Montana adjusts hunting regulations to address key concerns

Posted on by
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks logo
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks logoMontana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

HELENA, Mont. – On December 4, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission set new hunting regulations for 2026 and 2027, addressing nonresident hunting pressure and mule deer population concerns.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark emphasized the significance of these regulations and the public input that shaped them.

Top Videos

javascript:false

“The commission’s action were a culmination of a lengthy process that started this past summer with public meetings around the state,” said Clark. “Both the commission and FWP heard a lot of input from hunters, landowners and the public. This input was critical in the final regulations that were approved.”

The changes aim to protect resources rather than focus on revenue.

“It’s true, some of these changes will reduce revenue coming to FWP from license sales, but when it comes down to it, this is about protecting the resource, not revenue,” Clark said.

Nonresident hunting pressure, particularly in eastern Montana, has been a growing concern. The commission approved an amendment to cap nonresident deer licenses, reducing them by about 2,500.

Commission Chair Lesley Robinson highlighted the need for this measure, saying, “The reason that I brought this forward was to start discussion. And something has to be done. We have a lot of overcrowding.”

Mule deer declines have prompted specific changes. In 2026 and 2027, most mule deer B licenses will be valid only on private land, and residents will see a reduction in the number of deer licenses they can hold from eight to three.

Additionally, the number of deer B licenses sold in 2024 was the lowest since 2016, reflecting the declining mule deer numbers.

Other changes include adjustments in archery regulations, bighorn sheep quotas, black bear hunting, and mountain lion season dates.

Leave a comment