Montana lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow the state to set an unlimited wolf hunting quota during the established hunting season. House Bill 176, sponsored by Republican Rep. Shannon Maness, initially required the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to establish an unlimited statewide quota on wolf hunting while the population was above 550 animals statewide. However, the bill was amended to give the commission the discretion to apply an unlimited quota. This decision would allow the commission to continue managing wolves under the state’s current strategy, which currently sets a statewide quota of 334 wolves per season and limits hunters to 20 wolves each.
The bill was endorsed by the Montana House of Representatives, with 57 voting in favor and 42 against, primarily along party lines. The debate over setting an unlimited wolf hunting quota comes as the state’s wolf population is estimated to be around 1,100 animals. The Fish and Wildlife Commission, appointed by the governor, will ultimately decide when and if to implement this management strategy.
Supporters of the bill argue that an unlimited hunting quota is necessary to control the wolf population and minimize conflicts with livestock. Opponents, however, are concerned about the impact on wolf populations and the balance of ecosystems. The bill will now move to the Montana Senate for further consideration.
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