Bill > SB514

This bill modifies Montana's hunting regulations by requiring the Fish and Wildlife Commission to allow state residents to begin hunting upland game birds 10 days before nonresidents, with a specific exception for mountain grouse (which includes blue grouse, spruce/Franklin grouse, and ruffed grouse). The bill amends an existing statute that governs the commission's authority to set hunting seasons, bag limits, and other hunting-related regulations. Specifically, the new provision applies to hunting on publicly accessible lands, excluding privately owned lands that are not part of a state hunting access program. The change aims to give Montana residents priority access to hunting upland game birds like ring-necked pheasants, while maintaining existing regulations for mountain grouse. The bill will become effective on March 1, 2026, providing advance notice to hunters and wildlife management officials about the new hunting season priority rules.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3901