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This week, a new bill was introduced to the Montana House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee that would legalize the use of hounds for hunting black bears in Montana. House Bill 468, which is sponsored by Rep. Paul Fielder (R-Thompson Falls), would specifically allow hound hunting for black bears during the spring season, give “the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission authority to determine where hound hunting would be allowed” and establish a training season that would run from the end of hunting season through July 31, according to The Independent Record.
“In Montana, a person may take game birds, hunt mountain lions and hunt bobcats with the aid of a dog or dogs,” said Fielder during the committee meeting. “This bill simply adds black bears to the list of animals that may be hunted with a dog.”
A bill heard Tuesday from a Thompson Falls lawmaker would allow hound hunting for black bears in Montana.
Rep. Paul Fielder, a Republican, brought House Bill 468 to the House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee. The bill would allow hound hunting for black bears during the spring season and grants the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission authority to determine where hound hunting would be allowed. The legislation would also establish a training season to chase black bears from the end of hunting season until July 31.
Currently, black bears may only be hunted via spot-and-stalk hunting in the state during spring and fall seasons.