Montana Residents Get 10-Day Head Start on Upland Bird Hunting Under New Law

HINSDALE, MT — Governor Greg Gianforte signed legislation last week that will give Montana residents a 10-day head start on upland bird hunting before nonresidents can begin hunting, continuing his administration’s efforts to protect what he calls the “Montana way of life.”

During a ceremony at the Hinsdale Wildlife Management Area in Valley County, Gianforte signed Senate Bill 514, sponsored by Sen. Gregg Hunter, R-Glasgow. The new law requires 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.

“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,” 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.”

The legislation becomes effective March 1, 2026, and represents part of the governor’s broader priority to preserve firearms, hunting, and shooting sports heritage in Montana.

Sen. Hunter said the bill aims to preserve hunting traditions for future generations of Montana families.

“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,” Hunter said.

The signing ceremony took place during Gianforte’s ongoing 56 County Tour, with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks officials also in attendance.

The Hinsdale WMA, located approximately 2 miles north of Hinsdale, is composed of Milk River riparian habitats with cottonwood and green ash tree galleries and associated shrub and grass riparian areas. The site serves as one example of where the new resident-first hunting period will apply.

“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.

The governor’s office said protecting the Montana way of life and preserving hunting heritage remains a top priority for the administration. To support young hunters, Gianforte holds an annual Youth Hunting Story Contest for Montana youth and apprentice hunters between ages 10 and 17.

Contest participants submit stories of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt, with eligible entries including the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana. More information about the contest is available at youthhunting.mt.gov.