Big game hunting season may look different next year in Montana – for both resident and nonresident deer hunters. Last week, members of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission passed an amendment that “implements a sales cap” for nonresident general deer licenses, which equates to “half of the number of general deer licenses, separated from the elk combination licenses,” according to KTVH News.

The commission said that overcrowding on public lands due to too many nonresident hunters sparked the change – estimated at 2,500 fewer nonresident licenses issued for general deer. While it might help manage an influx of nonresident hunters, it will also impact the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) bottom line, according to a FWP report, it would create a $1.7 million annual shortfall in license revenue.

“There are consequences when it comes to these reductions when we look at the revenue that goes to the department, the lack of revenue that goes into block management access, and the real economic damage to small businesses,” said Will Israel, executive director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association.

Further changes also impact resident hunters as the commission approved a reduction in the total number of deer tags a resident hunter can hold from eight to three, which includes both mule deer and whitetail deer tags combined.

Will these changes impact your decision to travel to hunt in Montana next fall?