This bill revises the qualifications for landowner-preference elk licenses in Montana by establishing stricter criteria for eligibility. Specifically, it requires landowners to own 640 acres or more of contiguous land to qualify for special permits, eliminating the previous allowance for individuals who were merely under contract to purchase such land. Additionally, the bill mandates that the ownership of the land must be documented by the department as being used by elk.

The bill also amends the language regarding the designation of individuals who can apply for these licenses. It allows landowners to designate immediate family members or employees, as defined in existing law, to apply for the licenses. Furthermore, it ensures that 15% of the available licenses and special elk permits each year are reserved for landowners meeting the new criteria. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1(1): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1(2): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1(3): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1(4): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1(5): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_1: 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(1): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(2): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(3): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(4): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(5): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2(6): 87-2-516, 87-2-705
SB0235_2: 87-2-516, 87-2-705