MT HB417

Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks must conduct a study on nonresident impacts on deer and elk hunting statewide and by administrative region, examining hunter days, harvest reporting, hunting access program use, public land pressure, population trends, and licensing data

Study report due December 1, 2026 must include comprehensive data assessment, methodology documentation, and specific issues for legislative and agency consideration; the study provision terminates December 31, 2026

Mandatory reporting requirement takes effect March 1, 2026, requiring all game animal license holders to report all hunting activity for each animal

Hunters must complete activity reporting before becoming eligible to purchase a new game animal license the following year

Department granted rulemaking authority to establish reporting systems, deadlines, and penalties for the mandatory reporting requirement