ID H0278

Two dollars ($2.00) from each combination hunting and fishing license or hunting license (excluding class 4 licenses) shall be earmarked for sportsmen access programs and acquiring access to big game ranges and upland bird and waterfowl habitats.

Removes the legislative intent language requiring the fish and game commission to prefer lease arrangements over outright property purchases, making lease negotiations discretionary unless inconsistent with commission goals.

Any unexpended balance in the expendable big game depredation fund exceeding $750,000 at fiscal year-end shall be transferred: $100,000 to the fish and game set-aside account for sportsmen access programs and remaining funds to the animal damage control account.

Establishes the nonexpendable big game depredation fund with $2,250,000 in principal (invested to generate interest) and creates the expendable big game depredation fund receiving annual transfers of $200,000 from the fish and game account for damage compensation purposes.

Maintains existing claim payment conditions for big game depredation damages, including $1,000 deductibles per claim and limitations on forage damage claims to 25% of annual interest earnings from fund investments.