AK SB253

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 in approved areas.

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

Creates two types of permits: full big game guide concession area permits issued through competitive process (no limit on assistant guides) and limited permits issued through random draw (with more restrictive limitations on clients and assistant guides).

Mandates the Board of Game establish one initial concession area before other proposals can be considered, with the Department of Natural Resources implementing the permit program in that area for at least three years before new areas can be approved.

Concession permits are valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed or extended without the same open and competitive process; individual guides limited to holding no more than three permits at a time.