[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6353951,"mediaKeyId","2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd","parentId",2220789,"title","Lawmakers hear bill to license and time shed‑horn collecting to protect wildlife, give resident priority","audioSeconds",2953,"startMs",5534000,"endMs",8487000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd&start=5534&end=8487","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd/thumbnail_5534000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6353951/Montana/Lawmakers-hear-bill-to-license-and-time-shedhorn-collecting-to-protect-wildlife-give-resident-priority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353951-fdad0212ab51c547995bc471d45509ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201593&Signature=BpvC4~c8Pn52yPUCDEDpiz~YvnRSs5Dmqu5TIPNcqrP078DL-RWfgh0HKhEDF3pDeuT8A-CrL~0Lw7NtFnBMeXkH8DPRKT79lK3UFodxdeKsY5CrSIloyW5b~QjI2Ma~JQ2tRian95B2yzR9i9Fxr9sxtCiulSMy-CsfOL3woBZvkzrV~aocf0Kwonbqo26RmKzuTDbt0Hodsja0ywgGw25cysimuDjjoVndlHPvEjgfi6zcqRmbw09FeLHwbdBxGpQS22e8mtfvO8GbQ02chHIGMnwhIsmu6nTmyjW8OBbnPrNLTz6lKBt9C2QM5~MbRLQq5GGwk8gNf2XWIE7JsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Jill Cohenour opened the hearing on House Bill 353 on Feb. 4 and described an amendment intended to address stakeholder concerns. The measures under discussion would (1) give the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission authority to set seasons for collecting naturally shed antlers and horns on lands the agency manages, (2) remove a proposed $10 resident fee and instead include shed‑collecting access as part of the existing conservation license for Montana residents, and (3) require a separate $50 collecting license for nonresidents who wish to collect sheds in Montana during restricted seasons.

The nut graf: sponsors and several conservation groups argued the combination of seasons, resident priority windows and a nonresident fee would reduce the large opening‑day crowds on some wildlife management areas (WMAs), reduce disturbance to wintering wildlife, and generate modest revenue to support management; opponents cautioned that the bill risks restricting access to public lands, may duplicate conservation funding, and requires careful drafting to avoid unintended consequences.

Proponents included Joe Konauer (rancher), Ben Lamb (Montana Conservation Society), Tom Jacobson (Montana Wildlife Federation), Charlie Bueker (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and Ron Howell (chief of law enforcement, Montana FWP). Konauer and others described crowding at WMAs such as Sun River and Blackfoot‑Clearwater on opening days and said nonresident pressure has increased as other states limit their windows. Proponents praised the draft amendment that removes the standalone $10 resident fee and makes resident collecting incidental to the conservation license; the amendment also removed language that might have applied retroactively to existing possession.

Opponents included shed‑hunting participants and conservation advocates who argued the bill creates a new fee and restricts public land use. Ryan Featherston, an avid shed hunter, said recreational activities other than targeted shed hunting (for example, wide‑area skiing or hiking) can produce equal disturbance and urged education over access limits. Other opponents urged more study and expressed concern about managing federal lands and WMAs purchased with Pittman‑Robertson funds.

Ron Howell said the department would treat this as it treats other seasons and rule changes: the commission would set rules and the department would emphasize an educational phase-in. Howell noted that when the commission adopts a rule the department enforces it under existing statute, and the usual administrative fine for commission rules is $135. Committee members asked about season design, federal land relationships and penalties; Howell said commission authority would allow targetted, area‑by‑area responses rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all closure.

