Why Montana Hunters Get A 10-Day Upland Game Bird Jump

Thanks to state legislature moves, resident hunters get an uninterrupted buffer before the floodgates open.

RESIDENT UPLAND GAME BIRD PRIVILEGE

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that If you’re a local bird hunter in Big Sky Country, go ahead and set your alarm clock with a little extra spring in your step. If you’re planning a trip from out of state, however, you might want to hit snooze.

Montana upland game bird hunters have a 10-day head start on nonresident hunters. The rule change stems from Senate Bill 514, designed to give Montana residents priority access on heavily hunted tracts and reduce the frantic opening-day traffic jams on popular access lands. Under the updated law, "Nonresident upland game bird hunters using private lands enrolled in the Montana FWP hunting access programs — including block management — or hunting on public lands may not begin hunting until 10 days later than resident upland bird hunters for all upland species except mountain grouse (blue, spruce [Franklin] and ruffed grouse).”

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WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE FALL CALENDAR

In short:

If you hold a Montana resident license: You get first crack at un-spooked birds across public land and Block Management properties.

If you’re traveling in from out of state: You aren’t totally grounded on day one—you can still head high into the timber for mountain grouse right away. But if you’re after pheasants, sharp-tails, or partridge on public ground, you’ll need to check the 2026 regulations, pack a little extra patience, and let the locals take the first lap.

Think of it as Big Sky Country’s way of saying rank has its privileges, and residency has its perks. And always check the regulations, whether you’re a resident or non-resident!