Montana’s Shed Hunting Laws Could Be Changing Soon

Winter still has Montana in its grip, but spring is just around the corner, which means one thing for many outdoor enthusiasts—shed hunting season.

If you're not familiar with shed hunting, here’s the rundown: Every spring, male whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn and moose shed their antlers, leaving them behind as unique outdoor treasures.

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Over the years, shed hunting has grown from a casual pastime into a serious business, with high demand driving up prices for antlers. However, this demand has also led to increased pressure on wildlife during a critical recovery period after winter, prompting many states to enforce shed hunting regulations.

Montana’s Current Shed Hunting Laws

Unlike many states, Montana has not yet imposed strict regulations on shed hunting, aside from specific opening dates for Wildlife Management Areas. You can find details on those regulations HERE.

However, that could soon change with House Bill 363, a new proposal that would introduce separate licensing fees and waiting periods for residents and non-residents. Private landowners would not be affected and could continue shed hunting on their own property without restrictions.

What Would House Bill 363 Change?

• New Licensing Fees:
  • Residents: $10
  • Non-Residents: $50
• Time Limitations:
  • No official shed hunting season has been proposed yet, but residents would get a head start over non-residents.

The Purpose of the Bill

Supporters of the bill aim to protect wildlife from the pressures of commercial shed hunting while also generating additional revenue for conservation efforts.

The bill had its first hearing on February 4 in the House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee but remains in committee and has not yet been brought to the floor for a vote.

For now, shed hunters in Montana can continue as usual, but if this bill moves forward, changes could be coming soon. Stay tuned. 

Credit: fwp.Mt.gov