Bill > HB554

This bill proposes to modify Montana's existing law regarding wolf management by removing the requirement for the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to manage wolves as game animals or furbearers. Specifically, the bill eliminates language that previously required the department to transition wolves from a "species in need of management" to a game animal or furbearer status. The legislation maintains the department's ability to remove wolves from the state's endangered species list if the federal government delists them, and preserves provisions allowing the department of livestock to control wolves to protect livestock through wolf management plans and special kill permits. The key changes reduce regulatory requirements around wolf classification and management, potentially giving state agencies more flexibility in how they address wolf populations. The bill appears to be part of ongoing efforts in Montana to modify wolf management policies, reflecting ongoing tensions between wildlife conservation, livestock protection, and hunting interests.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1321