The bill proposes significant revisions to the current wolf hunting laws in Montana, particularly focusing on the management of gray wolf populations. It mandates an unlimited hunting quota when the wolf population reaches 450 or more, allowing the Fish and Wildlife Commission to issue multiple hunting licenses to individuals, permit the harvest of an unlimited number of wolves by a single hunter, and authorize the use of bait for hunting or trapping. Additionally, the bill allows for hunting wolves on private land outside of daylight hours using artificial light or night vision scopes. The bill also emphasizes the need for data consistency in determining wolf populations through integrated patch occupancy models.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 87-1-901 of the Montana Code Annotated, changing the sustainable wolf population threshold from supporting at least 15 breeding pairs to a minimum of 450 wolves. It also clarifies that the commission must adopt rules allowing landowners to take wolves posing threats to safety or livestock without a license, provided they report the incident and preserve the carcass. The bill aims to enhance the management and conservation of the gray wolf population while addressing concerns related to livestock depredation and public safety.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-901
HB0176_1: 87-1-901
HB0176_1(1): 87-1-901