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HB 101

Reclassify wolves as furbearers and align existing wolf tagging and furbearer hunting restrictions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Isaly

Montana bill reclassifying wolves as furbearers to align hunting restrictions, died in 2025 session without advancing past committee.

(H) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · HB 101

Legislative bill overview

HB 101 would reclassify wolves in Montana from their current regulatory status to "furbearers," aligning wolf hunting and tagging rules with those governing other furbearing animals like coyotes and bobcats. The bill died in the legislative process after missing deadlines during the 2025 session and failing to advance from committee.

Why is this important

Wolf management remains contentious in Montana, affecting livestock producers, conservation advocates, hunting communities, and ecosystems. Reclassifying wolves as furbearers could significantly alter hunting seasons, bag limits, tagging requirements, and regulatory oversight—potentially making wolf removal easier or harder depending on how furbearer rules compare to current wolf regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Ecological and conservation concerns: Wolf advocates worry that furbearer classification could enable expanded hunting that destabilizes wolf populations or ecosystem balance, particularly for predator-prey dynamics and biodiversity
  • Agricultural vs. environmental interests: Livestock producers may support easier wolf removal through furbearer status, while conservation groups fear inadequate protections and species recovery goals could be undermined
  • Regulatory consistency questions: Unclear whether aligning with furbearer rules would loosen or tighten existing restrictions, and whether Montana's furbearer framework adequately addresses wolves' ecological role versus other species

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

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