Bill
LC 2788
Overview: Bill Number: LC 2788, Title: Generally revise trapping and snaring laws on public lands, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: December 11, 2024Purpose and Inte
Overview: Bill Number: LC 2788, Title: Generally revise trapping and snaring laws on public lands, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: December 11, 2024
Purpose and Intent: The intent of this bill was to revise Montana's laws regarding the use of traps and snares on public lands. The proposed changes were aimed at addressing concerns about the impacts of trapping on wildlife, public safety, and recreational use of public lands.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibit the use of body-gripping traps (e.g., leghold traps, Conibear traps) on public lands, with exceptions for certain types of trapping for wildlife management purposes
- Require the use of breakaway devices on snares set on public lands to allow the release of non-target animals
- Mandate the use of signage to mark the location of traps and snares on public lands
- Increase penalties for violations of trapping and snaring regulations on public lands
Affected Parties and Impacts: The proposed changes would have primarily affected trappers and hunters who use public lands, as well as the general public who recreate on these lands. The restrictions on certain trapping methods could have impacted the ability of wildlife managers to control certain animal populations.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: This bill was introduced in the 2024 legislative session but did not advance beyond the draft stage and died in the legislative process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
