Montana Eliminates Land-Purchase Contracts for Landowner Elk Hunting Licenses and Sets Strict Employee Rules

Montana Senate Bill 235 eliminates being under contract to purchase 640 or more contiguous acres as a qualification for landowner-preference elk licenses and special elk permits, requiring actual finalized land ownership instead. The law also establishes a precise definition for an 'employee' whom a landowner may designate to receive these permits, taking effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Landowners who are currently in the process of buying large properties through purchase contracts will no longer qualify for preferential elk permits until ownership is fully finalized. Additionally, designated worker permits now require workers to have state or federal taxes withheld from their pay or work full-time and year-round on active farm and ranch operations.