OKLAHOMA CITY — A brand new law that overhauls searching and fishing license expiration dates is predicted to profit hundreds of out of doors lovers.
Senate Bill 1696, which grew to become law Nov. 1, requires that almost all annual searching and fishing licenses expire one yr after the date of issuance quite than doubtlessly days or even weeks after being issued. Previously, annual licenses expired June 30 or Dec. 31 no matter when Oklahoman hunters or anglers bought them.
Licenses affected by the brand new law embrace the:
• Annual searching license for residents;
• Annual mixed searching and fishing license for residents;
• Annual fishing license for residents;
• Annual fishing license for non-residents;
• Non-resident annual searching license for recreation apart from deer, antelope, elk or bear.
Senate President Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, who authored the measure, mentioned he purchases his searching and fishing license yearly.
“I heard and agreed with the frustrations of Oklahomans who bought a fishing or hunting permit late in the year only to have them expire a month or two later,” Treat mentioned in an e-mail. “Some would tell me that they forgo enjoying the great outdoors because they didn’t want to waste money on an annual permit that was only good for a month or two or even less depending on when they purchased it.”
He mentioned the law is “a commonsense change” that may profit Oklahomans and encourage extra participation in each outside sports activities.
“Eliminating barriers while increasing compliance to help Oklahomans enjoy the outdoors in our state was the right thing to do,” Treat mentioned.
According to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s most up-to-date annual report, the state netted $23.8 million in annual license gross sales.
Over 19,500 residents bought a mixture hunting-fishing license between July 1 and June 30. Another 38,400 Oklahomans bought a searching license and 164,445 purchased a fishing license, in line with state data.
Over 51,000 non-residents bought both a fishing or searching license.
Micah Holmes, a spokesman for the company, mentioned the income generated by the licenses and federal excise taxes on searching and fishing gear are their sole funding sources.
He mentioned the wildlife division anticipates the change will likely be revenue-neutral to the company over time. When requested why it hadn’t been modified sooner, he mentioned lawmakers should set the expiration necessities on licenses.
“We expect it to be a benefit to hunters and anglers because no matter when you buy it, it’s going to be good for 365 days,” he mentioned. “That’ll be a little bit of an adjustment for folks that are used to buying their license every year on Jan 1.”
Holmes mentioned Oklahoma is exclusive as a result of the state has a “very robust set of folks who have lifetime licenses.”
He mentioned about 3 of each 4 deer hunters in Oklahoma has a lifetime license, so most of the individuals shopping for annual licenses are both new hunters or choose the annual possibility.
State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, who ran the measure within the state House, mentioned the law permits hunters and anglers to get a full yr out of their licenses no matter after they bought it.
“This is commonsense legislation that allows more Oklahomans to enjoy outdoor recreational activities without having to constantly sort through government red tape,” Burns mentioned. “I know Oklahomans will enjoy the benefits of the legislation for years to come.”
Janelle Stecklein covers the Oklahoma Statehouse for CNHI’s newspapers and web sites. Reach her at [email protected].
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