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

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.