House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to empower the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks with the authority to manage the collection of naturally shed antlers and horns from elk, deer, and antelope, while excluding mountain sheep. The legislation introduces two new licenses: a Class F-1 resident shed collecting license priced at $10 and a Class F-2 nonresident shed collecting license at $50. These licenses permit holders to collect and possess antlers and horns from animals that died of natural causes, with specific provisions for a waiting period for nonresidents and exemptions for landowners and their immediate families collecting on their own property.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to define and regulate the collection of shed antlers and horns. It includes a new definition of "shed" and establishes a requirement for a conservation license prior to obtaining hunting, fishing, or shed collecting licenses. The bill also clarifies unlawful possession and transportation of game animals by adding "collected" to the definitions of lawful and unlawful actions, and it outlines penalties for violations. Furthermore, it allows for the sale, purchase, or exchange of naturally shed antlers and bones from animals that died naturally, while maintaining restrictions on the sale of certain wildlife parts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wildlife conservation and clarify regulations surrounding wildlife management in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-201, 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-106, 87-2-201, 87-2-202, 87-6-202, 87-6-206
HB0353_1(1): 87-1-201, 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-106, 87-2-201, 87-2-202, 87-6-202, 87-6-206
HB0353_1(2): 87-1-201, 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-106, 87-2-201, 87-2-202, 87-6-202, 87-6-206
HB0353_1: 87-1-201, 87-1-304, 87-2-101, 87-2-106, 87-2-201, 87-2-202, 87-6-202, 87-6-206