Montana to Reduce Nonresident Deer Tags due to EHD Declines and Increased Pressure from Out-of-State Hunters

Montana wildlife commissioners have voted to drastically cut the number of nonresident deer tags available in 2026 and 2027 to address growing concerns about hunting pressure from out-of-state hunters. This decision, which was made unanimously this week, introduces a cap on nonresident deer tag sales. As per the new amendment, the state's fish-and-game department will restrict sales, allowing nonresident hunters to purchase no more than half of the total number of general deer licenses issued. These licenses will be counted separately from elk combination tags. This change could result in a reduction of approximately 2,500 nonresident deer tags, based on historical data from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP).

The amendment was presented by Lesley Robinson, the commission chair who represents northeastern Montana, during a commission meeting on Wednesday. Robinson highlighted the rising nonresident hunting pressure, particularly in regions 6 and 7 of eastern Montana. "The number of nonresident hunters, their hunting effort, and harvest have become significant issues for the legislature, commission, and the public, including landowners," stated the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) report explaining the rationale for the tag reductions.

The report also highlighted that Montana's mule deer populations have been declining in several areas due to increasing nonresident hunting pressure. Furthermore, whitetail deer herds have been impacted by an EHD die-off this fall. Regions 6 and 7, where much of the nonresident hunting takes place, have seen the most significant effects of EHD. In 2023, over 11,000 nonresident deer tags were sold in these two regions, which is about the same number sold across the other five regions combined. Wildlife managers have also noted that the nonresident deer harvest in these regions surpasses the harvest by resident hunters.

To alleviate some of the pressure, MFWP estimates that the reduction of approximately 2,500 nonresident tags will help decrease the overall harvest pressure. Despite this reduction, nonresident hunters will still have access to about 12,000 deer tags statewide. However, the cuts could result in a revenue shortfall of approximately $1.7 million for FWP, which the department will need to address.

In addition to the reductions in nonresident tags, changes have also been made to the number of general deer tags available to resident hunters. According to KTVH News, another amendment passed by the commission this week limits the number of general deer tags that a resident can hold, reducing the maximum from 8 to 3.

The commission also discussed an increase in the number of archery antelope permits available across the state. Initially, Commissioner Brian Cebull proposed raising the quota of 900-series archery-only tags to 7,000. However, after receiving feedback from fellow commissioners and the public, the proposal was amended to 5,600. The new permits would allow nearly every resident applicant to draw, while nonresidents would have about a 40% chance of drawing each year. These permits will be valid statewide, with the exception of Region 3 in southwestern Montana.

Commissioners acknowledged that the proposed increase in archery antelope permits conflicted with public comments, which largely favored limiting nonresident hunting participation in Montana. Commissioner K.C. Walsh noted, "One of the highest concerns expressed in the public comments was overcrowding and excessive nonresident permits."

The commission's decisions will govern hunting rules and permit quotas for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Author: Aiden Foster