Free hunting days.

Existing law authorizes the Director of Fish and Wildlife to establish 2 free hunting days per year: one in the fall, and one in the winter. Existing law authorizes a California unlicensed resident to hunt during a free hunting day if accompanied by a licensed hunter, subject to certain conditions. Existing law prohibits these provisions from being implemented until the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Automated License Data System is fully operational for at least one year. This bill would require, rather than authorize, the director to establish 2 free hunting days per year no later than July 1, 2023. The bill would require the department to issue a registration for free hunting days to any California resident who provides the department with all of the information required to issue an annual California hunting license and evidence of completing a course in hunter education, as specified. The bill would limit the type of game an unlicensed hunter participating in free hunting days can take. The bill would delete the prohibition requiring a delay in implementation of the above-described provisions. The bill would authorize the department to adopt emergency regulations to implement these provisions. The bill would require the department, on or before July 1, 2022, to develop a plan, as specified, to implement these provisions, and would require the department to provide the plan to the relevant legislative policy and budget committees and post the plan on its internet website.