Breaking: MT Hunters First Act passes Senate, moves toward Governor’s Desk

Sprunger’s two-year study to identify why Montana hunter effort is increasing while results wane; address rapidly rising out-of-state hunting pressures

Helena, Mont. (April 7, 2025) – House Bill 568, also known as the Montana Hunters First Act, cleared the Montana Senate today with strong bipartisan support (49-1), signaling a major step forward in addressing the evolving pressures facing the state’s hunters and landowners. The bill must be concurred in the House and will then head to Governor Greg Gianforte for final approval.

Sponsored by Rep. Courtenay Sprunger (R-Kalispell), the legislation directs the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to conduct a comprehensive study on nonresident hunting impacts, land access trends, and hunting season structure statewide.

“Montanans are showing up to favorite trailheads and finding them packed with out-of-state plates,” said Rep. Courtenay Sprunger (R-Kalispell). “That experience—of feeling crowded out of your own backyard—is fueling frustration across the state. HB 568 is about securing our legacy, ensuring Montana hunters come first and balancing that priority with the very important reality of the revenue provided by our out-of-state guests.”

Montana hunter, Justin Burt, proudly presents his harvest taken approximately five years ago.

Changing Landscape for Hunters

Over the past decade, Montana has experienced:

• A steady increase in nonresident hunting pressure, including growth beyond statutory caps through programs like “Come Home to Hunt,” nonresident youth, college student, and relative-of-resident licenses—resulting in 3,500+ additional nonresident hunters;

• Base license sales for nonresidents climbing from 58,254 in 2019 to 85,228 in 2023;

• A decline of nearly 1 million acres in private land enrolled in the state’s Block Management Program since 2010, reducing access and concentrating hunting activity on fewer public lands;

• Areas in eastern Montana (Regions 6 & 7) where nonresidents make up the majority of mule deer hunters;

• And a drop in resident hunter success rates despite an increase in days afield.

  
  

At the same time, 76% of FWP's license-generated revenue comes from nonresidents, funding critical programs including Block Management, Habitat Montana, and the operations of Montana’s game wardens.

About the study created by the Montana Hunters First Act

HB 568 directs FWP to:

• Conduct a statewide study on nonresident impacts across deer, elk, upland bird, and waterfowl hunting;

• Evaluate access trends, land use changes, licensing dynamics, and population pressures in all administrative regions;

• Publish a publicly accessible report by December 1, 2026, complete with data methodology and policy recommendations.

  
  

Broad Legislative Support

The bill garnered co-sponsorship from a diverse slate of lawmakers and chamber leaders such as Senators Wylie Galt (R) and Senate Pro Tem Kenneth Bogner, along with Representatives Eric Albus (R), Jedidiah Hinkle (R), Josh Seckinger (D), Pete Elverum (D), Morgan Thiel (R), Speaker Brandon Ler (R), Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick (R), among others.

Next Steps

HB 568 had a friendly amendment in the Senate and so will return to the House for concurrence. If concurred, the Montana Hunters First Act will head to the Governor’s desk for signature and will take effect immediately, initiating a two-year effort to bring landowners, sportsmen, biologists, and decision-makers to the table.

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