Division staff presented proposed amendments to rule R657-42 to add natural-disaster relief options for affected hunters and units. Staff said applications remain on the division website and that hunters must return physical tags within 30 days after hunt end to qualify for relief options; the director may offer unit-wide relief after consulting leadership and biologists if unit criteria are met.

RAC members pressed for clarity about who decides relief and how to ensure consistent treatment in high-volume request years. Staff explained the rule intentionally uses "may" language because relief options vary by tag type (general season, limited entry, or once-in-a-lifetime) and by whether relief is individual or unit-wide. For limited-entry or once-in-a-lifetime tags, staff said returning points, waiving waiting periods, or refunds less a 25% fee could apply depending on tag type.

The RAC moved to adopt the division's recommendation and the motion passed unanimously. Staff said they would aim for transparency and consistency when administering relief and noted examples of prior relief requests in other disasters.