Committee hears hours of testimony on bill requiring trap signs at FWP trailheads

Representative Bob Carter (Missoula) presented House Bill 436 to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee as a public-safety and conflict‑reduction measure that would require a trapper to post department-provided notice signs at trailheads or other access points when traps or snares are placed within specified distances of public trails. "Montanans love their pets... knowing traps and snares are set up across public lands, but not knowing where keeps me from going to new places," testified Lizzie Pennock, a dog owner who said she carries cable cutters and two lengths of paracord in case her dog is caught.

Proponents—organized groups, wildlife advocates, veterinarians and concerned residents—testified across more than an hour that the signs are "common sense" and would allow hikers, birders and hunters with dogs to avoid or leash animals near traplines. Frank Szollosi of the Montana Wildlife Federation cited FWP reports of roughly 300 non‑target captures between 2018 and early 2022, with about 123 household pets among them. Retired veterinarian Shani Henry said she treated many pets injured by leg‑hold traps and considered the signage both feasible and effective.

FWP’s chief of law enforcement, Ron Howell, provided regulatory context: licensed trappers are required to report non‑target captures; setbacks are specified in agency regulations (examples cited in testimony included 50 feet from trails/roads and 1,000 feet for lethal ground sets and snares at designated or marked trailheads accessible by highway vehicle); and wardens enforce disturbance of traps but not theft. Howell told the committee that district and regional regulation text details setbacks (he referenced the trapping regulation, page 10) and that some lands (forest service and BLM) currently have no signage requirement.

Opponents—represented online and in person by the Montana Trappers Association and allied groups—said mandatory signage would broadcast trap locations to people who would vandalize or steal equipment and could increase conflict with trappers. Chris Morgan of the Montana Trappers Association said mandatory signs on public lands had led to vandalism and trap theft where he used to trap and argued many trapped dogs are at large or released unharmed. Justin Webb (Foundation for Wildlife Management) added that signage could complicate predator-control efforts and shift the burden to trappers.

Committee members pressed witnesses on practical details: the bill’s sign design and letter-size requirements, which department prints the signs, the 24‑hour replacement requirement for missing or illegible signs, enforcement options if signs are repeatedly vandalized, and which lands the bill applies to (Howell clarified it applies only to lands administered by FWP—state parks, fishing accesses, wildlife management areas—not federal or DNRC lands unless stated).

Sponsor Carter described the bill as a compromise: he removed fees and penalties from an earlier version, arranged for the department to print signs, and included a 24‑hour replacement requirement rather than criminal penalties in the bill text. He argued targeted signs posted while traps are active are more effective than permanent, generic warnings. Opponents countered that mandatory signs have previously led to gear theft and vandalism on some state lands.

The committee closed the hearing without taking a final vote; the bill will be returned to the committee for further consideration and possible amendment.