AK HB396

Establishes a big game guide concession area permit program administered by the Department of Natural Resources to limit the number of individuals authorized to conduct big game guiding on state land.

Requires the Board of Game to approve proposals for establishing big game guide concession areas in single game management units or subunits, considering conservation, enforcement, and public interest criteria.

Issues two types of permits: full big game guide concession area permits (issued through competitive process) and limited permits (issued through random draw), each valid for 10 years with no renewal without recompetition; big game guides limited to holding maximum of three permits at a time.

Mandates the Board of Game establish one initial concession area before accepting additional proposals, with the Department of Natural Resources administering the program for at least three years before expansion.

Permits may be suspended or revoked for violations, transferred with commissioner approval, and subject to reasonable fees; commissioner must consult with Big Game Commercial Services Board, Board of Game, and Department of Fish and Game in adopting regulations.