Montana FWP reminds nonresidents of new shed hunting license, restrictions

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reminding shed hunters from other states about a new law passed during the most recent Montana legislative session.

House Bill 897, sponsored by Helena Democrat Jill Cohenour and passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature, is the law that ushered in changes to shed antler hunting in Montana for nonresidents.

The new law does two things. It establishes a $50 nonresident shed hunting license for Montana’s wildlife management areas, and it prohibits nonresidents from picking up antlers on WMAs for the first seven days they are open in the spring.

There are no changes for resident shed hunters.

According to a fiscal note attached to the bill, the new law is expected to bring in $14,800 of revenue.

Most WMAs open to the public at 12 p.m. on May 15. However, some have different opening times. Nonresident shed hunters must review the regulations for the WMA they are looking to visit.

The new law doesn’t impact resident shed antler hunters or nonresident shed antler hunters who are not on a WMA.

Tips from Montana FWP for shed antler hunters:

• Montana is bear country and much of it is grizzly bear country. When you’re hunting shed antlers make noise, go with a partner or group, and carry bear spray. It’s always better to make efforts to avoid a surprise encounter than to have to deal with one.
• Make sure to know where you’re at, and if you’re on private land, make sure to have permission. Block management areas (BMA) are not open for shed antler hunting.
• Avoid areas with wintering wildlife. Late winter and early spring can be stressful times for wildlife, particularly ungulates. Human activity can cause unnecessary stress.