Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Hunting Seasons topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears bill to give residents 10-day head start on upland bird seasons
Summary
Sen. Greg Hunter said SB 514 would let resident hunters start upland game seasons 10 days ahead of nonresidents while Fish, Wildlife and Parks would set specific dates; supporters said it reduces crowding, while FWP said the commission would manage season dates and licensing details.
Senator Greg Hunter opened Senate Bill 514 and described it as a straightforward measure to allow resident hunters a 10-day priority window over nonresidents for upland game birds (excluding mountain grouse). "Fish and Wildlife would still control the dates of the bird season," Hunter said, and the bill applies to private lands not enrolled in access programs only as an exception for outfitters.
Proponents including Ben Lamb of the Montana Conservation Society and Jeff Herbert of the Montana Sportsman Alliance urged a due pass, saying the change would reduce hunter crowding in popular upland hunting areas and preserve recreational opportunity for residents. Speakers noted the bill applies to certain private-land access arrangements and that FWP would continue to set season dates and bag limits.
Committee members asked FWP how the department would administer the change and whether there would be a fiscal impact. Emily Cooper, licensing bureau chief for FWP, said she did not bring the number of nonresident hunters affected but that the department would provide that information and indicated she did not expect a significant fiscal impact; Howell said the commission would set specific dates as it does now. Representatives also discussed the practical effect on private land: property owners retain the right to allow whomever they wish on private land, but season dates set by the commission would apply if the bill passed.
Senator Hunter closed asking the committee not to "shoot this one down" and the committee closed the hearing on SB 514; no formal vote was recorded in the transcript.
