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Committee backs temporary priority for residents on selected WMAs and a nonresident shed‑hunting license
Summary
The committee advanced HB 897, which would require nonresident shed‑hunting licenses and impose a seven‑day waiting period for nonresidents on WMAs that have seasonal timing closures; sponsors and proponents said the measure will reduce congestion and curb pre‑opener antler stashing, while FWP noted enforcement challenges and recommended complementing the bill with a license‑based enforcement tool.
Representative Jill Koehnauer presented House Bill 897 to address growing congestion and conflict at Wildlife Management Area (WMA) openers for antler (shed) hunting. The bill would require nonresidents to obtain a shed‑hunting license for WMAs and implement a seven‑day waiting period after WMA openers for nonresidents in WMAs that have seasonal timing closures, giving residents a short priority window.
Proponents described examples of severe congestion at certain WMAs (Blackfoot‑Clearwater, Sun River), where people line up for openings and, according to proponents, some individuals stash antlers or otherwise stage collections before the official opener. Supporters said a modest fee and waiting period would reduce conflict, better protect elk habitat use of WMAs and allow Montanans preferential access.
Witnesses from conservation and hunting groups generally supported the bill and urged the committee to pass it. Some proponents recommended a complementary policy: a base shed‑hunting license (possibly free for residents) that would enable license revocation for people who commit trespass—creating an enforcement lever stronger than simple fines.
Ron Howell of FWP provided informational testimony noting enforcement challenges (for example, warnings sometimes are insufficient to deter repeated trespass), and committee members discussed penalty levels and whether the $50 fee and seven‑day restriction would deter nonresident commercial or repeat harvesters. The committee passed HB 897 in executive session by a roll call vote (13–7) and the bill will advance to the floor.
