[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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",6621339,"mediaKeyId","2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d","parentId",2803038,"title","Bill would limit release of precise wildlife GPS data for one year to protect fair chase and research integrity","audioSeconds",999,"startMs",2997000,"endMs",3996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d&start=2997&end=3996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d/thumbnail_2997000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6621339/Montana/Bill-would-limit-release-of-precise-wildlife-GPS-data-for-one-year-to-protect-fair-chase-and-research-integrity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621339-99a8f08ceb422c10017e4bebfcea6bc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775177202&Signature=DJty7msif1BtwOnn5rr6-JO1hpSOlvkfP6FHq0aW8PoDhOpwj81axffEgc84N0OZuq5sbZHy0fZXo9XXR9FApS1m-jzWyeqzdx3AUMxEX5FX49zjrmZD9f7WQ1PhZGsqVeoInAmbfcUB4hfZhqQwSx2D-yDK8iVdMbpeHnft9RorKfHofGTi5kDYxcIJPCC1gpQlNoLb7CI~j2ULRpQeT2FxKHMHcHaqNVYPtbzf-dQJube8JUBMGEMYAp7Qc9VOdlP8ePKWog7lMGFZsa1pRQSm8~5g9eYKRqhxOni3cgeo-dMM6l8DGegMHq355CLqUyFI2lcejAlCATQaMNiODg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montana Legislature","date","2025-03-27T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Jonathan Karlen opened a hearing on House Bill 264, describing a proposal to protect precise wildlife location data — for example, GPS coordinates from collared deer, elk or pronghorn — by placing a one-year buffer before the department can release exact locations in response to public records requests. Karlen said the bill preserves access to generalized or spatially buffered data within the one-year window and allows full data release after one year, with specific exceptions for environmental permitting and the state library’s existing data flows.

Karlen and multiple proponents argued the measure addresses growing concerns that near-real-time location data can be used to locate and hunt animals, undermining fair chase and harming landowner relationships used for research access. Joshua Millspaugh, director of the Boone and Crockett program at the University of Montana, testified that researchers often spend years collecting data and that premature public release can allow others to publish or draw conclusions from incomplete data sets. He said the bill would not prevent legitimate conservation partners from accessing data where needed.

Multiple hunters and organizations — including Montana Sportsman's Alliance, the Montana Wildlife Federation and individual hunters — testified in support, framing the change as protecting fair chase and preventing commercial apps or third parties from monetizing live-animal locations. The Montana State Library’s digital library administrator and FWP officials provided informational testimony and answered committee questions. The sponsor said he coordinated an amendment with staff to preserve the state library’s data flow and suggested changing “research partners” to “project partners” to ensure access for infrastructure and conservation projects such as wildlife-crossing planning.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition registered soft opposition, asking the committee to ensure trusted project partners retain access to data for infrastructure and highway-wildlife mitigation work; witnesses and sponsor discussed data-sharing agreements and contractual prohibitions on re-dissemination as implementation mechanisms. FWP said the bill is implementable and that prohibitions would carry forward to receiving partners under data-sharing agreements.

Sponsor Karlen closed noting the one-year buffer is milder than some other states’ approaches and said the bill aims to balance public access with protection of wildlife, research integrity and landowner trust. The transcript records detailed testimony and informational exchanges; no committee vote was recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Fish and Game - Mar 27, 2025 15:30 - 18:30","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Jonathan Karlen proposed a one-year delay on public release of precise wildlife location data collected for research to protect fair chase, research integrity and landowner trust, with exceptions for environmental permitting and designated project partners.","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},6621344,"Lawmakers consider adding swan and antelope to auction/lottery governor’s tags to boost conservation funding",1154,1800000,2954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d&start=1800&end=2954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d/thumbnail_1800000.jpg","/articles/6621344/Montana/Lawmakers-consider-adding-swan-and-antelope-to-auctionlottery-governors-tags-to-boost-conservation-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621344-cdd29a39c1966bf2ffff85cf47d80695/orig.mp4?Expires=1775177202&Signature=hvHY5QQk9nnjVz~M~-yqkVHq3BUiK~X~1ekFmzBRFUZKqjFz1f-4WlmsreIn09u276bC7wmKokJuo9YrpgePQx4SQujOXRLfIavJ4S94eDFnbH2ZnOJdezxtdhYHAWXppk02JOWdRUnYfYrdbyqKH5Uz~Cat7-M7rPjQ0mS1226LXN5lo4fVb4DjE36HNSWFTpOF1ck3FNeMQpP2Q5swIxcbOF9E0uv3IN7oJH17~iMovzStDjpxu89JmpnNweaBLp0XqGPY-6-pbllku7RXdyN1uDnF5P0dwzd1zTnl-dp4aAFF-jOTKZ~9G0Bzeye06~vZCXMZnvSIG1nyEH0aew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Jedidiah Hinkle introduced a bill to add swan and antelope to the roster of species eligible to be issued as auction-or-lottery statewide tags, commonly known as governor’s tags. Hinkle and proponents told the committee the change would give waterfowl groups a way to raise funds for wetlands and other conservation work on par with big-game groups that already use auctions and lotteries.

