MontanaHB 9669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Create a trapper apprentice program

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Start hunting and trapping as an apprentice

The law creates an apprentice certificate for people age 10 or older who have not finished hunter or trapper education. With the certificate, you can get hunting licenses and Class C or C-2 trapping licenses. You pay a one-time $5 fee. More than one qualified mentor may accompany you. If you were born after January 1, 1985 and hold this certificate, you do not need to show hunter safety proof to get a hunting license.

Mentor rules and time limits for apprentices

An apprentice must be with a mentor while hunting or trapping. The mentor must stay within sight and direct voice contact and make sure rules are followed. Mentors must be at least 21. If the apprentice is under 18, the mentor must be a parent, guardian, relative, or chosen by the parent. Hunting mentors must have hunter safety and a current hunting license; trapping mentors must have trapper education and a current trapping license. You can use the apprentice certificate for no more than two license years. Breaking the apprentice rules can cost apprentice privileges for up to one full license season.

License options and limits for apprentices

With an apprentice certificate, you can buy any unlimited hunting license or permit by the deadline and pay normal fees. You can buy reduced-cost licenses you qualify for and an unlimited wild turkey tag. But you cannot get certain licenses: black bear, mountain lion, Class D-3 hound training, or wolf. You cannot get the Class A-2 bow license unless you are 12 by January 16 and finished bowhunter education. You cannot enter limited-quota drawings. You cannot get a mountain sheep license in areas with unlimited sheep licenses. You cannot get an elk license if you are under 15. In districts with unlimited quotas, a landowner may name an apprentice as the resident recipient of a supplemental game damage license.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Paul Fielder
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Tom McGillvray
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 262 • No: 36

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 43 • No: 6

House vote • 3/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • No: 5

House vote • 1/30/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 86 • No: 14

House vote • 1/29/2025