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MontanaHB 89769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Generally revise laws related to shed hunting on wildlife management areas

Sponsored By: Jill Cohenour (Democrat)

Signed by Governor

FishRevenue, StateRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New WMA shed hunting license and access

The law creates a $50 Class F license for nonresidents to shed hunt on wildlife management areas. Residents get seven days of exclusive WMA access for shed hunting before nonresidents. Shed hunting means taking naturally shed antlers or horns, or antlers/horns with part of a skull from animals that died naturally. It does not allow items from unlawfully or accidentally killed animals, and mountain sheep are excluded. Penalties for nonresident violations: first offense is a warning; second is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $100 and possible loss of license and privilege; third is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 and possible loss of license and privilege.

Buy a conservation license first

You must buy a conservation license before you buy hunting, fishing, nonresident WMA shed-hunting, or trapping licenses. You also need it before using lands owned or controlled by the department or for general recreation on state trust land. There are exceptions in 87-2-803(6) and 87-2-815. The application no longer asks for the last four digits of your Social Security number. You must give basic identity and residency details, sign the form, and show a Montana driver’s license, driver’s examiner ID, tribal ID, or other ID the department accepts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jill Cohenour

    Democrat • House

Cosponsors

  • Tom McGillvray

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 211 • No: 87

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 4/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 60 • No: 38

House vote • 4/4/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 52 • No: 48

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/19/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/6/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/2/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/28/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/22/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    4/22/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    4/18/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    4/16/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    4/15/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    4/10/2025Senate

  13. Hearing Canceled

    4/7/2025Senate

  14. Referred to Committee

    4/7/2025Senate

  15. 1st Reading

    4/7/2025Senate

  16. Hearing

    4/7/2025Senate

  17. Transmitted to Senate

    4/5/2025House

  18. 3rd Reading

    4/5/2025House

  19. 2nd Reading

    4/4/2025House

  20. Committee Report

    4/2/2025House

  21. Committee Executive Action

    4/1/2025House

  22. Hearing

    4/1/2025House

  23. Fiscal Note Printed

    4/1/2025House

  24. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    3/31/2025House

  25. Fiscal Note Received

    3/31/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/23/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    3/27/2025

    PDF

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