Bill > HB146

This bill revises hunting license fees and regulations for migratory game birds, specifically adding new provisions for sandhill crane and swan hunting licenses in Montana. The legislation increases the resident migratory game bird license fee from $5.50 to $10 and establishes new application and license fees for sandhill crane and swan hunting. For residents, the application fee for sandhill crane and swan licenses will be $10, while nonresident application fees will be $50. The corresponding license fees will be $10 for residents and $75 for nonresidents for both sandhill crane and swan licenses. Hunters purchasing a sandhill crane or swan license must also purchase a migratory game bird license. The bill maintains the existing requirement that funds from these license sales will be deposited into a state special revenue account, which can only be used for protecting, conserving, and developing wetlands in Montana. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2026, giving hunters and the state wildlife department time to prepare for the new licensing structure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1497