Panel hears bill to bar motion-tracking devices from use the same calendar day as hunting

The Senate Fish and Game Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Sen. Pat Flowers (SD 31), a measure that would prohibit the use of motion-tracking devices while hunting within the same calendar day and bar relaying location information from such devices to other people as an aid in hunting.

Flowers told the committee the intent is to preserve "fair chase" as technology advances. "We wanna make sure we maintain fair chase," he said, explaining the bill would include thermal imaging and satellite or radio telemetry devices as defined by Fish and Wildlife Commission rule.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' chief of law enforcement, Ron Howell, testified in support and framed SB 63 as closing a loophole in which a hunter could use a thermal device prior to legal hunting hours (for example at 5 a.m.) to locate animals and then hunt them during legal hours. "This bill helps to ensure Montana upholds fair chase principles while technology continues to advance," Howell said, and the department recommended a due pass.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' witness Matt Leo said the bill "protects wildlife populations by limiting electronic tracking" and keeps hunters on a level playing field.

Online witnesses described the growing availability and falling price of thermal devices. Guy Stickney testified, "In 2018, that would have cost $10,000; [it] can now be purchased for approximately $2,500," and urged a longer blackout period (24 to 48 hours) because animals often remain in the same place overnight. Jess Wagner said, "Darkness is no longer a sanctuary for animals," arguing that thermal optics should not be used to locate big game.

Committee members pressed witnesses on technical definitions and enforcement. Howell said the commission defines motion-tracking devices and that the department believes a "calendar day" standard is administratively enforceable. He also told the committee, "we have issued 13 citations in the last 10 years for this specific situation." Members asked whether image-stabilizing binoculars or thermal-capable binoculars would be covered; Howell said stabilizing binoculars would not be treated as motion-tracking devices but the thermal function of thermal binoculars could not be used within the same calendar day.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about penalties and court discretion. Howell said the department does not set judicial sentencing ranges and that privilege revocations and fines are determined by judges and lawmakers; he noted wardens commonly use discretion in the field.

Flowers closed by reaffirming the bill's focus on fair chase and enforceability and said the bill does not change existing penalty ranges. The committee closed the hearing on SB 63 without a recorded vote.

What happens next: The measure may be revised for clarity on device definitions and enforcement language before any committee vote.