Two national wildlife refuges near Missoula may allow people to hunt more wildlife, including black bear.

On Thursday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published potential changes to hunting and fishing opportunities offered on the Lee Metcalf and Swan River national wildlife refuges. The public has until April 30 to comment on the draft changes.

If finalized, any changes would likely go into effect before the fall hunting season.

A popular spot for birders and surrounded by ranchettes, the 2,800-acre Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville borders more than 4 miles of the Bitterroot River, extending 1 to 2 miles east…