If House Bills 224 and 225 pass, Montana will follow Idaho’s lead by extending the trapping season and allowing for the snaring of wolves.by Amanda Eggert02.03.2021

Two bills designed to reduce the wolf population in Montana by extending the trapping season and allowing licensed trappers to use snares were met with significant opposition during recent hearings before the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee.

Retired wildlife biologistPaul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, is sponsoring both measures.House Bill 225would direct the Fish and Wildlife Commission to add two weeks to each end of the current trapping season.House Bill 224would allow licensed trappers to set wolf snares.

On Thursday, Jan. 28, two proponents offered testimony in favor of the proposal to expand the trapping season, and 18 people spoke in opposition.

Rep. Fieldersaid he decided to introduce the bill after the…