Lawmakers consider bills expanding wolf trapping, hound hunting for black bears

• TOM KUGLIN Lee Newspapers
• Feb 27, 2023

https://www.livingstonenterprise.com/news/montana/lawmakers-consider-bills-expanding-wolf-trapping-hound-hunting-for-black-bears/article_aece50fe-8dad-53a0-8f57-6d57953ceadf.html

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email
• Print
• Copy article link
• Save

The sponsor of a trio of bills expanding territory for wolf trapping and hound hunting for black bears said the legislation would better delineate areas where certain restrictions apply as he continues negotiations with state wildlife managers.

But opposition that included the governor and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks expressed concern that the bills could jeopardize efforts to delist grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act and erode the authority of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.

House bills627,628and630brought by Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, were heard during a marathon meeting of the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee on Thursday evening. The bills come in response to legislation Fielder carried in the 2021 session allowing snares…