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Bill would require trappers to post signs at FWP trailheads to warn public of active traplines
Summary
House Bill 436 would require trappers on Fish, Wildlife & Parks‑administered lands to post department‑approved signs at trailheads or access points when traps or snares are set nearby; proponents said the requirement would reduce dog injuries and public conflict, while opponents warned of trap theft and increased targeting of trappers.
House Bill 436 would require a trapper to post a notice sign at a trailhead on public lands administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks if traps or snares are located within 1,000 feet of the trailhead or within 100 feet of a marked public trail, and would require the department to provide a downloadable, printable sign template. The bill also requires trappers to replace an illegible or missing sign within 24 hours of noticing or being informed of the problem.
Sponsor Representative Bob Carter said the bill’s goal is “notifying the public when they're entering an active trapping area,” and that the change is intended to “minimiz[e] social conflict” between trappers and other public‑land users.
Multiple conservation, hunting and public‑safety organizations and residents testified in favor. Frank Zollosi of the Montana Wildlife Federation said signage increases public safety and helps people make informed choices; Matt Leo of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers said “information is power.” Retired veterinarian Shani Henry, who served on an FWP trapping advisory committee, said she treated both pets and wildlife injured by traps and supported the bill to reduce injuries. Several witnesses described personal experience rescuing dogs and attending trap‑release workshops.
Opponents, including the Montana Trappers Association (testimony by Chris Morgan) and other trapping proponents, warned the bill would identify trap locations to people who might vandalize or steal equipment and could increase conflict and illegal interference with traplines. Morgan said over 90% of dogs caught are at large and that most trapped dogs are released without harm; he said signs on state lands had previously resulted in vandalism and theft for some trappers.
Fish, Wildlife & Parks Chief of Law Enforcement Ron Howell testified as an informational witness and answered committee questions about existing setbacks and reporting. Howell said the department enforces trap disturbance but does not have statutory authority to enforce theft; his staff said non‑target captures by licensed trappers are required to be reported by trappers but pet owners who free their own animals are not required to report those incidents.
Committee members asked about setback distances, how the bill interacts with existing DNRC signage requirements and whether closed roads are treated differently; Howell clarified that ground sets and snares have regulatory setbacks (for example, lethal ground sets and snares are unlawful within 1,000 feet of a designated or marked trailhead; other ground sets have smaller setbacks) and that DNRC and federal lands have different rules. Several members also raised trap‑theft concerns and noted the bill removes fines and fees from an earlier version as part of a compromise.
Sponsor Carter said the requirement that trappers replace missing signs within 24 hours is a compromise aimed at avoiding fees and penalties that trappers had opposed previously; Carter urged a “due pass.” The committee hearing closed and the item moved to executive action later in the session.
