MontanaHB 10569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws related to game bird farms

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Five-year licenses and $300 fee

Beginning July 1, 2025, a game bird farm license runs until February 28 of the fifth year after it is issued. You must still apply for renewal each year. The department renews it if you pay the fee, have not broken license rules, and have filed the required reports. The license fee is $300 for issuance and for each annual renewal. Fee money goes into a state special revenue fund for the department’s use under this program.

Who is exempt from game bird farm rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, some people do not need a game bird farm license under this part. You are exempt if you keep or breed game birds for reasons other than sale and you notify the department and get written authorization. You are also exempt if you hold a migratory game bird avicultural permit or you have a shooting preserve license and use temporary holding pens under state rules.

New rules to open and run game bird farms

Beginning July 1, 2025, applicants must use the department’s form and list their name and address, species and any breeding plans, land description, fence or enclosure type, and bird sources. Nonresidents must name a local resident agent. A license may be issued only if you own or lease the site and have it properly fenced or enclosed; a nonresident owner must keep a resident agent who runs daily operations and can receive legal papers. The department must approve or deny within 60 days and must state reasons if it denies; it may condition approval on finishing fencing. Before you change species or the size or location of an enclosure, you must notify the department.

Recordkeeping and yearly reports required

Starting July 1, 2025, you must keep accurate records of the number and species of birds you buy, sell, or transfer and the names of the people involved. A warden or the director may inspect these records at reasonable times. Each year by January 31, you must file a report showing birds on hand on January 1 and those purchased, transferred, or sold in the past year. You must keep the required records for at least 5 years.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Albus
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 268 • No: 30

House vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 34 • No: 15

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 38 • No: 11

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 2

House vote • 1/29/2025