The Montana Legislature is considering the first two in a slate of bills that could impact the management of bison in and traveling through the state.
Rep. Marvin Weatherwax, D-Browning, brought House Bills 311 and 312 before the House Agriculture Committee this week. Both bills deal with state regulations and processes for moving bison when they are destined for Indian reservations.
Bison are incredibly important culturally, economically and as food to many tribes with several sustaining their own herds, Weatherwax said. But those herds are generally too small to sustain genetic diversity without introducing new animals, and the tribes source those animals from places such as Yellowstone National Park or herds from other Indian reservations, he said.
Montana lawmakers hold hearing on bills that would make bison transfers to tribes easier
MTN News
and last updated 2021-02-12 11:09:45-05
HELENA â Montana lawmakers heard testimony Thursday on a pair of bills aimed at making it easier to transfer wild bison onto tribal lands.
The House Agriculture Committee held hearings on House Bill 311 and 312, both sponsored by Democratic Rep. Marvin Weatherwax Jr. of Browning.
HB 311 would allow bison to be transferred to an Indian reservation from a national park or another reservation without a health certificate from the state. Supporters said that would remove a regulatory burden on tribes seeking to bring in bison.