Montana Hunting Data Revealed Resident Declines
State officials analyzed a decade of hunter population trends and shifting land access.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hunting
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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has published preliminary findings on hunting trends showing a decline in resident participation alongside an increase in non-resident hunters. The study was mandated by the state legislature under HB 568 to evaluate impacts on deer and elk populations.
Why it matters
The study addresses concerns that shifting hunter demographics and the loss of one million acres of private land in Block Management programs have caused hunters to congregate in remaining open spaces. Legislators and the Fish and Wildlife Commission are using this data to assess the sustainability of public land use.
Between 2016 and 2025, Montana experienced a decrease of 2,216 resident hunters and an increase of nearly 5,000 non-resident deer and elk hunters. Non-residents currently account for 18.9 percent of the total hunting population in the state.
The players
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
This state agency is responsible for the stewardship of Montana's fish, wildlife, and recreational resources.
Fish and Wildlife Commission
This board sets the policies and seasons for hunting and fishing across Montana.
The details
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks collected data on harvest reports, hunter days, and licensing to fulfill the requirements of the 2025 legislation. The analysis highlights how the loss of private land access is forcing hunters into concentrated areas, affecting the distribution of activity across the landscape.
Timeline
Data collection for these hunter trends occurred from 2016 through 2025.
The Montana state legislature passed HB 568 in 2025.
A final report on the findings is scheduled for release on December 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
This study reflects a wider trend of states balancing local recreational access against the growing popularity of hunting among non-residents. The implementation of HB 568 formalizes a government response to the pressures of shrinking private land access.
Residents may notice more crowded conditions in public hunting areas as non-resident numbers increase and private land availability decreases. This shift in hunter concentration may also impact local licensing availability and seasonal harvest quotas.
The takeaway
As non-resident hunter numbers rise, the state is forced to re-evaluate how it manages access to its limited public hunting grounds. Hunters should monitor upcoming regulatory updates from the Fish and Wildlife Commission to understand potential changes to their seasonal access.
What happens next
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is scheduled to release the final version of this hunter trend report on December 1, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on recreational trends in the state, visit Hunting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 96.3 The Blaze.
Live Poll
Do you believe non-resident hunting should be restricted to protect access to public lands in Montana?
