The bill aims to revise fish and game licenses in Montana by establishing a policy for nonresident game bird hunters, increasing license fees, and limiting certain licenses to a percentage of those sold the previous year. A new section outlines the state's policy to protect game birds primarily for residents while also welcoming nonresident hunters, with the commission required to limit the number of game bird licenses to 10% of the previous year's resident sales, with exceptions for disabled hunters. The bill also amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to adjust fees for various hunting licenses, including increases for resident and nonresident deer and elk tags, and sets quotas for the sale of certain licenses.

Key amendments include the increase of fees for Class A and Class B licenses, with specific amounts detailed for each type. The bill also introduces new rules regarding the allocation of licenses, ensuring that nonresident licenses do not exceed 10% of the total issued to residents in specific areas. Additionally, it establishes a new section for nonresident family members of residents to obtain licenses at a reduced fee, emphasizing the importance of public access to hunting areas. Overall, the bill seeks to balance the interests of resident hunters with the economic contributions of nonresident hunters while ensuring sustainable wildlife management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 87-2-501, 87-2-504, 87-2-505, 87-2-506, 87-2-510, 87-2-511, 87-2-512, 87-2-526