MontanaHB 64869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Require FWP notification before the release of large predators

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Local notice and input on predator moves

The department must give county commissioners, the sheriff, and tribal governments a chance to consult before policy decisions on large predators and big-game species. “Consultation” means sharing information and asking for local advice on risks to farms, livestock, and public safety. The department must give verbal and written notice when a yearly plan to move a predator into a different county or tribal area is finalized, and when that plan changes. It must also notify within 24 hours of capture if the animal will be moved into a different county or tribal area, and within 24 hours after relocation when the site was previously approved for bear moves. “Large predators” are bears, mountain lions, and wolves. “Large game species” are deer, elk, mountain sheep, moose, antelope, and mountain goats.

Rules for predator carcass retrieval and sale

The department works with the Livestock Loss Board and USDA Wildlife Services to set when wolf or mountain lion carcasses or parts are collected during management actions. They also set when those carcasses or parts are given to the Livestock Loss Board for sale or auction under state law. This standardizes handling and may support the board’s revenue.

Safety-first predator management and wolf removal

The law sets clear priorities for managing bears, mountain lions, and wolves. First, protect people, livestock, and pets. Second, keep outdoor work and recreation safe. Third, protect big-game hunting opportunities. When the state has met its wolf breeding-pair goal, the department can lethally remove “problem wolves” with a history of killing livestock. A problem wolf can be a single wolf or a pack with past livestock predation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brandon Ler
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Greg Hertz
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 288 • No: 7

House vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 4

House vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 2

House vote • 3/5/2025