87-1-266. License benefits for landowners enrolled in block management program -- rulemaking. (1) As a benefit for enrolling property in the block management program established in 87-1-265, a resident landowner may receive one conservation license and one Class AAA combination sports license and the necessary prerequisites, without charge, if the landowner is the owner of record. The licenses may be used for the full hunting or fishing season in any district where they are valid. The licenses may not be transferred by gift or sale.

(2) As a benefit for enrolling property in the block management program, a nonresident landowner may receive one conservation license and one Class B-10 nonresident big game combination license and the necessary prerequisites, without charge, if the landowner is the owner of record. The licenses may be used for the full hunting or fishing season in any district where they are valid. The licenses 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.

(3) (a) Instead of receiving the benefits provided in subsection (1) or (2), a landowner of record who enrolls in the block management program may designate an immediate family member or employee to receive, without charge, a conservation license and the necessary prerequisites and:

(i) a Class AAA combination sports license if the designated person is a resident; or

(ii) a Class B-10 nonresident big game combination license if the designated person is a nonresident.

(b) For purposes of this subsection (3), 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 (3), the term "employee" means a person who works full time and year-round for the landowner as part of the active farm or ranch operation enrolled in the block management program.

(d) An immediate family member or employee who is designated to receive a license pursuant to this subsection (3) 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 (3) does not affect the limits established in 87-2-505.

(4) The department may by rule limit the overall number of licenses that can be provided to landowners pursuant to this section.

(5) For the purposes of this section, the term "necessary prerequisites" includes:

(a) the base hunting license established in 87-2-116;

(b) the aquatic invasive species prevention pass established in 87-2-130; and

(c) the conservation license established in 87-2-201.