Wildlife

SB 2095 makes it illegal for anyone (including nonresidents) to guide, accompany, or assist in hunting or fishing for money or other compensation without written landowner permission. This directly affects professional guides and outfitters who operate without proper authorization. The bill creates misdemeanor penalties of up to $1,500 fines or 30 days in jail for first offenses, with harsher penalties for repeat violations, and automatically revokes hunting/fishing licenses for 1-10 years upon conviction. Exceptions include landowners, agricultural lessees, their employees, and individuals on licensed commercial hunting areas or feral hog facilities.

SB 330 authorizes the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority to conduct a scientific study of elk populations in Woodward, Dewey, Ellis, and parts of Roger Mills counties (the "Special Northwest Zone"). The bill requires the Authority to assess elk population size, health, genetic diversity, and current management strategies by November 1, 2025, and develop a management plan for elk conservation based on the findings. It appropriates $2 million from the General Revenue Fund to fund the study, including coordination with other agencies and temporary hunting restrictions during the study period. The resulting management plan must be posted online and guide long-term elk population sustainability and ecosystem health.

SB 2069 prohibits hunters in Oklahoma from taking migratory birds (including ducks, geese, doves, and cranes) by baiting or hunting on baited areas. It defines "baited areas" as locations where salt, grain, or feed was placed to attract birds, banning hunting there for 10 days after removal. The bill allows exceptions for normal agricultural practices like grain scattering during harvest but imposes fines ($250-$750 for first offenses) and automatic license revocation (1-10 years) for violations. This directly affects hunters using prohibited methods, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

HB 3659 requires most hunters to obtain a waterfowl hunting license or stamp in Oklahoma, with fees set at $20 for residents (18+) and $30 for nonresidents (18+). Nonresidents face specific restrictions: they may only hunt waterfowl on public lands south of I-40 and east of I-35 on Monday-Thursday during the second half of the season. Those arrested without a valid license can buy a temporary stamp ($100 for residents, $175 for nonresidents), with fees funding wetland conservation. Violations carry fines of $25-$500, and the law takes effect November 1, 2026.

SB 208 requires anyone guiding hunters for pay in Oklahoma to obtain a license from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Applicants must be at least 18, provide first aid/CPR certification, carry $1 million liability insurance, and secure landowner permission. Residents pay $1,000 annually for the license, nonresidents $2,000. The bill exempts landowners guiding on their own property and commercial hunting operations, while violations can result in fines up to 10 times the license fee or license revocation.