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Public testimony mixed as committee considers raising nonresident base hunting license fee (HB 145)

Montana Senate Fish and Game Committee

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Summary

House Bill 145, introduced by Rep. Gary Perry, would raise the nonresident base hunting license fee (sponsor noted $50–$100 proposals) to fund the Block Management Program. Proponents including hunting and wildlife organizations said higher fees would sustain access; outfitters urged a smaller increase or amendment to $50.

Representative Gary Perry introduced House Bill 145, which would increase the nonresident base hunting license fee to raise funds for the Block Management Program. Perry said the proposal has been adjusted in response to feedback and that supporters ultimately sought a given price point (discussed numbers included $50 and $100 proposals).

Proponents told the committee that nonresident hunters place high demand on Montana’s public and block management lands and that higher fees would help sustain access programs. Matt Leo of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers said, “Access and opportunity are core principles for our organization,” and urged a do‑pass. Frank Szollosi, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation, and Ben Dieble of the Big Sky Upland Bird Association each supported a $100 base fee noting comparable rates in neighboring states.

Will Israel, director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, opposed the $100 number as too steep and proposed a $50 alternative to preserve support for outfitters and avoid an abrupt change ahead of a fee readjustment scheduled for 2027. Committee members asked technical and budgetary questions and heard from Joy Ross, FWP budget analyst, on the fiscal note.

Next steps: The hearing closed and the sponsor’s closing remarks urged committee members to examine the fiscal note; no final committee action on HB 145 was recorded in the transcript.