Hinkle and multiple witnesses described the governor’s-tag model: conservation groups seek authorization from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to offer a highly limited tag via auction or lottery, and proceeds primarily fund wildlife conservation. Hinkle said 90 percent of funds raised go back to the department for conservation; up to 10 percent may be retained by the nonprofit for documented event costs.

Proponents included conservation and hunting organizations. Matt Leo of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers reviewed the history of governor’s tags: moose and bighorn sheep began as auction-only tags in 1986; later tags (mule deer, elk, mountain goat) allowed auction or lottery and have generated millions for management. Supporters said lotteries can let more people participate at lower cost per person — for example, charging small-ticket amounts rather than a high-dollar auction bid — and that recent lotteries have out-produced auctions in fundraising.

Trent Gale and other proponents said waterfowl chapters lack a comparable fundraising option; they highlighted the potential to market a swan tag at large national events and to attract international interest. Some witnesses noted the need to ensure proposed tags do not increase incidental take of species of concern — for example, Trumpeter swans in some aggregations — and asked the commission to manage quotas and take limits. Jeff Herbert and other conservation speakers urged the commission to coordinate location and population safeguards.

No opponents testified in the transcript; informational witnesses included Fish, Wildlife & Parks licensing staff and others. Hinkle closed asking for committee approval. The transcript records the hearing and supporter testimony; no committee vote was recorded.","A bill would allow the Fish and Wildlife Commission to offer swan and antelope as auction-or-lottery \"governor's tags,\" a fundraising tool used by conservation groups; proponents said lotteries can raise larger sums and broaden participation.",{"_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},6621349,"Committee reviews boating law cleanup bill to eliminate free decal, raise accident reporting threshold",506,1270000,1776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d&start=1270&end=1776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d/thumbnail_1270000.jpg","/articles/6621349/Montana/Committee-reviews-boating-law-cleanup-bill-to-eliminate-free-decal-raise-accident-reporting-threshold","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621349-6c661712b20f9c13c56b7dcb5051e4e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775177202&Signature=bro5vlBNANOREoUx-w1bpBP8TrUlnk8fszdXAeMBAj5Bz0SaCujEDzKkZqcKaXdNTN49UU11UCncw08tjuFYFHyRH5oE3OwZDAuYupLszFn5Rsp8M1WPPoylIHqWSoAJJNVdPP3s4jm0bEu6jQRIU8cs-DjrVw72UAr9~HoJW-49Lmc5W7Kd~mjmcG0SYcKCvB8iRRINSjaNF49aVGFcmyKFyjO8FT16VRT4AzbpPK5YKzuIY1NyS49Ad9xPZO3FOnk8amkTMvLAbQx-BlJrZmjwO74quq9NWRik-~FzA4vwG81QrWp-tUqvlI~ES94O9L4xh7ow3tSuQ5p9ILablg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Kelly, sponsor of House Bill 468, described the measure as a cleanup bill for the Fish, Wildlife & Parks boating statutes. The sponsor said the bill updates boat validation procedures, aligns Montana’s passing and right-of-way language with other states and federal waterways, raises the damage threshold for boating accident reports from $100 to $2,000, and repeals a boating advisory committee that has not functioned for several years.

Phil Kilbreath, boating law administrator and enforcement division staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, testified that the U.S. Coast Guard no longer considers Montana’s three-year validation decal — a free sticker issued periodically — to be compliant with federal rules that limit registration. Kilbreath said the department is not proposing additional recurring fees: the department would keep permanent boat registration (the “boat MT number” or hull number) and eliminate the free decals that previously expired and required reissuance every one to three years.

Kilbreath described other technical changes in the bill: clarifying language on obstructing a normally used passageway, updating life jacket code language for personal watercraft (for example, jet skis), and directing any funds remaining in the advisory council account toward improved boating facilities. He said the bill would still allow the department to prepare accident reports for people who need documentation for insurance even when accidents fall below the higher reporting threshold.

Committee members asked whether the change would require new fees or periodic stickers; Kilbreath reiterated that the bill would remove the free validation sticker process and not require ongoing new fees. Senator Phelan and Senator Vance questioned how enforcement officers would verify registration; Kilbreath explained boat MT/hull numbers serve as the equivalent of a license plate and can be checked against registration records.

