MontanaHB 24469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise hunting licenses for deployed armed service members

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Deployed members can reclaim drawn tags

If you gave up a drawn license or permit because you were deployed at least two months outside Montana in a federal contingency operation, you can get the same one again. You pay no extra fee. Apply in your return year or the first year that license or permit is offered after you return.

Half-price deer and antelope tags for combat-injured vets

Combat‑injured veterans and disabled service members can buy certain deer tags and one special antelope license for 50% off. The deer tags include A‑3, A‑4, B‑7, and B‑8. Apply at a Fish, Wildlife and Parks office and show you qualify due to a combat‑connected injury. These antelope licenses do not count against the set‑aside for people with permanent disabilities.

Free fishing and sports licenses after deployment

Montana Guard, reserve, or other qualifying active-duty members get a free resident conservation license and either a free resident fishing license or a free Class AAA sports license after a qualifying deployment. The deployment must be a federal contingency operation and last at least two months outside Montana. You can start in your return year or the next, and the free benefit lasts five years; it can reset after another qualifying deployment, with no limit. The sports license does not include a black bear tag. You must still pay the resident base hunting license fee and buy the aquatic invasive species prevention pass. You must show a DD‑214 and papers proving the contingency operation at a department office. The state repays the department each quarter from the general fund for the cost of these free licenses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Gist
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Vince Ricci
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 300 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 2/12/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 100 • No: 0

House vote • 2/11/2025