MT HJ73

Requests an interim study of Montana's Block Management Program, which provides public hunting access on private lands and has seen usage increase from 490,000 hunter days in 2010 to 638,000 in 2023

Enrolled acreage has declined from 8.5 million acres in 2010 to 6.8 million acres in 2023, while program costs have risen from $4.7 million to $11.5 million over the same period

Study would examine current funding sustainability, alternative funding sources, and whether landowner compensation caps should be increased

Directs consultation with Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, hunters, and landowners to develop strategies for retaining and expanding landowner participation

Study must be completed by September 15, 2026, with results and any proposed legislation reported to the 70th Legislature