Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1791

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code; providing duties and prohibitions for game wardens. Effective date.

Impact

The bill would also make significant changes in terms of how consent for hunting on private property is understood legally. It states that consent granted by a landowner, lessee, or occupant for hunting activities is valid for one year unless a different term is specified. This provision could simplify processes for hunters by providing a standardized duration of consent, while still protecting landowners' rights. Additionally, game wardens would be prohibited from entering private properties based solely on suspicions of firearm possession or discharge, reinforcing stronger privacy protections for landowners.

Summary

Senate Bill 1791 aims to amend the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Code by establishing specific duties and prohibitions related to game wardens. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of game wardens in scenarios involving hunting on private land. Under the proposed changes, game wardens are instructed that they do not have a duty to inform hunters about the necessity of obtaining consent from landowners unless explicitly asked to do so by the landowner or occupant. This change is intended to clarify the operational parameters and responsibilities of game wardens during their field investigations.

Contention

Notably, one of the underlying points of contention is the requirement for game wardens to respect the privacy of landowners while balancing the enforcement of wildlife protection regulations. Critics of this bill may argue that such limitations could hinder the ability of game wardens to effectively monitor hunting activities and uphold conservation rules. The legislation seems to reflect a move towards enhancing personal property rights, particularly concerning how wildlife regulations intersect with private land ownership, potentially altering the state’s approach to wildlife conservation and law enforcement.