AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the use of supplemental feed for hunting; and to provide an expiration date.
Summary
SB 2137 creates a new section in North Dakota Century Code chapter 20.1-05 to limit the Game and Fish Department’s authority over supplemental feed used on private property for hunting big game animals. The bill says the department may not adopt a rule or implement a policy that prohibits or restricts the use of supplemental feed on private land for hunting big game.
The measure is temporary. It includes an expiration date, making it effective only through July 31, 2029, after which it becomes ineffective unless renewed or replaced by later legislation. In practical terms, the bill would prevent the department from using administrative rulemaking or policy guidance to restrict this hunting practice during that period.
Impact
The bill directly constrains the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s regulatory authority by barring it from prohibiting or limiting supplemental feed on private property for big game hunting. It creates a statutory exception that overrides any contrary agency rule or policy for the duration of the act, affecting hunters, private landowners, and wildlife regulators. Because the act expires in 2029, the change is temporary rather than a permanent amendment to hunting law.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received majority support in both chambers, passing the Senate 31-15 and the House 56-34. The vote margins suggest the proposal was favored by a clear but not overwhelming majority, indicating meaningful support for limiting agency restrictions on private-land hunting practices. No committee transcript is available, so the available record shows support through floor votes rather than detailed public debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between private property hunting practices and wildlife management authority. Supporters likely view the bill as protecting landowner and hunter discretion on private land, while opponents likely worry that restricting supplemental feed could undermine game management, conservation goals, or disease control efforts. The split votes in both chambers indicate disagreement over whether the department should retain flexibility to regulate feeding practices for big game hunting.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the use of supplemental feed for hunting; and to provide an expiration date.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to nonresident upland and small game licenses; and to amend and reenact section 20.1-03-07 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to nonresident hunting licenses.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 20.1-02 and a new section to chapter 20.1-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to waterfowl habitat restoration stamp fees and the waterfowl habitat improvement fund.
AN ACT to create and enact two new sections to chapter 54-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the management of moneys in the state treasury and a cash management board; to provide a report; and to provide an expiration date.
The creation of a legislative task force on government efficiency; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an expiration date; and to declare an emergency.