Sponsor Jill Cohenour said the amendment aims to balance Montanans' access with protections for wildlife and private landowners and urged the committee to advance the proposal for further work in committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Fish, Wildlife, and Parks 2025-02-04","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Jill Cohenour told the committee she introduced House Bill 353 and a working amendment to let Fish, Wildlife & Parks manage the timing of shed‑antler collecting on agency lands, give residents a short head start in some areas and require a $50 nonresident collecting license.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MT, Montana","taxId",77694,"location","Montana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6353954,"Committee considers tougher penalties, privilege revocation for criminal trespass tied to shed‑horn thefts",2499,2662000,5161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd&start=2662&end=5161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd/thumbnail_2662000.jpg","/articles/6353954/Montana/Committee-considers-tougher-penalties-privilege-revocation-for-criminal-trespass-tied-to-shedhorn-thefts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353954-0a785a63b8560b1410f85bd2a12840ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201593&Signature=Ds6mYeh5elLPRnnu3r6VgwdprqRk8zQurJDcFv4f-OD~vKCntWlUulG2lHJ24~ERBrkkedXSXEI~m1~ymlxd~BQvxJJmhMOcZDrq8pT0yJR7mwX66UM923ffebGgCUvPOCKv~2xNxn9-OIZ~ZBBWkElfVSnKdbX4m2zxElDi8IoJgQ44MAKFfc1lOxPx7LglkRf5s-S~y6xLVW34csXQSyYp4FyBHyfQA5sQ0QGGPt8-Wei6h5blc1vxhNb0wG3XoO7P7n1onTTSZIRRfpDmENpzvkf6HeeDY1x60AvGaws-u6c96tMBhJTxOd2emM3IWztDaDt~zxJAh2oX5HBm-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Jill Cohenour introduced House Bill 354 on Feb. 4, characterizing the measure as a response to growing trespass for shed‑horn collection and calling for stronger penalties to protect landowners and wildlife. Proponents—ranchers, sportsmen’s groups and FWP law enforcement—told the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee the current maximum fine for criminal trespass is too small to deter repeat offenders and that those people can profit far more by selling antlers than the state can extract in fines.

The nut graf: supporters said mandatory suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges would provide a stronger deterrent against organized trespass for antler collection and would help wardens and county attorneys take cases more seriously; opponents cautioned about drafting, the scope of enforcement and impacts on recreators.

Multiple witnesses described examples of organized trespass. Ron Howell, chief of law enforcement for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, presented recent field cases and photographs from one area and said three people who collected roughly $1,900 worth of antlers were each cited and paid $185; Howell noted that the current criminal‑trespass fine is often small relative to the commercial value of antlers. \"Many of the same individuals that are willing to break the law to obtain these antlers are also avid hunters,\" Howell said and urged a \"due pass\" for the bill.

Proponents included Joe Konauer (local rancher and law‑enforcement background), Ben Lamb (Montana Conservation Society), Tom Jacobson (Montana Wildlife Federation), Jeff Lucas (Trout Unlimited) and representatives of the Montana Stock Growers Association, Montana Farm Bureau and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. They said the statute requires proof the trespasser \"knowingly\" entered posted private property and that the bill would raise the penalty for egregious or repeat trespass.

Opponents and commenters raised implementation concerns. Ryan Featherston, who described himself as an avid shed hunter and small business seller of shed‑derived products, said the market price for antlers (he cited about $14 per pound in his testimony) makes a $185 fine a weak deterrent and urged more comprehensive solutions including seasons, education and case‑by‑case enforcement. Others urged precision in the bill’s language — for example, whether corner‑crossing or being on access sites after posted hours would trigger the most severe sanction.

Committee members questioned enforcement mechanics. Howell said the department must prove the defendant \"knowingly\" entered private property and that, where privileges are revoked under the bill, Montana’s membership in the Wildlife Violator Compact would cause reciprocal suspension in other compact states. Howell also confirmed a judge already has discretion to raise fines or jail time in individual cases; proponents argued the bill would make a stiffer, mandatory sanction available for the most egregious violators.

