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MontanaHB 9669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Create a trapper apprentice program

Sponsored By: Paul Fielder (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Fish

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Apprentice hunting and trapping with mentors

The law lets people age 10 or older get an apprentice certificate for up to two license years. It allows you to buy and use hunting permits and Class C or C-2 trapping licenses while with a supervising mentor. Mentors must be 21 or older, licensed, and stay within sight and voice; minors need a related, guardian, or parent‑designated mentor. The certificate costs $5 and can list multiple mentors. Some licenses stay off-limits: black bear, mountain lion, wolf, Class D-3 hound training, unlimited-area sheep, limited‑quota drawings, and elk if under 15. You also cannot get a Class A-2 bow license unless you finished bowhunter education and are 12 by January 16. Breaking these rules can suspend apprentice privileges for up to one license season.

Landowners can name hunters for damage tags

In districts with unlimited license quotas, a landowner can name who gets a resident supplemental game‑damage license. The department must approve the issuance. The named hunter can be an apprentice certificate holder.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Paul Fielder

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Tom McGillvray

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 262 • No: 36

Senate vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 43 • No: 6

Senate 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

Do Pass

Yes: 89 • No: 11

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    4/3/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    4/3/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    3/25/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    3/24/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    3/21/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    3/18/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    3/17/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading

    3/17/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading

    3/15/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report

    2/12/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action

    2/11/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    2/4/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    2/4/2025Senate

  14. 1st Reading

    1/31/2025Senate

  15. Transmitted to Senate

    1/30/2025House

  16. 3rd Reading

    1/30/2025House

  17. 2nd Reading

    1/29/2025House

  18. Committee Report

    1/24/2025House

  19. Committee Executive Action

    1/24/2025House

  20. Committee Executive Action

    1/23/2025House

  21. Hearing

    1/10/2025House

  22. 1st Reading

    1/6/2025House

  23. Referred to Committee

    12/20/2024House

  24. Introduced

    12/16/2024House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    3/18/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    1/27/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    12/16/2024

    PDF

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