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Bill

HB 564

Require mandatory reporting of deer and elk hunting activity

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marilyn Marler

Montana bill requiring hunters to report all deer and elk harvests died in committee, preventing mandatory wildlife activity tracking system implementation.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 564

Legislative bill overview

HB 564 would have required hunters in Montana to report their deer and elk hunting activity to the state, likely through a mandatory reporting system. The bill died in the legislative process after being tabled in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee and missing the deadline for general bill transmittal.

Why is this important

Mandatory hunting reporting systems help wildlife agencies collect data on harvest rates, population trends, and hunter success, which informs conservation decisions and season management. Such data is critical for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and ensuring sustainable hunting practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Hunter burden: Mandatory reporting creates administrative requirements for hunters, who may view it as an inconvenience or perceived government overreach into recreational activities
  • Implementation costs: The unsigned fiscal note suggests uncertainty about state expenses for creating and maintaining a reporting infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms
  • Data accuracy and compliance: Questions about whether hunters would reliably report all activity and whether enforcement would be feasible across Montana's large geographic area
  • Privacy concerns: Some hunters may object to detailed tracking of their hunting locations and activities by government agencies

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

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