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Committee hears bill closing perceived loophole in landowner-preference hunting permits
Summary
Senate Bill 235 would tighten eligibility for landowner-preference hunting permits to prevent transfer or sale of designee status tied to buy/sell agreements; outfitter, stockgrower and hunting groups supported the change and the department provided informational comment on license categories.
Senator Ken Bogner told the Fish and Game Committee that Senate Bill 235 aims to preserve the integrity of the landowner-preference licensing program by closing a loophole that can allow designees to obtain preference permits through arrangements that circumvent the program’s intent.
“Landowner preference is an expression of gratitude by the state of Montana to landowners who provide year round habitat and feed for wildlife,” Senator Ken Bogner said, introducing the bill and telling the committee the measure is intended to prevent exploitation of the program and preserve its integrity.
Proponents included outdoor-industry and landowner organizations. Mark Taylor, speaking for the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association and the Montana Conservation Society, said the bill “closes an issue that has been identified” and asked the committee to move it forward. Ellie Brighton of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Matt Leo of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers also supported the bill and urged passage.
Quentin Kujala, chief of conservation policy for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, appeared as an informational witness and explained license classifications and drawing categories. Kujala told the committee that A9 and B12 license references in the bill refer to antlerless elk allocations commonly called B licenses and that those allocations and special-draw permits are covered by the statute language the bill edits.
Committee members asked about eligibility criteria and whether the bill changes land-size thresholds for preference. Senator Nolan cited the eligibility language in the bill requiring either at least 640 contiguous acres (some of which is used by elk) or at least 60 contiguous acres of production agricultural land documented by the department. Kujala and sponsors confirmed the bill targets transfer/contract abuses rather than changing baseline landowner eligibility.
Supporters said closing the loophole will protect the program’s purpose of recognizing landowners who provide habitat. The committee did not take formal executive action during the hearing.
