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Sponsor seeks to limit commission changes to November mule-deer rut hunting; opponents say it ties managers' hands
Summary
HB 139 would constrain how the Fish and Wildlife Commission can close November mule-deer buck hunting in general units, capping closures and limiting permanent removal of rut opportunity. Supporters cited tradition and regional population data; opponents said the statute would reduce commission flexibility and should be addressed through commission-led planning.
Representative Jedidiah Hinkle introduced House Bill 139 as an effort to preserve Montana’s opportunity to hunt mule deer bucks during the November rut while still allowing the Fish and Wildlife Commission other management tools. "House Bill 139 is about protecting the opportunity to hunt mule deer during the rut, all while allowing the commission to continue use every tool that they have historically used to manage our herds," Hinkle said.
Supporters—ranging from the Outdoor Heritage Coalition to individual hunters—testified that rut hunting is a long-standing family tradition and warned that a permanent removal of…
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