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HB 216

Allow FW Commission to issue deer and elk hunting licenses to private landowners within the Flathead Indian Reservation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tracy Sharp

Montana bill would let Fish and Wildlife Commission issue deer and elk licenses to private Flathead Reservation landowners, but died in 2025 committee process.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 216

Legislative bill overview

HB 216 would authorize the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to issue deer and elk hunting licenses directly to private landowners within the Flathead Indian Reservation, bypassing standard licensing procedures. The bill died in the legislative process after being tabled in committee and missing transmittal deadlines during the 2025 session.

Why is this important

This proposal intersects tribal sovereignty, wildlife management, and private property rights on reservation lands. The outcome affects how hunting is regulated, who benefits from wildlife access, and the relationship between state wildlife agencies and tribal governments over shared natural resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Tribal sovereignty: The Flathead Indian Reservation is tribal trust land where the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes typically hold primary jurisdiction; state licensing authority on tribal lands is constitutionally contentious
  • Wildlife conservation: Creating separate licensing pathways for private landowners could undermine unified wildlife population management and conservation quotas established through standard regulatory processes
  • Equity and access: Allowing private landowners special licensing privileges raises concerns about unequal hunting access based on land ownership status versus public participation in standard licensing systems

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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