MontanaHB 10569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise laws related to game bird farms

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Hobby bird owners remain exempt

Beginning July 1, 2025, you are exempt from game bird farm licensing if you keep or raise game birds for reasons other than sale or transfer. You do not need to notify the department or get written authorization to claim this exemption. The law also preserves exemptions for holders of a migratory game bird avicultural permit and for licensed shooting preserves using temporary holding pens.

Stronger records and inspections for farms

Beginning July 1, 2025, you must keep accurate records of birds bought, sold, or transferred, including the names of the other parties. Wardens or the director can inspect these records at reasonable times. You must file an annual report by January 31 showing birds on hand as of January 1 and numbers bought, sold, or transferred in the prior year. Keep all required records for at least five years. You must tell the department before changing species or the size or location of your enclosure.

Game bird farms: 5-year license, $300 fee

Beginning July 1, 2025, game bird farm licenses run for five years and expire on February 28 of the fifth year. You pay a $300 fee each time you get or renew a license. You must apply on a department form listing your name and address, species and propagation plans, land legal description, enclosure type, and source of birds; nonresidents must list a Montana resident agent. The department has 60 days to approve or deny and must state reasons if denied; it can approve conditionally if fencing or an enclosure is not yet finished. A license issues only to a responsible applicant who owns or leases the premises and has proper fencing or enclosures, and renewal is granted if you pay the fee, have no violations, and have filed required reports.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Albus
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denley Loge
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 269 • No: 30

Senate vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 34 • No: 15

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 39 • No: 11

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 2

House vote • 1/29/2025