HB 1224 Summary

• Amends North Dakota Century Code sections 20.1-01-02 and 20.1-05-04 relating to handgun possession and dog use in big game recovery.

• Allows dog handlers to carry a handgun during the recovery of big game animals, provided the handler does not use the handgun to assist in recovery and has landowner permission to enter private land.

• Requires dogs used in big game recovery to be leashed and under physical control of a handler at all times, and accompanied by both a handler and the hunter responsible for taking the animal.

• Mandates that dog handlers notify the district game warden before recovery begins and provide contact information for all parties involved and the location where the big game animal was tracked.

• Allows artificial light to be used during the recovery process of big game animals, while prohibiting its use during active hunting.