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HB 222

Creating open wolf hunting season until the population is 600 or fewer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lukas Schubert

Montana bill proposing unrestricted wolf hunting until population reaches 600 animals died without passing second reading.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 222

Legislative bill overview

HB 222 proposed to establish an open hunting season on wolves in Montana that would remain in effect until the statewide wolf population declined to 600 or fewer animals. The bill did not advance beyond the second reading stage and ultimately died in the legislative process.

Why is this important

Wolf population management remains contentious in the northern Rockies, balancing ranching and hunting interests against conservation and wildlife protection concerns. The bill's threshold-based approach to population control reflects ongoing debates over appropriate predator management strategies and state versus federal wildlife authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Conservation vs. hunting interests: Environmental groups argue wolves serve ecosystem functions (controlling elk populations, scavenging), while ranching and hunting advocates cite livestock predation and game animal impacts
  • Population baseline disputes: Disagreement exists over current wolf numbers, sustainable population levels, and whether 600 represents a scientifically sound threshold
  • Federal-state jurisdiction: Wolves are protected federally in most contexts; Montana's authority to set hunting seasons involves complex legal negotiations with federal agencies and neighboring states

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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