Bill > HB176

This bill modifies Montana's wolf management laws by establishing new rules for wolf hunting and population control. Specifically, the bill requires the Fish and Wildlife Commission to implement an unlimited statewide wolf hunting quota when the wolf population reaches or exceeds 550 wolves, with an exception for areas near Yellowstone National Park. When the population is between 450 and 550 wolves, the Commission may apply more flexible management techniques in different administrative districts. The bill authorizes multiple hunting and trapping practices, including issuing multiple wolf hunting licenses to a single applicant, allowing unlimited wolf harvest by one licensee, permitting the use of bait during trapping season, and allowing night hunting on private lands using artificial light or night vision scopes. The legislation also mandates that the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks use consistent modeling techniques when estimating wolf populations and requires annual reporting on wolf management. The bill aims to maintain wolf population control while providing more hunting flexibility and ensuring a sustainable wolf population that allows Montana to retain a delisted status for wolves.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2548