Senate Joint Resolution No. 2025SJ0017.2, introduced by Senators Novak, Loge, Cohenour, and Maness, calls for an interim study to assess resident hunter satisfaction regarding nonresident hunting pressure in Montana. The resolution highlights a significant increase in nonresident hunting license sales and a decline in public hunting access, prompting concerns among resident hunters. The study aims to evaluate various factors contributing to nonresident hunting pressure, including license sales, hunter demographics, and potential solutions to mitigate overcrowding, such as reducing nonresident licenses and permits.

The resolution requests the Legislative Council to designate an appropriate interim committee to conduct the study, which will include collaboration with the public and relevant stakeholders, such as the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. The findings and recommendations from the study are to be reported to the 70th Legislature in the form of introduced bills by September 15, 2026. Notably, the bill includes an insertion that mandates the implementation of a human dimensions study to better understand resident hunter satisfaction, replacing previous language that assigned this task to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.