Bill > HB283

This bill modifies existing Montana law to allow the state wildlife commission to issue mountain sheep and Shiras moose hunting licenses through either a competitive auction or a lottery, whereas previously only auctions were permitted. The bill amends two sections of Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to provide this flexibility. Under the new provisions, the wildlife commission can still issue one male mountain sheep and one male Shiras moose license annually, but now has the option to use a lottery system instead of an auction. Wildlife conservation organizations involved in mountain sheep or moose conservation may be authorized to conduct the auction or lottery and can retain up to 10% of the proceeds to cover reasonable expenses. All remaining proceeds must be used by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the substantial benefit of mountain sheep or moose management, supplementing existing department funds. The bill includes a delayed effective date of March 1, 2026, giving the wildlife commission time to develop rules and procedures for implementing the new lottery option.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3871