Some details on SB 143 OPPOSE

 12-5-21                                    SB 143
SB 143 will transfer up to 60% of the unguided nonresident hunters from Main Street businesses to Outfitters
Currently Montana issues 17,000 nonresident B-10 and B-11 elk and deer combination licenses in a random drawing.   
Outfitter customers currently apply for those licensed just like everyone else.  
SB 143 language as of 2-5-21  
Section 8. Section 87-2-511, MCA, is amended to read:
"87-2-511. Sale and use of Class B-10 elk and Class B-11 deer licenses.
(1)        the department shall offer the Class B-10 and Class B-11 licenses for sale on April 1, with 60% of each of the Class B-10 and Class B-11 licenses reserved for applicants hunting with a licensed outfitter pursuant to [section 1] and to [section 3].
Impacts using FWP supplied numbers.
17,000 B-10 and B-11 Nonresident licenses are distributed each year in a drawing.   
2020   23,245 nonresidents applied
17,000 X .6 = 10,200 Guaranteed Outfitter licenses
     6,800 customers left for Main Street Businesses.
    .29% chance for our family and friends to return for a hunt.
Areas with healthy wildlife populations and at least reasonable public access attract a large percentage of the non-resident hunters in Montana every fall.  Most stay in local motels, frequent restaurants, bars, gas stations, convenience stores and other main street businesses.
Nonoutfitted hunters mostly drive to and across Montana, buying gas, food, lodging etc.
Outfitted hunters may drive but frequently fly to Montana and are picked up by the outfitter at the airport.
The large majority of outfitters provide food, lodging and other amenities in camp.   Their clients rarely visit main street businesses.   
Main Street businesses face the loss of up to 60% of their normal nonresident hunting season customers every fall if SB 143 passes.