This bill amends Section 87-6-602 of the Montana Code Annotated to revise the laws regarding the trapping or hunting of beaver and muskrat that cause injury to various structures. The bill expands the definition of structures that can be protected to include not only irrigation project works and stock water ponds but also rural and urban developed structures. It allows the director or a designee to issue permits for trapping or hunting these animals when they are deemed a menace or causing severe injury to the specified structures.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that a permit is required to hunt or trap beaver or muskrat, except during the period from June 1 to August 31, when no permit is necessary. The penalties for violations of this section include fines, potential imprisonment, and forfeiture of hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses for a specified period. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-6-602
HB0095_1(1): 87-6-602
HB0095_1(2): 87-6-602
HB0095_1(3): 87-6-602
HB0095_1(4): 87-6-602
HB0095_1(5): 87-6-602
HB0095_1(6): 87-6-602
HB0095_1: 87-6-602
HB0095_2: 87-6-602
HB0095_X(1): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(10): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(11): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(12): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(2): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(3): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(4): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(5): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(6): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(7): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(8): 87-6-602
HB0095_X(9): 87-6-602
HB0095_X: 87-6-602