Bill > HB95

This bill revises Montana law regarding the trapping and hunting of beavers and muskrats during closed seasons, specifically expanding the circumstances under which landowners can obtain permits to address wildlife causing damage. Previously, permits were limited to situations involving irrigation project structures and stock water ponds, but the new law broadens the scope to include rural and urban developed structures. The bill allows the director of the relevant agency (likely Fish, Wildlife, and Parks) or their designee to issue permits to resident landowners or employees when beaver or muskrat are causing severe injury or pose a menace to specified structures. The existing requirement for a permit is maintained, with a notable exception that between June 1 and August 31 of each year, no permit is needed for hunting or trapping these animals. The bill retains previous penalties for violations, which include potential fines between $100 and $1,000, possible imprisonment for up to 6 months, forfeiture of hunting and fishing licenses, and a two-year ban on hunting, fishing, and trapping. The legislation will become effective on September 1, 2025, and was introduced by request of the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0512