Montana Hunters First Act

Putting Montana Hunters first — now and into the future.

The Montana Hunters First Act was passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature and signed into law to take a clear, data-driven look at the growing pressures facing Montana hunters. The law directs Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to study - in partnership with a legislative advisory group - how increasing nonresident hunting demand, changing land access, and hunting season structure are impacting resident opportunity, hunter experience, and wildlife management across the state.

At its core, the Montana Hunters First Act is about ensuring that Montana’s hunting traditions remain strong, accessible, and sustainable for the people who live here—while also recognizing the important role nonresident hunters play in funding conservation and access programs.

Why the Montana Hunters First Act Was Needed

 Over the past decade, Montana’s hunting landscape has changed dramatically:

• Nonresident hunting pressure has steadily increased, including growth beyond statutory caps.

• Nonresident base license sales rose from about 58,000 in 2019 to more than 85,000 in 2023.

• Nearly 1 million acres have been lost from Montana’s Block Management Program since 2010.

• In parts of eastern Montana, nonresidents now make up a majority of mule deer hunters.

• Resident hunters are spending more days afield but seeing declining success rates.

At the same time, nonresident hunters generate roughly 76% of FWP’s license revenue, funding critical conservation and access programs. This creates a challenge

What Montana Hunters First Act

The Act directs FWP to conduct a comprehensive statewide study examining:

• Deer, elk, upland game bird, and waterfowl hunting pressure

• Hunter days and harvest data

• Access and public land pressure

• Wildlife population trends

• Licensing structures

FWP will publish a public report by December 1, 2026 with recommendations to inform the 2027 Montana licensure package.

What’s Happening Now: FWP is currently collecting and analyzing data statewide.

Public Outreach Begins Late Spring: Beginning in late spring, FWP will conduct public outreach to gather input from hunters, landowners, and stakeholders.

Looking Ahead: Informing the 2027 Licensure Package

Want to stay informed? Email courtenaysprunger@gmail.com to be added to the Montana Hunters First Act update list.