Montana residents granted 10-day head start on upland bird hunting

Montana residents will now receive a 10-day priority period for upland game bird hunting before nonresidents are permitted to hunt. This change follows the passage of Senate Bill 514, which aims to provide residents with better access to heavily hunted areas and reduce congestion on popular public and private access lands.

Under the new regulations implemented by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, nonresident hunters are prohibited from hunting upland species on public lands or private lands enrolled in hunting access programs, such as block management, until 10 days after the resident season begins. This restriction applies to species such as pheasants, sharp-tails, and partridge.

An exception to this rule exists for mountain grouse, including blue, spruce [Franklin], and ruffed grouse, which remain accessible to both residents and nonresidents from the start of the season.