Department of Fish and Game: Big Game Management Account funds.

Existing law requires all money collected under the Fish and Game Code, including money received as a result of the sale of licenses issued under the code, to be deposited into the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, unless otherwise provided. Existing law authorizes the Department of Fish and Game to issue tags, stamps, and licenses for the hunting of antelope, elk, upland game birds, deer, wild pigs, bears, and bighorn sheep upon payment of a fee, to be deposited into the fund. Existing law establishes the Big Game Management Account within the fund to permit separate accountability for the receipt and, subject to appropriation, the prescribed expenditure of revenues from antelope, elk, deer, wild pig, bear, and bighorn sheep tags, including fundraising tags. This bill would require the department to authorize a nonprofit organization designated by the department, that is associated with the sale of deer, elk, antelope, or bighorn sheep tags that are sold on behalf of the department for the purpose of raising funds for specified programs and projects, to retain a vendor fee of 2% of the amount for which the tag is sold. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions.