Governor Gianforte Increases Hunting Opportunities for Montanans

HINSDALE, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte last week continued his 56 County Tour in Valley County and celebrated a new law that increases upland bird hunting opportunities for Montana residents.

“This legislative session, we continued to protect our Montana way of life. I was proud to join Senator Gregg Hunter to celebrate his hard work and ceremonially sign Senate Bill 514,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through the bill, we’re giving Montanans a 10-day head start for upland game bird hunting to encourage residents to enjoy our hunting season.”

During a ceremony held at the Hinsdale Wildlife Management Area (WMA), joined by Sen. Gregg Hunter, R-Glasgow, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the governor signed Senate Bill 514, sponsored by Sen. Hunter, that establishes requirements for the fish and wildlife commission to allow residents to begin hunting 10 days prior to nonresidents for all upland game birds, including ring-necked pheasant, but excluding mountain grouse. The bill becomes effective March 1, 2026.

“I hope that this bill can play a small part in preserving our hunting heritage that we can pass on to our youth. Through this new law, Montanans can come out with their families and children to enjoy the great outdoors and learn hunting skills, harvesting, and other traits that my dad passed on to me, and I passed on to my son and daughter,” Sen. Hunter said.

The Hinsdale WMA is located approximately 2 miles north of the town of Hinsdale. The WMA is composed of Milk River riparian habitats, offering cottonwood and green ash tree galleries, with associated shrub and grass riparian areas.

“The Hinsdale WMA is one of twelve WMAs in Region 6. WMAs in Region 6 represent a little over 12,000 acres, so this is just one example of a location where Sen. Hunter’s will apply – a resident of the state of Montana will be able to come here to hunt alongside fellow residents before the season opens,” said Drew Henry, an FWP Wildlife Biologist in Region 6.

Protecting the Montana way of life and preserving the firearms, hunting, and shooting sports heritage in the Treasure State is a top priority for the governor. To support and encourage young hunters, Gov. Gianforte holds an annual Youth Hunting Story Contest for Montana youth and apprentice hunters between the ages of 10 and 17.

To enter the contest, resident hunters submit a story of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana. Learn more about the contest at youthhunting.mt.gov.