MontanaHB 17569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Require fish, wildlife, and parks to publish a report detailing data on hunting districts

Sponsored By: Shannon Maness (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Fish

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Department control of fish and game funds

The Department controls spending of money for fish and wildlife work, including license fees, fines, gifts, and other receipts. It can sell state wildlife property it no longer needs. Sale proceeds go to the fish and game account in the state special revenue fund.

Bear tagging and transport rules

The Department can set rules for tagging, owning, and moving bears or bear parts. The rules apply in Montana and when transporting bears out of state. Hunters and anyone with bear parts must follow these rules.

Population targets and access for big game

The Department manages wildlife to avoid endangered listings and to help recover listed or candidate species. It manages elk, deer, and antelope using habitat-based population estimates in law and keeps herds at or below those levels. It can ask land agencies to open public lands and roads during big-game seasons to meet harvest goals.

Stronger wildlife oversight and access

The Department supervises all wildlife in Montana. It can run voluntary programs to open private land to hunters and improve landowner–hunter relations. It must enforce state fish and game laws. It can make and enforce rules that fit with state law.

Wardens lead enforcement and firearm rules

Only wardens have authority to enforce fish and game laws. The Department issues firearms only to wardens and to other trained, approved staff who need them. Non-wardens may carry an issued gun only while on duty and must return it to secure storage when done.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shannon Maness
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Tony Tezak
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 294 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/21/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 2/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 3

House vote • 2/4/2025