Gov's Amendments Triple Elk Licenses Given to Nonresident Landowners

Instead of signing a bill that would give elk licenses to nonresidents who own lots of land, the Governor’s Office returned it to the Legislature with amendments. But that hasn’t improved the schism among resident hunters.

On Friday, after a week of consideration, Gov. Greg Gianforte sent House Bill 635 back to the Legislature with two amendments that have further disappointed some hunters.

As originally passed, HB 635, sponsored by Rep. Joshua Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, would set aside up to 15% of nonresident combination deer and elk licenses for purchase by nonresidents who own more than 2,500 contiguous acres that contain elk. One landowner could buy additional licenses for every additional 2,500 acres he owned, up to a limit of five licenses.

Read more from the Missoula Current here...