Bill > HB202

This bill revises Montana's existing laws regarding the unlawful use of aircraft in hunting activities, introducing several significant changes to current regulations. The bill expands the existing restrictions on aircraft use during hunting by explicitly including game birds in the protected species category and extending the waiting period after aircraft use from the same calendar day to within 24 hours. It introduces a new prohibition against hunting or attempting to hunt while possessing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which effectively bans hunters from having drones during hunting activities. The legislation substantially increases financial penalties for violations, raising fines from relatively modest amounts to much higher ranges: general violations now carry fines between $3,000 and $10,000, with specific higher fines for hunting big game animals like deer and elk (between $5,000 and $20,000) and fur-bearing animals (between $1,000 and $10,000). Additionally, the bill extends the mandatory license suspension period from varying timeframes to a consistent 36-month period for most violations, unless the court decides on a longer suspension. The law provides exceptions for emergency situations, search and rescue operations, predator control, and agricultural support. The bill will be effective upon passage, with Section 2 specifically becoming effective on January 1, 2027, and Section 1 terminating on December 31, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3165