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HB 568

Provide for the Montana Hunters First Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Courtenay Sprunger

Montana elevates hunting to primary consideration in public lands and wildlife management, giving hunting preference over competing recreational and conservation uses.

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Bill Summary · HB 568

Legislative bill overview

HB 568, the Montana Hunters First Act, prioritizes hunting and hunting-related activities in Montana's public lands management and policy decisions. The bill establishes hunting as a primary use consideration for state wildlife management and public land decisions, giving preference to hunting access and seasons over competing interests.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects millions of acres of public land use in Montana and shapes how the state allocates wildlife resources. It impacts hunting communities, outdoor recreation industries, conservationists, and environmental groups who may have competing visions for land management priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Conservation trade-offs: Prioritizing hunting may conflict with habitat preservation, ecosystem management, or species recovery efforts that sometimes require limiting harvest
  • Access and equity: Preference for hunting could reduce access for non-hunting outdoor recreation (hiking, photography, wildlife viewing) on public lands
  • Scientific management concerns: Wildlife managers may argue that all relevant factors—not just hunting interests—should guide evidence-based decision-making for sustainable populations

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

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