This bill revises the laws governing gray wolves and fur-bearing animals in Montana by classifying gray wolves as fur-bearers and establishing new regulations for their hunting and trapping. It introduces specific licenses for residents (Class E-1) and non-residents (Class E-2), along with a tagging process for harvested wolves. The legislation prohibits hunting fur-bearers within city limits, from public highways, or using motion-tracking cameras, and it mandates that gray wolf heads and pelts must not be wasted in the field. Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes and repeals certain existing provisions related to wolf licenses.

Key amendments include the expanded definition of fur-bearers, the establishment of penalties for violations of the new regulations, and the requirement for landowner permission before hunting on private property. The bill emphasizes the management of gray wolves following their delisting from the endangered species list and outlines fines and potential forfeiture of hunting licenses for non-compliance. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the conservation and management of gray wolves while providing clear guidelines for hunters and trappers in Montana.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 87-1-901, 87-2-101, 87-2-601, 87-2-602, 87-2-603, 87-4-1001, 87-5-131, 87-6-101, 87-6-401, 87-6-402, 87-6-403, 87-6-405, 87-6-415, 87-6-603
HB0101_1: 87-1-901, 87-2-101, 87-2-602, 87-2-603, 87-4-1001, 87-5-131, 87-6-101, 87-6-401, 87-6-402, 87-6-403, 87-6-405, 87-6-415, 87-6-603
HB0101_1(2): 87-1-901, 87-2-101, 87-2-602, 87-2-603, 87-4-1001, 87-5-131, 87-6-101, 87-6-401, 87-6-402, 87-6-403, 87-6-405, 87-6-415, 87-6-603
HB0101_1(1): 87-1-901, 87-2-101, 87-2-602, 87-2-603, 87-4-1001, 87-5-131, 87-6-101, 87-6-401, 87-6-402, 87-6-403, 87-6-405, 87-6-415, 87-6-603