AK SB196

Creates an affirmative defense for first-time unlawful taking of big game animals that did not meet sex, age, or size limitations if the defendant voluntarily and promptly reports the taking to the department and surrenders all salvaged portions of the animal.

Reduces the crime from a class A misdemeanor to a violation when the affirmative defense is successfully established.

Exempts defendants who successfully establish the affirmative defense from paying fines and restitution to the state.

The affirmative defense does not apply if the defendant has a previous conviction for taking a big game animal that did not meet sex, age, or size limitations.

The prohibition on previous convictions applies to all convictions occurring before, on, or after the effective date of the Act.