MontanaMontana proposal allows extra antlerless elk tags under management rules
If it had become law, the proposal would have allowed managed antlerless elk tags and set different purchase limits for some nonresident hunters.
What it does
If authorized for game management, the department could issue multiple antlerless elk tags. Residents could also receive a tag for one antlered elk and one or more antlerless elk tags under commission rules.
A nonresident with a valid big game combination license could buy up to two antlerless elk tags; other eligible buyers could buy one. The listed fee is $270 per tag, but the department could reduce it.
Argument forWhere managers allow extra antlerless tags, hunters could get more chances to hunt elk as managers work toward wildlife goals.
Argument againstNonresident hunters could face a $270 fee for an antlerless elk tag, unless the department reduces it.
More detail
The department could issue multiple antlerless elk tags when the commission authorizes them for game management. The multiple-tag provision covers resident A-9 and nonresident B-12 antlerless elk tags. The resident tag provision applies to Montana residents. The commission would set the districts, number of tags, and rules for using them. For residents, the text allows a tag for one antlered elk and one or more antlerless elk tags in a license year; the department could set different antlerless tag arrangements based on management goals. The bill text sets March 1, 2026, as its effective date if enacted.
Eligible nonresidents could buy antlerless elk tags, with different purchase limits for some license holders. These rules cover nonresident antlerless elk B tags. A holder of a valid nonresident big game combination license could buy up to two tags; other eligible buyers could buy one. The commission could set different limits and would decide where the tags are valid and the rules for using them. The listed fee is $270 per tag, and the department could reduce fees annually. The bill text sets March 1, 2026, as its effective date if enacted.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(H) Died in CommitteeDied
- Apr 8(H) Tabled in Committee - (H) Fish, Wildlife and ParksMinor
- Vote recorded to_table. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 2(H) Hearing - (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Mar 1(H) 1st Reading
- Mar 1(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Fish, Wildlife and ParksMinor
- Feb 28(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 28(S) 3rd Reading
- Feb 28(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Feb 27(S) Committee Report - (S) Finance and Claims
- Feb 27(S) Hearing - (S) Finance and Claims
- Feb 24(S) Fiscal Note Printed
- Feb 24(S) Fiscal Note ReceivedMinor
- Feb 24(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Feb 21(S) Rereferred to Committee - (S) Finance and ClaimsMinor
- Feb 20(S) Fiscal Note Requested
- Feb 19(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass As Amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded AMD-SB0270.002.001 Loge D/PASS. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 19(S) 2nd Reading Motion to AmendMinor
- Feb 19(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Feb 18(S) 2nd Reading Pass ConsiderationMinor
- Feb 14(S) Committee Report - (S) Fish and Game
- Feb 13(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Fish and Game
- Vote recorded do_pass_as_amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 7(S) Hearing - (S) Fish and Game
- Feb 6(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Fish and GameMinor
- Feb 6(S) 1st Reading
- Feb 5(S) Introduced
- Feb 5(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Feb 4(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
- Feb 3(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Feb 3(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Feb 2(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Feb 1(LC) Draft in Edit
- Jan 31(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- Jan 14(LC) Draft Taken Off Hold
- 2024
- Dec 19(LC) Draft On Hold
- Dec 16(LC) Draft Taken Off Hold
- Nov 27(LC) Draft On Hold
- Nov 27(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced