MontanaHB 45069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Generally revise bird dog training licensing laws

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

No license for tagged captive-raised birds

You do not need a Class D‑5 license when your training kills captive-raised game birds. Tag or mark each bird before release. Birds must come from a licensed game bird farm or a department‑approved source.

Report untagged birds taken during training

If you take an untagged or unmarked game bird outside the season or without a license, report it at once. Tell a department representative right away.

New license rules and fees for bird-dog training

You must have a Class D‑5 license to train dogs with wild, not captive-raised, game birds. Adults age 18, or turning 18 during the season, can buy one. Residents pay $5; nonresidents pay $10. The department may give a free resident or nonresident license to youth ages 12 to 18. On your application, you must list how many dogs you will train. That number appears on the license. The Fish and Wildlife Commission can limit nonresident licenses and how many dogs one license covers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Eric Albus
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Pat Flowers
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 282 • No: 10

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 1

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 2

House vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 94 • No: 3

House vote • 3/1/2025