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MontanaSB 10669th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Revising laws related to the use of manned and unmanned aircraft while hunting

Sponsored By: Denley Loge (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Fish

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

No aircraft-assisted hunting; farm use allowed

The law bans killing or shooting game from an aircraft. You may not use aircraft to spot, chase, rally, or stir up game, or share its location during flight or within 24 hours after flight. You may not land on private land without written permission while pursuing wildlife, or violate state or federal travel plans. Exceptions apply for permitted wildlife-damage hazing, farm support, emergencies, search and rescue, and predator control by the Department of Livestock. Penalties include a $300–$1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail; higher fines and 24–30 month license losses apply for big-game or fur-bearer cases, and illegal pelts are seized.

Permits for farms to haze wildlife by aircraft

The law allows you to use a manned or unmanned aircraft to herd, drive, or haze wild animals that damage your private property or crops. You must first get a permit from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; the activity must occur on the property where the damage happens. The department may add permit conditions and follows rules set by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. No permits are issued during any legal general or regular hunting season for the species named in the permit. Permits and operations must follow all applicable federal aviation and wildlife laws.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Denley Loge

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Wendy McKamey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 390 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 3

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/27/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/13/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/8/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/1/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    5/1/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/22/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/16/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/15/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading House Amendments

    4/15/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments

    4/14/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/11/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading

    4/11/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading

    4/11/2025House

  13. Committee Report

    4/9/2025House

  14. Committee Executive Action

    4/8/2025House

  15. Hearing

    3/24/2025House

  16. 1st Reading

    3/1/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee

    3/1/2025House

  18. Transmitted to House

    2/28/2025Senate

  19. 3rd Reading

    2/28/2025Senate

  20. 2nd Reading

    2/27/2025Senate

  21. Committee Report

    2/25/2025Senate

  22. Committee Executive Action

    2/24/2025Senate

  23. Hearing

    1/23/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Committee

    1/15/2025Senate

  25. 1st Reading

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/9/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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