Representative Matthews introduces bill to reauthorize spring bear hunt; opponents call for deliberation

Representative Tom Matthews introduced House Bill 58 to reauthorize a spring bear hunt and defended it as a scientific, not political, policy. He said DWR biologist Jordan Patterson had recommended a spring hunt as a useful harvest measure and argued that properly timed spring hunts reduce human–bear conflicts and help pay for damage control. "This bill stems because of the wildlife decision to do away with the spring bear hunt… their own biologist, Jordan Patterson of the DWR, spoke in favor of the spring bear hunt," Matthews said.

Questioners noted the Wildlife Board already has statutory authority to set hunting seasons and asked whether the Legislature should override the board. Representative Hunsaker moved to circle the bill, asking for additional study and a possible amendment to seek reconsideration by the Wildlife Board rather than mandate. The motion to circle (defer for further work) passed; Matthews said he would work with colleagues to refine the measure.

The floor debate focused on biology (timing to avoid taking lactating mothers), harvest levels and institutional authority. No final substantive vote on the underlying authorization occurred during this session; the bill was circled for further consideration.