The proposed bill, titled the "Montana Hunters First Act," aims to address the impacts of nonresident hunting on Montana's wildlife and hunting seasons. It mandates the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks to conduct a comprehensive study focusing on nonresident hunting effects on deer, elk, upland game birds, and waterfowl across the state's administrative regions. The study will analyze various data points, including hunter days, harvest reporting, and hunting pressure on public lands, and will culminate in a publicly accessible report by December 1, 2026.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a short title for the act, the requirement for a detailed assessment of nonresident impacts, and the identification of specific issues for legislative consideration. The bill also specifies that it will take effect upon passage and approval, with a termination date set for December 31, 2026. Notably, the bill updates the language to include upland game birds and waterfowl in the study while removing references to the acreage and duration of private land leases for hunting purposes.