The department recommended a do-pass vote. The sponsor closed by saying he had experience enforcing similar laws and asked the committee for a due pass. No committee vote or formal action was recorded in the transcript.

Ending: The hearing closed after proponents and informational witnesses testified; the committee did not take a recorded vote in the transcript.","A cleanup bill would remove the three-year validation decal process for boats, raise the accident reporting threshold from $100 to $2,000 and repeal an inactive boating advisory council. Fish, Wildlife & Parks told lawmakers the changes align state rules with federal guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6621354,"Committee hears bill to require nonresident bird-dog trainers to report number of dogs, allow limits",792,420000,1212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d&start=420&end=1212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2803038-78a729182681bcb6fb17518e8bb70c7d/thumbnail_420000.jpg","/articles/6621354/Montana/Committee-hears-bill-to-require-nonresident-bird-dog-trainers-to-report-number-of-dogs-allow-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6621354-2dc2ec5b4ffa32bb6ace7e0d9db320ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775177202&Signature=VK6MC2Q2kdiZ8OQfGrFIqnX7v19wqJlxzD3TDlo~Jc2L7tKF-T0chamgBAOCNwo-l7BWsi2jT~xWJrkb7f2kIG6o6HfJm~ayvHEx8oarGYoa5x2k-N9D2rLb7qvNN-DKF9fS1IqL5ohHMHguVu8xhaKNf-i1QB3ZVvVOmjdjPDZ6DP49DDkRI2tPoTT4y3XTq7Tc~gGUGJPABgYdGfZRUKYRuJaxtGODSkoI5id7J2uJI9OitkKmy6DXKUQEt1i9uoU07A2saDmw0BZn6FIBTjzgkCvCCnl5NIk7EjNbb~i9FnlvXWlY3ZMHl-Bf-svY9PCsrphBsgMd9A9sDKrCCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative (sponsor) opened a hearing on House Bill 450, saying the measure is “a very simple bill” that would require nonresidents who purchase a Class D-5 bird-dog training license to report the number of dogs they are training and to have that number printed on the license.

The sponsor said the bill is intended as an information-gathering tool to help the state “get a handle” on how many out-of-state trainers and how many dogs are coming into Montana. He said the license fee was drafted at $5 and “might be amended to 10,” and that the House amended the measure to give the Fish and Wildlife Commission authority to limit the number of Class D-5 licenses issued to nonresidents and to limit the number of dogs that can be trained under a single license.

An operations captain with the enforcement division at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks testified in support and summarized the bill’s statutory change: it would amend Montana Code section 87-3-602 by adding the requirement that Class D-5 license holders report the number of dogs being trained when purchasing the license and require the number to be printed on the license. He confirmed the House amendment that gives the Fish and Wildlife Commission the authority to limit nonresident licenses and the number of dogs per license.

Conservation and producer groups said the reporting requirement and grant of limiting authority are needed to address large numbers of nonresident trainers using public lands in eastern Montana. Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society said the change would help address “large numbers of dogs and a large number of out-of-state trainers coming in, taking advantage of Montana's upland game bird resource.” Scott Blackman of the Montana Wool Growers Association told the committee trainers sometimes arrive “with 10 to 30 dogs, sometimes more, camp on public lands and stay through the season,” and said the bill is “a small step” toward mitigating impacts on livestock and range users.

Individual ranchers and hunters described local impacts. Alicia Nathy, who farms and ranches in Daniels County, said commercial trainers arrive in large numbers, often bringing horses and many dogs, leaving ranchers unable to rely on existing enforcement tools to verify counts at remote camps. Jeff Herbert of the Montana Sportsman's Alliance, a long-time trainer, said he supported the bill but urged that resident professional trainers with long-standing relationships with landowners not be unduly restricted.

No formal committee action or vote occurred at the hearing. The sponsor closed by urging a “do pass,” describing the bill as a modest, information-focused step to determine whether stricter limits are needed.

Ending: The committee held a public hearing with multiple proponents and informational testimony; no final vote was recorded in the transcript.","A House bill that would require nonresident bird-dog trainers to report how many dogs they train in Montana and give the Fish and Wildlife Commission authority to limit nonresident licenses and dogs per license drew support from conservation groups and ranchers at a hearing before the House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bill would limit release of precise wildlife GPS data for one year to protect fair chase and research integrity

Lawmakers consider adding swan and antelope to auction/lottery governor’s tags to boost conservation funding

Committee reviews boating law cleanup bill to eliminate free decal, raise accident reporting threshold

Committee hears bill to require nonresident bird-dog trainers to report number of dogs, allow limits