Bill Summary: SF2490

• Establishes a walk-in access program allowing public hunting on private lands from September 1 to May 31 with a $15 validation fee for adults ($7.50 for ages 16-17, free for under 16).

• Increases hunting and fishing license fees across all categories, including resident small game licenses from $12.50 to $15.50 and resident angling licenses from $17 to $22.

• Modifies youth hunting eligibility by lowering age requirements for certain licenses (e.g., turkey and prairie chicken licenses for youth under 13 now available without firearms safety certificate if accompanied by parent).

• Allows nonresidents ages 16-17 to purchase youth fishing licenses and small game licenses at resident youth rates if they possess a firearms safety certificate.

• Transfers $500,000 from the game and fish fund to the invasive species account in fiscal year 2013 and appropriates $1,000,000 for invasive species activities.