Senate overrides veto of bill prioritizing resident hunters

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate overrode the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 922 Wednesday. The legislation, authored by Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens, R-Tahlequah, provides that at least 90 percent of hunting tags be issued to Oklahomans for hunting seasons with a limited number of tags available.

“Thousands of Oklahomans take part in the time-honored traditions of outdoorsmanship and contribute to our statewide conservation efforts. Further, these are the same individuals who live and work in our state and make contributions to our communities and economy daily. It is saddening that these citizens were not prioritized or recognized as the governor reviewed this legislation last year,” Stephens said.

Stephens added other states have adopted similar policies in recent years.

“We want to ensure that we prioritize Oklahomans and that access to a tag is not a limiting factor for them to hunt in our state. With a 90/10 threshold, we still leave plenty of room for our neighbors to visit our state and have the opportunity to harvest Oklahoma’s prized game,” Stephens said. “I encourage my friends in the House of Representatives to join me in supporting Oklahoma hunters through the override of this veto.”

The Legislature unanimously approved SB 922 in 2023.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Blake Stephens at 405-521-5574, or email Blake.Stephens@oksenate.gov