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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)

Became Law

Fish and Wildlife

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tougher bans and penalties on aircraft hunting

You may not kill or shoot at game or fur-bearing animals from an aircraft. You may not spot wildlife from an aircraft and share the location to aid hunting while flying or within 24 hours (the same calendar day) after using an aircraft. You also may not use aircraft to chase, rally, or stir up wildlife, or to interfere with another person’s hunt. You may not land where state or federal travel plans forbid it, or on private land without written permission, while pursuing wildlife. Exceptions apply for emergencies, search and rescue, predator control allowed by the Department of Livestock, and when supporting an agricultural operation. Penalties on conviction or bond forfeiture include fines of $300 to $2,000, up to 6 months in jail, and loss of current licenses and privileges. Using aircraft to take listed big game brings $500 to $2,000 in fines and a 30‑month license loss; for fur-bearers, $100 to $1,000, a 24‑month loss, and confiscation of unlawful pelts.

Permits to use aircraft to haze wildlife

The department can issue permits to use planes or drones to herd or haze wild animals that damage private property or crops. Permits are issued only during that species’ legal general or regular hunting season. The commission sets the rules, and the department can add conditions to each permit. All permits must follow federal law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Denley Loge

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Wendy McKamey

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 384 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 43 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 96 • No: 3

Senate 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 Passed as Amended by House

    4/15/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred

    4/14/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/11/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  13. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/9/2025House

  14. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/8/2025House

  15. Hearing

    3/24/2025House

  16. First Reading

    3/1/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee

    3/1/2025House

  18. Transmitted to House

    2/28/2025Senate

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    2/28/2025Senate

  20. 2nd Reading Passed

    2/27/2025Senate

  21. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    2/25/2025Senate

  22. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/24/2025Senate

  23. Hearing

    1/23/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Committee

    1/15/2025Senate

  25. First 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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