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Montana sponsor seeks mandatory hunter reporting to modernize FWP data
Summary
Rep. Marilyn Marler proposed HB 564 to require self-reporting of hunter activity and harvest beyond species already covered, saying phone surveys undermine public confidence; Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff described implementation options and timelines and cited mixed compliance in other states.
Representative Marilyn Marler, D‑Missoula, asked the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee on May 20 to require broader mandatory hunter reporting to give Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) more reliable data for season setting and allocation decisions. "More data, less voicemail," Marler said, arguing the current telephone survey system is outdated and inconveniences hunters while failing to capture some hunting effort and success details.
Marler said Montana already requires self-reporting for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and mountain lions and that HB 564 would extend mandatory reporting to deer and elk. As written, the bill previously paired reporting with a bonus‑point incentive and a possible fee for noncompliance; Marler said a friendly amendment…
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