MontanaSB 51469th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)Senate

Generally revise laws related to upland game bird seasons

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

New 9-day muzzleloader deer/elk season

Effective March 1, 2026, there is a 9-day muzzleloader heritage season starting the second Saturday after the regular season ends. With a valid license or permit, you may take a deer or elk. You must use plain lead projectiles and a muzzleloading rifle with loose black powder or an approved substitute. Allowed ignition is flintlock, wheel lock, matchlock, or percussion, with a minimum .45 caliber and no more than two barrels. The season follows commission rules.

Residents start upland bird 10 days early

Beginning March 1, 2026, Montana residents can start hunting upland game birds 10 days before nonresidents. This includes ring-necked pheasant but not mountain grouse (blue, spruce/Franklin, and ruffed). The early start does not apply on private lands unless the land is in a state hunting access program.

Some fishing waters for kids only

Beginning March 1, 2026, the commission can set some fishing waters where only people under age 15 may fish. It chooses the times and places to create kid-only fishing opportunities.

Wolf seasons and park-edge limits

Beginning March 1, 2026, wolf trapping season runs from the first Monday after Thanksgiving through March 15 of the next year. The commission may adjust dates for specific wolf management units. In areas next to a national park, the commission cannot ban wolf hunting or trapping or close the area unless the commission’s quota there is met.

New rules for archery and weapons

Effective March 1, 2026, the commission can make some areas or times archery-only. You must have an archery stamp and any required license, permit, or tag to hunt there. The commission can also limit which weapons are allowed in certain areas for safety or to offer different hunting options. It may set rules for how archers can use vehicles or livestock during special archery seasons.

Special seasons and limited permits

Effective March 1, 2026, the commission can create special seasons and open some areas only to people with a special license. Property owners can file written complaints about wildlife damage, which can trigger action. When more people apply than permits available, the commission may award them by drawing.

Commission can set and change seasons

Effective March 1, 2026, the Fish and Wildlife Commission sets hunting and fishing seasons and bag, possession, and season limits. It can open, close, shorten, or lengthen seasons and divide the state into fish and game districts. The commission can close waters or areas to protect spawning or stocked fish and reopen them when a majority of affected property owners agree. It may also let the director open or close a special season with 12 hours’ public notice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Gregg Hunter
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Pat Flowers
Democrat • Senate
Tom France
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 278 • No: 19

Senate vote • 4/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/23/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 96 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 45 • No: 4