MontanaHB 21969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise hunting laws related to unlawful contest or prize

Sponsored By: Lukas Schubert (Republican)

Became Law

Fish and Wildlife

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Fines and license loss for illegal contests

If you are convicted of violating these contest rules, you face a fine of $50 to $1,000. You can also be jailed for up to 6 months, or both. After a conviction or forfeiture of bond or bail, the court can take away your Montana hunting, fishing, or trapping license. The court can also bar you from using state lands for recreation for a time it sets.

Cost reimbursements for lawful wolf harvests

If you are licensed to hunt or trap wolves and you lawfully harvest a wolf, you can get reimbursed for related costs. You must submit receipts. The law does not set the dollar amount.

New limits on hunting prizes and contests

The law bans prizes or gifts tied to taking or killing wildlife. You can still award a prize for one game bird or fur-bearing animal based on size, quality, or rarity. Contests for biggest antlers, weight, or length can pay no more than $50. The $50 limit does not apply to recognition by a nationally recognized Boone and Crockett trophy institute.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lukas Schubert
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Vince Ricci
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 177

House vote • 3/27/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 31 • No: 19

House vote • 3/26/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 32 • No: 18

House vote • 2/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 57 • No: 43

House vote • 2/4/2025

AMD-HB0219.001.002 Cohenour DO PASS

Yes: 46 • No: 54