The bill amends existing laws regarding the use of aircraft in hunting activities in Montana. Specifically, it updates Section 87-3-126 to allow the use of both manned and unmanned aircraft for herding, driving, or hazing wild animals that are damaging private property, provided that a permit is obtained from the department. The bill stipulates that permits can only be issued during legal hunting seasons for the species in question. Additionally, it requires the commission to adopt rules for permit issuance that can be tailored to individual circumstances.

In Section 87-6-208, the bill outlines unlawful uses of aircraft in hunting, reinforcing restrictions on killing or taking game from an aircraft and clarifying that individuals may not use aircraft to locate game animals for hunting within 24 hours after utilizing an aircraft. The bill also introduces new prohibitions against landing an aircraft on private property without permission and intentionally interfering with hunting activities. It specifies penalties for violations, including fines and potential forfeiture of hunting licenses, and expands exceptions to the unlawful use of aircraft to include support for agricultural operations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(1): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(2): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(3): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(4): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(5): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(6): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(7): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1(8): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_1: 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_2(1): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_2(2): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_2(3): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_2(4): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_2: 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(1): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(10): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(2): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(3): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(4): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(5): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(6): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(7): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(8): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X(9): 87-3-126, 87-6-208
SB0106_X: 87-3-126, 87-6-208