Wildlife; updating statutory language; authorizing velvet buck controlled hunt. Effective date.

SB 2171 authorizes a new controlled hunt for "velvet bucks" (deer with growing antlers covered in velvet-like skin) during a specific nine-day period in August. It requires archery-only hunting, limits participants to one velvet buck per license annually, and counts harvested velvet bucks toward a hunter’s overall annual deer bag limit. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission must issue at least 100 tags annually (with 90% reserved for residents), enforce rules on antler size and hunting methods, and may cancel the hunt without refunds due to population or health concerns. This directly affects residents and nonresidents holding valid deer licenses who wish to participate in this seasonal hunt, effective January 1, 2027.