The hearing closed without a committee vote. The bill would make criminal trespass, when committed while hunting, fishing, trapping or collecting antlers, subject to mandatory suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for up to 24 months upon conviction; existing fines and sentencing ranges remain available according to statute and judicial discretion.","Representative Jill Cohenour told the committee that House Bill 354 responds to organized trespass tied to shed‑horn collection and seeks stronger penalties to protect private landowners and vulnerable wildlife.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6353957,"Montana committee hears bill to allow lotteries for statewide moose, sheep tags",2252,365000,2617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd&start=365&end=2617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220789-8e6734feab7daaa7d96e9eb4e8959cbd/thumbnail_365000.jpg","/articles/6353957/Montana/Montana-committee-hears-bill-to-allow-lotteries-for-statewide-moose-sheep-tags","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6353957-66a2aab64f879d4ac2f9cc6b09d2c0e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201593&Signature=GGzb4W~vfPR-1PPjxCjDQCZT5dQNU1EPfvjCI9VKye6V2wb2oImgWzaTV~tCH-cexK-zQF~Liuf65S8LzCgwk7wtKIWPlKcG49-GUNyU0D~l~xNE13E9Ynpljr2kpHfWg3b9h1G2q78Q7-fHyjb-kgOllh8073gy6W16Zs0E~KHXRZRw~FLmHISbrCx6OeMnbQ7EacbpvFOI87h0nNIMzLQDuAsjG2NBek1QJVRTROS3BAEbANZ-Mh68-~FvE-yUa1xbW1C9XiLd7EP4tBppFFT0lC~9vPK9qoGZEk~xFyRWpWI2kkQ2BfdLO4Wr-P0DZaNN9VgKyoigAWv8HfvMyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Tyson Running Wolf, sponsor of House Bill 283, told the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee on Feb. 4 that the bill would permit the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to award statewide moose and bighorn sheep tags either by auction or by lottery. \"HB 283 is a simple change ... to allow wildlife conservation organizations to use either an auction or lottery for these fundraisers,\" Running Wolf said, citing proposed amendments to sections 87-2-722 and 87-2-724, MCA.

The nut graf: supporters from hunting and tribal organizations said lotteries can raise substantial money while giving ordinary hunters a fairer chance at rare tags; opponents representing major conservation-auction organizations said auctions historically produce larger, more reliable revenues for species conservation.

Supporters described a recent mule deer raffle run by Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) as an example. Micah Fields of the Montana chapter of BHA told the committee that the group sold $20 raffle tickets and raised $56,620 — a sum he said exceeded the previous mule deer auction record of $41,000. \"This bill will not rob any organizations from successful fundraising models that benefit wildlife conservation, but would simply open the door to another option,\" Fields said.

Proponents argued lotteries broaden access. Steve Platt of Helena Hunters and Anglers and Tom Jacobson of the Montana Wildlife Federation said allowing auctions or lotteries for moose and sheep would align those species with elk, mule deer and goat tags, for which the statute already permits either method. Land Tawney and representatives of tribal organizations including Alyssa Snow and Lats Forstar told the committee that lotteries better reflect the North American wildlife conservation model of democratic access to public wildlife.

Opponents included Grey Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation, and DJ Berg of the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation. Thornton told the committee the auction model aims to raise the most money efficiently and that in many cases lotteries raise substantially less than auctions. Thornton said the bighorn sheep auction tag will bring roughly $337,500 to Montana FWP this year and that a so-called \"super tag\" lottery raised about $246,000 last year. Berg said Montana's auction tag has been the state’s most effective funding tool for bighorn sheep since 1986 and urged the committee to reject the bill, citing the need for consistent funding for habitat, partnerships and science-based management.

Emily Cooper, licensing bureau chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, answered technical questions from committee members about how recipients of auction or raffle tags are selected: organizations submit proposals to FWP staff, staff collect and present them to the commission, and the commission chooses at its discretion. Cooper also testified that the nongovernmental organizations that receive tags are allowed to retain up to 10% of proceeds and must provide documentation of how those funds are spent.

Committee members pressed proponents and FWP staff on whether lotteries reliably generate as much money as auctions and on transferrable licenses. Cooper said the special statewide tags can be transferred one time and that the purchaser must sign an attestation that no money changed hands at transfer; she said the agency relies on forms and attestation as the enforcement mechanism.

The hearing closed without a committee vote. The bill would change language in two statutory sections to add \"or lottery\" where the code currently limits statewide sheep and moose tags to auction only, bringing them into parity with elk, mule deer and mountain goat provisions.","Supporters told the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee that adding a lottery option for statewide moose and bighorn sheep tags would raise funds and broaden access for everyday hunters; conservation groups representing auction buyers warned the change could reduce revenue for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers hear bill to license and time shed‑horn collecting to protect wildlife, give resident priority

Committee considers tougher penalties, privilege revocation for criminal trespass tied to shed‑horn thefts

Montana committee hears bill to allow lotteries for statewide moose, sheep tags