunting), and develop science-based conservation recommendations. The Authority may coordinate with state/federal agencies, including temporarily restricting elk hunting during the study, and must maintain financial records for the project. This bill directly affects elk management in the specified region and requires concrete data collection before developing long-term conservation plans.