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Committee hears bill to require nonresident bird‑dog trainers to report dog counts
Summary
A bill to require nonresident bird-dog trainers to report how many dogs they bring and to allow the Fish and Wildlife Commission to limit nonresident licenses drew widespread proponent testimony from ranchers, hunters and conservation groups, who said the measure is primarily information-gathering and could help manage impacts on livestock and upland gamebirds.
Representative opened the hearing on House Bill 450, which would add reporting requirements for class D5 bird-dog training licenses. Phil Kilbreth, operations captain with the enforcement division at Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), told the committee that "House bill 450 amends, Montana code 87 3 6 0 2 by adding the requirement that the class D5 bird dog training license holders report the number of dogs being trained when purchasing their license and requiring the number of dogs being trained to be printed on the license." Kilbreth described a House amendment that lets the Fish and Wildlife Commission limit the number of nonresident licenses and the number of dogs per license and recommended a DO PASS.
Proponents from across the state urged passage. Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society said the bill is a good way to address issues in eastern Montana where "large numbers of out of state trainers" are using upland game resources. Scott Blackman of the Montana Wool Growers described commercial trainers arriving with "10 to 30 dogs, sometimes more," camping on public lands and urged the measure as a modest step toward mitigation while asking for stronger protections for livestock producers. Alicia Nacie, a Daniels County rancher, said her county has "roughly 26% state land" and described trainers using social platforms to locate public parcels and setting up camps with 30+ dogs and horses; she said a permit process that records dog counts would allow wardens to verify compliance.
Several witnesses urged that the bill target nonresident commercial trainers while not penalizing resident professional trainers who have longstanding relationships with landowners. Jeff Herbert of the Montana Sportsman's Alliance, who said he is a long-time dog owner and trainer, asked lawmakers to ensure resident trainers with good practices are not adversely affected. Committee members questioned enforcement and fee levels; Senator Phelan asked whether a $10 fee would be effective and Kilbreth replied that a low fee encourages compliance and that license proof would be required to be carried on the person for inspection by wardens.
The sponsor closed by characterizing HB 450 as an "information gathering" bill intended to better understand how strict future limits should be and urged the committee to pass it. The hearing closed without a committee vote; the committee moved on to other bills.
