1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to game and fish; modifying bear hunting license drawing provisions;
1.3 	amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.405.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 97B.405, is amended to read:
1.6 	97B.405 COMMISSIONER MAY LIMIT NUMBER OF BEAR HUNTERS.
1.7 	(a) The commissioner may limit the number of persons that may hunt bear in an 
1.8 	area, if it is necessary to prevent an overharvest or improve the distribution of hunters. 
1.9 	The commissioner may establish, by rule, a method, including a drawing, to impartially 
1.10 	select the hunters for an area. The commissioner shall give preference to hunters that have 
1.11 	previously applied and have not been selected.
1.12 	(b) In the case of a drawing, the commissioner shall allow a person to apply for a 
1.13 	permit in more than one area at the same time and rank the person's choice of area.
1.14 	(c) A person selected through a drawing must purchase a license by August 1. Any 
1.15 	remaining available licenses not purchased shall be issued to any eligible person as 
1.16 	prescribed by the commissioner on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 2.