This bill revises the laws governing the management of gray wolves in Montana, specifically amending Section 87-1-901 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). It mandates that the Fish and Wildlife Commission apply varied management techniques based on regional conditions, allowing for more liberal harvest regulations in areas with higher wolf populations. Notably, the bill permits the use of thermal and infrared scopes for hunting and trapping wolves, expanding the tools available for wolf management. Additionally, it maintains provisions for landowners to take wolves that pose threats to safety or livestock without needing a specific hunting license, while also establishing reporting requirements and quotas for such actions.

The bill also includes provisions for public land permittees who have experienced livestock depredation, allowing them to obtain special kill permits to take wolves without a Class E-1 or Class E-2 license. The department is required to report annually on the implementation of these regulations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, reflecting a proactive approach to managing the gray wolf population in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-901
HB0259_1(1): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(10): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(11): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(12): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(13): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(14): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(15): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(16): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(17): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(18): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(19): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(2): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(20): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(21): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(3): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(4): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(5): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(6): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(7): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(8): 87-1-901
HB0259_1(9): 87-1-901
HB0259_1: 87-1-901
HB0259_2.2: 87-1-901
HB0259_2: 87-1-901
HB0259_X: 87-1-901
HB0259_2(17): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(1): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(10): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(12): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(2): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(3): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(5): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(10): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(14): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(7): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(8): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(11): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(4): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(3): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(11): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(6): 87-1-901
HB0259_X(9): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(1): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(12): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(13): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(15): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(16): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(18): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(19): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(2): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(20): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(4): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(5): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(6): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(7): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(8): 87-1-901
HB0259_2(9): 87-1-901