House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to create restrictions on the closure of mule deer buck hunting during the general rifle season in November, establishing the "November Mule Deer Buck Hunt Protection Act." The bill emphasizes the importance of preserving the tradition of hunting mule deer bucks during the rut period, which is significant for Montana hunters and their families. It recognizes that while doe harvest can be adjusted to manage mule deer populations, the harvest of mule deer bucks is not a major factor in population management.

To implement these restrictions, the bill amends Section 87-1-304 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) by inserting specific limitations on the closure of mule deer buck hunting. The commission is prohibited from closing mule deer buck hunting during the general season in more than 20% of hunting districts in a given season, for more than two years within a six-year period in any one district, or in any district prior to November 6. Additionally, any existing restrictions on mule deer buck hunting that were in place before December 1, 2024, are exempt from these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-304
HB0139_1(1): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(2): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(3): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(4): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(5): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(6): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(7): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(8): 87-1-304
HB0139_1: 87-1-304
HB0139_2(1): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(2): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(3): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(4): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(5): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(6): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(7): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(8): 87-1-304
HB0139_2(9): 87-1-304
HB0139_2: 87-1-304