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Committee hears HB 258 to extend wolf hunting season into spring; Fish and Wildlife staff warn of model risks
Summary
Representative Paul Fielder presented HB 258 to extend the wolf hunting season to close concurrent with the spring black‑bear season; proponents said the extension offsets reduced trapping opportunity, while opponents warned of pup mortality, pack destabilization and risks to monitoring models.
The House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee heard more than three hours of testimony on House Bill 258, which would require the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission to authorize a wolf hunting season that closes in concurrence with the state spring black‑bear season (sponsor Representative Paul Fielder). Proponents argued the shorter trapping season imposed by recent federal court decisions has reduced the state’s ability to control wolf numbers and that extending the hunting season would provide additional harvest opportunity.
Proponents included representatives of hunting and trapping organizations (Jeff Darrah, Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife; Chris Morgan, Montana Trappers Association), Outdoor Heritage Coalition leadership and ranchers who said extended…
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