MT SJ17

Requests an interim study of resident hunter satisfaction with nonresident hunting pressure, with findings to be reported to the 70th Legislature as introduced bills by September 15, 2026

Nonresident base hunting license sales increased from 58,254 in 2019 to 85,228 in 2023, while block management acreage for public hunting access decreased 17% from 2010 to 2021

Requires a human dimensions study surveying resident hunters on acceptable levels of nonresident hunters, willingness to pay higher fees to offset reduced nonresident license revenue, and support for restricting resident licenses

Directs evaluation of Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks data on license sales, hunter days, harvest rates, and animal populations, plus review of other states' approaches to nonresident overcrowding

Proposed solutions to be considered include reducing nonresident licenses and permits, shortening nonresident season lengths, and identifying revenue alternatives to offset lost nonresident license sales