Kevin Kelly

The commission meeting included discussions on quarterly financial reports and budget updates. Action items addressed included deer hunting season expansions, the establishment of new antlerless firearms hunts, modifications to public land deer hunting seasons, and regulations for night hunting of beavers and bobcats. Furthermore, the commission reviewed non-resident hunting license fee changes, modifications to land and water use regulations at department lakes, and the legalization of hoop nets and seines for invasive carp harvesting. Other topics included updates to commercial fishing harvest reporting, the implementation of a new habitat stamp, commercial activity permits on wildlife management areas, and changes to youth and veteran waterfowl seasons. The commission also considered establishing a new standing committee structure with defined oversight and responsibilities.

The Commission addressed several regulatory matters, including the promulgation of new procurement policies, adjustments to turkey archery, crossbow, and spring seasons, and modifications to black bear seasons and requirements. Discussion items involved the overlap of deer hunting seasons, the creation of a new antlerless firearms hunt, non-resident hunting license fee adjustments, and management of invasive carp. Additionally, the Commission reviewed a draft committee meeting structure, a proposal for a new habitat stamp, and potential commercial activity permits on wildlife management areas for carcass recovery. The meeting also included public comments, a review of commission-related communication compliance, and a closed session for an annual performance review.

The commission held a special meeting to review legislative actions from the 2026 session, specifically focusing on House Bill 10, House Bill 142, and Senate Bill 39, and how these statutes mandate changes to existing administrative regulations. Key topics included updates to commission member nomination procedures, definitions related to boat regulations and wake sports, and new provisions regarding fishing on private waters. The commission discussed the necessity of these regulatory amendments to maintain legal compliance and outlined the process for future quarterly reviews and budget updates.

The commission meeting focused on several legislative compliance and regulatory updates. Key discussion items included amendments to commission nomination processes and various Chapter 6 regulations to comply with new legislative bills. Discussions covered defining private waters and lakes, creating exemptions for fishing methods, modifying fundraising permit application instructions, and procedures for reporting wildlife causing damage. The commission also addressed the expansion of deer hunting seasons, including new antlerless-only firearms seasons, modifying public lands deer hunting, and establishing new regulations for the night hunting of beavers and bobcats. Additionally, the agenda included the election of commission officers.

The Commission recommended amendments to several hunting and wildlife regulations, including a new procurement regulation to enhance transparency in purchasing policies. Proposed changes involve fall and spring wild turkey hunting seasons to remove hens from legal take, as well as modifications to black bear seasons and requirements, such as removing physical check requirements and establishing a youth-only bear season.