House Bill No. introduced by L. Schubert and others proposes the establishment of a year-round open wolf hunting season in Montana, with the provision that the season may be closed if the wolf population falls to 650 or below. The bill amends Section 87-1-304 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include new language that mandates the commission to authorize a wolf hunting season with an unlimited quota, which will continue until the specified population threshold is reached. Additionally, the commission is allowed to close the hunting season only during May and June to account for denning and whelping periods.

The bill also includes provisions for the commission to declare closed seasons on any species threatened with depletion and allows for the establishment of special seasons and licenses when necessary. The amendments clarify the commission's authority to manage hunting seasons and quotas effectively, ensuring that wildlife populations are maintained while providing opportunities for hunters. Furthermore, a new section on severability is included, ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-304
HB0222_1(1): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(2): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(3): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(4): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(5): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(6): 87-1-304
HB0222_1(7): 87-1-304
HB0222_1: 87-1-304
HB0222_2(1): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(2): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(3): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(4): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(5): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(6): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(7): 87-1-304
HB0222_2(8): 87-1-304
HB0222_2: 87-1-304