Hunting and Fishing Amendments

Removed 'spotter' from the official Guide and Outfitter Fund name and removed the spotter registration fee structure from the law.

Modified the definition of 'guide' to clarify that guides must be employed or affiliated with an outfitter, and changed 'outfitter' definition to focus on individuals providing services for compensation.

Created a new Poaching Mitigation Fund that receives money from restitution payments and investigative expense reimbursements to fund wildlife crime prevention programs.

Modified the Guide and Outfitter Fund to be used by the Division of Law Enforcement for administering guide and outfitter regulations.

Added a new requirement for people convicted of wildlife violations to reimburse the Division of Law Enforcement for operational investigation expenses.

Modified the number of people allowed to provide guide services at one time, limiting it to two individuals normally, or three if hunting moose, bison, bighorn sheep, or mountain goat.

Modified registration fees for guides and outfitters, with different fee amounts for residents versus non-residents and for big game versus other wildlife.

Added new provisions holding aircraft pilots criminally liable for knowingly operating aircraft to take wildlife in violation of hunting laws.

Created a new Poaching Mitigation Fund to collect restitution money and reimburse investigatory expenses for wildlife crime prevention and enforcement.

Modified the Guide and Outfitter Fund to include spotters in the fund name and purpose, expanding its scope.

Removed references to spotters from certain sections, though later sections clarify that spotters are now included in fund provisions.

Updated definitions for 'guide', 'outfitter', and 'spotter' to clarify their roles and relationships, particularly regarding compensation and service provision.

Adjusted registration fees for guides and outfitters, with different rates for residents and nonresidents based on the type of wildlife hunted.

Changed the maximum number of individuals allowed to provide guide services at one time, with exceptions for big game hunts.

Added new provisions making it a crime for pilots to knowingly operate aircraft that result in unlawful wildlife taking from the air.

Strengthened license suspension provisions for wildlife violations, including specific suspension periods based on conviction severity.

Set the effective date of the bill as May 6, 2026.

Created a new Poaching Mitigation Fund to receive restitution money and reimbursements for investigating wildlife violations, with funds used for education, equipment, anti-poaching projects, and training.

Modified the Guide and Outfitter Fund name and composition to include 'Spotter' and allow spotter-related revenues to be deposited into the fund for law enforcement use.

Updated definitions related to guides, outfitters, and spotters to remove outdated language and clarify relationships between these roles.

Modified provisions related to unlawful taking of protected wildlife by guides or outfitters and clarified enforcement authority within the Division of Law Enforcement.

Updated suspension of license or permit privileges provisions to include specific offenses and conditions for suspension hearings.

Created a new Poaching Mitigation Fund to receive restitution money and reimbursement for investigatory expenses, specifically for anti-poaching activities.

Removed references to spotters from the Guide and Outfitter Fund, though spotters remain a separately registered category.

Modified the definition of 'outfitter' to clarify that an outfitter may provide services through an individual compensated by the outfitter.

Adjusted the definition of 'outfitting services' to explicitly include services provided either directly or through compensated individuals.

Added provisions for reimbursement of investigatory expenses when persons are convicted of wildlife violations, with funds deposited into the Poaching Mitigation Fund.

Added new section addressing unlawful activity by pilots who knowingly operate aircraft to take wildlife in violation of hunting regulations.