New Montana Law Boosts Hunting Fees for Nonresidents to Fund Access Programs
HELENA — A new law in Montana is set to increase hunting fees for nonresidents, a move designed to enhance funding for public hunter access programs. House Bill 145, sponsored by Republican Rep. Gary Parry from Colstrip, was recently signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte.
The bipartisan legislation raises the base hunting license fee for nonresidents from $15 to $50, while resident hunters will continue to pay $10 for their base licenses. Nonresidents account for approximately one-seventh of all hunting licenses sold annually, but they contributed around 80% of the revenue from deer and elk licenses in 2023.
The newly generated funds will primarily support block management programs that compensate landowners who permit public hunting on their properties. According to a fiscal note attached to the bill, it is projected to generate about $2.9 million in additional revenue each year. Of this, $2.5 million is expected to contribute to the state’s hunting access account.
The law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in how Montana manages hunting resources and access. Proponents of the bill believe it will help maintain the state’s rich hunting heritage while supporting landowners who open their lands to hunters, thereby promoting better public access opportunities.
As interest in Montana’s hunting landscape continues to grow, this new law aims to balance ecological sustainability with the interests of both hunters and landowners.
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