Bill > SB427

This bill establishes new setback distances for trapping on public lands to help protect recreational areas and trails. For furbearers, predators, and nongame wildlife, ground sets and snares must be set back 50 feet from roads and hiking trails with administrative signs, 1,000 feet from designated campgrounds or recreation sites accessible by highway vehicles (such as boat ramps or fishing access sites), and 300 feet from trailheads accessible by highway vehicles (with lethal ground sets or snares requiring a 1,000-foot setback). For wolves, the setback requirements are slightly different: 150 feet from roads and hiking trails, 1,000 feet from trailheads, campgrounds, and recreation sites, and 500 feet from high recreational use trails or roads as determined by the department. The bill provides some exceptions, such as not applying setbacks to roads closed year-round to motor vehicles. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is given the authority to expand or establish additional trap setback distances in high-use areas, particularly near urban population centers. The bill also amends existing laws to incorporate these new setback requirements and establishes penalties for violations, which can include fines, potential imprisonment, and loss of hunting, fishing, or trapping privileges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0151