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Central Region RAC backs rule allowing dedicated hunters to bank service hours
Summary
The Central Region Advisory Council unanimously approved a Division of Wildlife Resources rule amendment expanding the window for counting approved volunteer service for the dedicated hunter program, allowing limited banking of hours for applicants who perform approved service earlier in the year.
The Central Region Advisory Council voted unanimously May 13 to approve a rule amendment that lengthens the window in which dedicated-hunter volunteer service can count toward the program’s multi-year eligibility period.
The amendment, presented by Bridal Christiansen, the Division of Wildlife Resources’ dedicated hunter program coordinator, expands the period the division will consider when crediting approved service done before a draw. "If I did some approved service through the division's website, then we'll apply that to the the new 3 year term," Christiansen said, describing how service done from January 1 to the draw-results date can now count.
Why it matters: the change gives applicants more flexibility to complete required service without changing the program’s three-year service cycle. Under the amendment, service does not “accumulate from year to year,” Christiansen emphasized; the change primarily extends the look-back window from roughly three months to about six months for applicants who want to bank hours before a draw.
Details: Christiansen told the RAC this was intended to help applicants who perform approved service early in the calendar year and then draw in the same application cycle. The division presented the proposal as a limited procedural change rather than an expansion of program benefits. Online feedback collected by staff after the presentation showed one person "strongly agree" and no free-text comments on the rule change.
The RAC chair called the amendment "straightforward" during discussion, and a motion to approve the recommendation passed unanimously.
The vote and next step: The RAC approved the amendment and will forward the recommendation to the wildlife board, which has the formal authority to adopt rules. The division said the change will be implemented through its application system and public guidance.
Implementation note: Christiansen and staff will publish details on the division’s website explaining exactly which service dates and documentation the division will accept when crediting hours under the expanded look‑back window.
