87-1-266. Hunter management program -- benefits for providing hunting access -- nonresident landowner limitation -- restriction on landowner liability. (1) As provided in 87-1-265, the department may establish a voluntary hunter management program to provide tangible benefits to private landowners enrolled in the block management program who grant access to their land for public hunting. The decision to enroll a landowner in the hunter management program is the responsibility of the department. Benefits may be granted as provided in this section and by rule.
(2) As a benefit for enrolling property in the hunter management program, a resident landowner who becomes a cooperator in the program and who agrees to provide public hunting access may receive one Class AAA combination sports license, without charge, if the landowner is the owner of record. The license may be used for the full hunting or fishing season in any district where it is valid. The license may not be transferred by gift or sale.
(3) As a benefit for enrolling property in the hunter management program, a nonresident landowner who becomes a cooperator in the program and who agrees to provide public hunting access may receive one Class B-10 nonresident big game combination license, without charge, if the landowner is the owner of record. The license may be used for the full hunting or fishing season in any district where it is valid. The license may not be transferred by gift or sale. The grant of a license under this subsection also qualifies the licensee to apply for a permit through the normal drawing process. The grant of a license under this subsection does not affect the limits established under 87-2-505.
(4) (a) Instead of receiving the benefits provided in subsection (2) or (3), a landowner of record who becomes a cooperator in the hunter management program and who agrees to provide public hunting access may designate an immediate family member to receive a Class AAA combination sports license, without charge, if the family member is a resident or a Class B-10 nonresident big game combination license, without charge, if the family member is a nonresident. An employee rather than a family member may be designated to receive a license.
(b) For purposes of this subsection (4), an immediate family member means a parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild of the cooperator by blood or marriage, a spouse, a legally adopted child, a sibling of the cooperator or spouse, or a niece or nephew.
(c) For purposes of this subsection (4), the term "employee" means a person who works full time and year-round for the landowner as part of an active farm or ranch operation.
(d) An immediate family member or employee who is designated to receive a license pursuant to this subsection (4) must be eligible for licensure under current Montana law and may not transfer the license by gift or sale.
(e) The grant of a Class B-10 nonresident big game combination license to an immediate family member or employee pursuant to this subsection (4) does not affect the limits established in 87-2-505.
(5) Any landowner who is enrolled in the block management program may receive the benefits provided under the hunter management program, as outlined in this section, and the benefits provided under the hunting access enhancement program, as outlined in 87-1-267.
(6) The restriction on liability of a landowner, agent, or tenant that is provided under 70-16-302(1) applies to a landowner who participates in the hunter management program.