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HB 133

Require hunter reporting of hunting activity

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Curt Cochran

Withdrawn bill would have required Montana hunters to report hunting activity details to state wildlife agencies for improved harvest and population data collection.

(H) Bill Withdrawn per House Rule H30-50(3)(b)
#fishandwildlife #rulemaking
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Bill Summary · HB 133

Legislative bill overview

HB 133 would have required Montana hunters to report their hunting activities to the state, likely including details such as game harvested, location, and effort expended. The bill was introduced by Representative Curt Cochran but was withdrawn from consideration on February 4, 2025, before advancing further in the legislative process.

Why is this important

Mandatory hunter reporting systems help wildlife agencies collect data on harvest patterns, population trends, and hunting pressure across regions—information essential for making evidence-based decisions on season lengths, bag limits, and conservation strategies. Accurate reporting data improves the state's ability to manage wildlife sustainably and prevent overharvesting of vulnerable species.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Hunters may object to detailed reporting requirements that could reveal their preferred hunting locations or personal activity patterns to the state
  • Compliance burden: Mandatory reporting adds administrative requirements on hunters, potentially creating barriers to participation and enforcement challenges
  • Data accuracy and incentives: Without clear incentives or consequences, voluntary compliance rates may be low, limiting the utility of collected data for wildlife management decisions

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

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