Big game mammals: bighorn sheep.

Existing law, except as provided, prohibits the taking or possession of fully protected mammals or parts of those mammals at any time. Existing law establishes a list of fully protected mammals, including bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) generally, but excepts Nelson bighorn sheep (subspecies Ovis canadensis nelsoni) under specified circumstances. Existing law requires all money collected under the provisions of the Fish and Game Code, including money received as a result of the sale of licenses issued under the provisions of the code, to be deposited into the Fish and Game Preservation Fund, unless otherwise provided. Existing law grants authority to the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue tags, stamps, and licenses for the hunting of antelope, elk, deer, wild pigs, bear, and bighorn sheep upon payment of a fee, to be deposited into the Big Game Management Account in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Existing law authorizes the Fish and Game Commission to set the cost of a Nelson bighorn ram tag at not more than $500. This bill would authorize a nonprofit organization designated by the department to assist in the sale of deer, elk, antelope, or big hornsheep fundraising tags to retain 5% of the amount of the sale price of the tag as a reasonable vendor fee. The bill would require the selling nonprofit organization, within 30 days of the date of the sale, to send the department 95% of the total auction sale price of the tag, with an itemized receipt showing the sale price and the 5% reduction retained by the nonprofit organization as a vendor's fee. This bill would set a Nelson bighorn ram tag at $400 for residents and would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2015, by regulation, to fix the fee for a nonresident of the state at not less than $1,500 for the same tag. The bill would subject the price of each tag to an annual specified adjustment.