A new law HB 467, in Montana, is looking to give nonresident student hunters a discount on licenses.
Montana has seen a steady decline in nonresident student hunters. In the last few years, nonresident students at Montana’s universities and colleges have turned away from hunting. Many believe this is due to the extreme increase in the cost of hunting for nonresidents in the state. Prior to 2015 nonresident student licenses were around $70. However, with the increases a nonresident student today can expect to pay more than $500 for the same license. Because of these increases, nonresident student hunter participation has dropped by 80% in the last 6 years.
“That’s one thing we need to continue to do in Montana, we need to develop hunters.” – Republican Sen. Greg Hertz
HB 467 and New Discounts for Students
HB 467 has created two categories of nonresident student licenses. Firstly, if the state the student is a resident of offers resident rates to nonresident students, then Montana will offer hunting and fishing licenses to those students at a Montana resident cost. The other category of students will fall under the following rules. If the student’s home state doesn’t offer a student discount, then Montana will offer those students 50% off of what the normal nonresident license cost.
Student organizations and hunter groups both spoke out in support of the bill. However, opponents of the new law argued that it went against the spirit of the 2015 bill to standardized license costs and better manage wildlife funding within the state.
“Rather than piecemealing a license system and cost based on what we like and what sounds good and what feels good. I would request this body reject this bill because really what we need to do is keep it as a comprehensive package of licenses and fees.” – Democrat Sen. Tom Jacobson
Montana FWP is unsure how the law will affect wildlife funding. With discounted prices, there is a possibility that Montana makes less money from these licenses. However, supporters believe that many more students will take advantage of the discounts. In turn, this will offset the discounts or even increase revenue.
