Extended wolf trapping seasons draws debate

• Tom Kuglin
• Jan 29, 2021 Updated 14 hrs ago
•  https://mtstandard.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/extended-wolf-trapping-seasons-draws-debate/article_a13e504e-776f-5408-85e5-e4fc661e5f76.html

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Tom Kuglin

The first of several expected billsaimed at reducing the population of wolves in Montana saw a northwest Montana lawmaker make the case for extending trapping seasons Thursday, while a number of opponents lined up to ask a committee to vote it down.

Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, brought House Bill 225 to the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee. The bill’s intent is to lengthen Montana’s wolf trapping season by two weeks earlier and two weeks later, meaning the season would start the Monday after Thanksgiving and go until March 15. The current season runs from Dec. 15 to Feb. 28.

Under the bill, Montana’s seven FWP regional offices could bring recommendations to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to set the trapping season within the…