Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2017-16
Today, I signed into law House Bill 2324, which amends the permitting requirements for aerial hunting of depredating animals. Prior to the implementation of this bill, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) shall immediately issue Policies, Standards, and Guidelines to govern aerial depredation control by use of aircraft. These policies, standards, and guidelines should include, but not be limited to, notice procedures, permits, and renewals. The notice procedures should include a requirement that a notice of intent to engage in the management of depredating animals by use of aircraft be sent to all property owners within a one mile radius of the aerial depredation control area via certified mail. These policies, standards, and guidelines shall be used to promulgate emergency and permanent rules.
It is my intent that ODAFF shall not issue permits until 10 days after receiving official confirmation that the notice requirement procedures have been properly followed. Additionally, ODAFF may waive the 10 day time limit if applicant can demonstrate proper notification has been given to adjacent land owners.
To ensure clarity in the implementation of House Bill 2324, the bill allows for any firearm to be used while undertaking management of depredating animals in the aircraft, but this does not restrict ODAFF's authority to restrict types of ammunition used. ODAFF shall issue rules to provide guidance on the type of ammunition allowed for use in the aircraft while managing depredating animals.
I HEREBY ORDER, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to verify appropriate documentation of a commercial pilot's license as required by the Federal Aviation Administration for any pilots flying non-experimental manned fixed wing and non-fixed wing aircraft used in the management of depredating animals if operating commercial or pay-for-service experience.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this the 15th day of May, 2017.
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
Mary Fallin
ATTEST:
Dave Lopez
Secretary of State
Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2017-16