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Lawmakers hear HB202 to restrict aircraft and drone scouting for big-game hunting
Summary
Sponsor Courtney Sprunger said HB202 would extend waiting periods after aircraft flights, ban carrying drones while hunting, and raise penalties to curb aerial scouting. Fish, Wildlife and Parks law enforcement and multiple hunting-conservation groups testified on enforcement limits and fair‑chase concerns.
Representative Courtney Sprunger opened the House hearing on House Bill 202 as a response to reports of increased use of both manned and unmanned aircraft to scout big-game, particularly in Montana’s unlimited sheep hunting zones. "This is a bill to revise laws related to the unlawful use of aircraft for hunting," Sprunger said, and summarized three primary changes: extending a waiting period after commercial flights, banning possession of drones while hunting or attempting to hunt, and increasing fines and penalties.
Proponents—including the Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, Wolves to the Rockies, Bold Visions Conservation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and other conservation and hunting groups—said aerial scouting undermines…
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