MontanaHB 24469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

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.

Get your drawn license back after deployment

If you lost a drawing-issued license or permit because you deployed outside the continental U.S. for at least 2 months in a qualifying operation, you are guaranteed the same one without another fee. Apply in the year you return or the first year it is next offered.

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

Combat-injured veterans and disabled service members who qualify under state law can buy certain deer tags and a special antelope license at half price. Covered tags include Class A-3 deer A, A-4 deer B, B-7 deer A, B-8 deer B, and the special antelope license. These veteran-issued licenses do not reduce the separate antelope licenses set aside for people with permanent disabilities.

Free hunting and fishing licenses after deployment

Montana residents in the National Guard, a reserve component, or on active duty who served at least 2 months outside Montana in a qualifying contingency operation get free licenses. You receive a resident conservation license and either a Class A fishing license or a Class AAA combination license. The combination license does not include a Class A-6 black bear tag. You must still pay the resident base hunting license fee and buy the aquatic invasive species pass. Choose the license year you return or the next year; the benefit lasts for up to five license years. If you deploy again for another qualifying 2+ months, a new five-year period starts, and it can reset each time. Send a written application, proof of residency, your DD-214, and proof of the contingency operation to any regional office or to Helena, by mail or in person. The state repays the wildlife department each quarter 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: 299 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House 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