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 clarifies that the department must 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, prohibiting actions such as killing or taking game from an aircraft, using aircraft to locate game within 24 hours of hunting, and landing on private property without permission. New provisions are added to address intentional interference with hunting activities and to specify penalties for violations, including fines and potential forfeiture of hunting licenses. The bill also includes exceptions for emergency situations, search and rescue operations, predator control, and 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(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: 87-3-126, 87-6-208