Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks studies nonresident hunting impacts

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is conducting a study to analyze the impact of nonresident hunters on state game populations, including deer, elk, and various bird species. This initiative follows the passage of House Bill 568, known as the Montana Hunters First Act, which mandates an investigation into how nonresident hunting affects license allocation and game population trends across the state's seven regions.

Preliminary data indicates that while nonresident license sales have grown over the last decade, recent trends have fluctuated. For instance, nonresident elk license purchases rose from 19,914 in 2016 to 22,092 in 2025, while migratory bird license sales saw a 58% increase during the same period. Additionally, a separate legislative bill recently increased nonresident hunting fees by over 500%, a move expected to generate approximately $7 million in annual revenue.

In a related effort to engage the public, FWP biologists are hosting information sessions, such as an upcoming meeting in Missoula, to discuss mule deer population trends and the management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). These sessions aim to provide research updates and highlight the role hunters play in monitoring the spread of CWD within the state.