The bill mandates that participants in hunter and bowhunter safety and education courses must complete in-person field days, emphasizing the importance of hands-on training in firearm safety. It amends existing law to require that individuals born after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of completion of a hunter safety and education course to obtain a hunting license. Additionally, the bill establishes new reporting requirements for the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, which will include the number of courses and field days taught, as well as staffing needs for these programs.

Furthermore, the legislation expresses the intent of the legislature for the department to coordinate volunteer efforts to facilitate these courses, with a focus on utilizing volunteers as the primary instructors. The bill also includes provisions for a delayed effective date of January 1, 2024, and a termination date for the reporting requirements of January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the safety and education of hunters and bowhunters in Montana through structured, in-person training and accountability measures.

Statutes affected:
HB0243_1.pdf: 87-2-105
HB0243_2.pdf: 87-2-105
HB0243_3.pdf: 87-2-105
HB0243_4.pdf: 87-2-105
HB0243_5.pdf: 87-2-105
Amended: 87-2-105
Introduced: 87-2-105