News & Policy

Recent News & Legislation

2025

Senate Joint Resolution No. 17 — Nonresident Hunting Pressure Study

Introduced during Montana's 69th Legislature, SJ 17 requests an interim study examining how nonresident hunting pressure is affecting resident hunters in the state. The resolution points to a significant rise in nonresident hunting licenses issued between 2019 and 2023, declining public land access, and increased crowding as key concerns driving the request.

The study would look at what license levels residents consider acceptable, explore options for reducing nonresident licenses and permits, evaluate how other states have handled similar issues, and identify ways to offset any revenue loss to Fish, Wildlife & Parks that might result from reduced nonresident license sales. Findings are due before September 15, 2026, and must be delivered to the 70th Legislature as introduced bills.