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House Agriculture Committee hears bill to repeal state authorization for taking eagles, hawks and owls
Summary
Lawmakers heard House Bill 73, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Isaly, which would repeal state code 87-5-209 to remove a state-level authorization that could conflict with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act; Fish, Wildlife & Parks and conservation groups urged repeal, while members pressed about on‑the‑ground options for livestock producers.
Rep. Jamie Isaly introduced House Bill 73 to the House Agriculture Committee, saying the measure would repeal state statute 87-5-209 and remove a state-level authorization that could mislead Montanans about the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. "HB 73 is designed to eliminate code 87-5-209… which allows for the killing of eagles, hawks, and owls by livestock and poultry owners in Montana," Isaly told the committee.
The bill is an agency proposal from Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Quentin Kudula, FWP chief of conservation policy, told lawmakers the state code appears to contradict federal protections and could lead legally well-intentioned people into federal violations. "It does…
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