The bill revises the laws related to the muzzleloader heritage hunting season in Montana by granting the Fish and Wildlife Commission the authority to set the dates and length of this season. Specifically, it amends Section 87-1-304 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to remove the previously established timeframe for the muzzleloader heritage hunting season, which was set to begin on the second Saturday after the end of the regular season and last for nine days. Instead, the commission will now have the discretion to determine the specific dates and duration of the season.

Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which hunters may take deer or elk during the muzzleloader heritage hunting season. It specifies that hunters must use a valid license or permit and can only utilize plain lead projectiles in a muzzleloading rifle that is charged with loose black powder or an equivalent substitute. The bill also stipulates that the muzzleloading rifle must be at least .45 caliber and cannot have more than two barrels, ensuring that the hunting practices align with safety and conservation standards.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-304