House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes a new Class F nonresident wildlife management area shed hunting license, which allows nonresidents to shed hunt in designated wildlife management areas for a fee of $50. The bill outlines a waiting period, permitting residents to access these areas seven days prior to nonresidents. It also sets forth penalties for violations, including warnings for first offenses, misdemeanors with fines for second and third offenses, and potential forfeiture of hunting privileges. Additionally, the bill defines "shed hunt" and "shed hunting," and grants rulemaking authority to the commission regarding these activities.

The bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), including definitions related to hunting and conservation licenses. Notably, it adds the nonresident wildlife management area shed hunting license to the list of licenses requiring a conservation license before application. The bill also clarifies the definition of shed hunting to include the collection of naturally shed antlers or horns from specific game animals. Overall, this legislation aims to regulate nonresident shed hunting while ensuring conservation efforts are upheld.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-201, 87-2-202
HB0897_1(1): 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-201, 87-2-202
HB0897_1(2): 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-201, 87-2-202
HB0897_1: 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-201, 87-2-202