The bill aims to create restrictions on the closure of mule deer buck hunting during the general rifle season in November, specifically amending Section 87-1-304 of the Montana Code Annotated. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the tradition of hunting mule deer bucks during the rut period, which is significant for many Montana families. The bill 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.

Key provisions of the bill include prohibiting the closure of mule deer buck hunting in more than 20% of hunting districts in a given season, limiting closures to no more than two years within a six-year period in any one district, and ensuring that no closures occur prior to November 6. Additionally, the bill states that these restrictions do not apply to any existing district restrictions on mule deer buck hunting that were in place before December 1, 2024. This legislative change aims to balance wildlife management with the preservation of hunting traditions in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-304
HB0139_1: 87-1-304
HB0139_1(2): 87-1-304
HB0139_1(1): 87-1-304