MontanaProposal would keep traps farther from marked public roads and trails
The proposal, which died in committee, would require trappers on public lands to keep traps and snares set distances from marked roads and trails.
What it does
Trappers on public lands would have to keep ground traps and snares at least 50 feet from marked roads and trails, or 150 feet for wolves. Year-round vehicle-closed roads would be exempt.
The wildlife commission could increase distances in busy areas near urban centers and set distances for places such as campgrounds, recreation sites, and trailheads.
Argument forPeople using marked public roads and trails could be less likely to encounter traps because trappers would have to keep set distances away.
Argument againstTrappers might have fewer places to set traps near marked roads and trails, especially where the commission sets longer distances or adds other public areas.
More detail
Trappers would have to keep ground traps and snares set distances from certain marked roads and hiking trails on public lands. The rules would cover ground traps and snares set on public lands near roads and hiking trails marked by signs or numbers. For fur-bearing animals, predators, and nongame wildlife, ground traps and snares would have to be 50 feet from the road or trail edge; for wolves, they would have to be 150 feet away. The distances would not apply to roads closed year-round to motor vehicles and off-highway vehicles, including some roads accessible by snowmobile.
The wildlife commission could increase trap distances in some areas and set distances for other public places. The authority would apply to roads, trails, and other public areas. The commission could increase distances in high-use areas near urban population centers. Other places could include campgrounds, recreation sites, and public land trailheads.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- May 23(H) Died in CommitteeDied
- Apr 8(H) Tabled in Committee - (H) Fish, Wildlife and ParksMinor
- Vote recorded to_table. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 2(H) Hearing - (H) Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- Mar 17(H) 1st Reading
- Mar 17(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Fish, Wildlife and ParksMinor
- Mar 7(S) Transmitted to House
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 7(S) 3rd Reading
- Mar 7(S) Scheduled for 3rd ReadingMinor
- Mar 6(S) 2nd ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 6(S) Scheduled for 2nd ReadingMinor
- Feb 28(S) Committee Report - (S) Fish and Game
- Vote recorded do_pass_as_amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 28(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Fish and Game
- Feb 26(S) Hearing - (S) Fish and Game
- Feb 25(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Fish and GameMinor
- Feb 24(S) 1st Reading
- Feb 24(S) Introduced
- Feb 24(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
- Feb 17(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
- Feb 16(LC) Draft in Assembly
- Feb 15(LC) Draft in Final Drafter Review
- Feb 15(LC) Draft in Input/Proofing
- Feb 13(LC) Draft in Edit
- Feb 13(LC) Draft in Legal Review
- Feb 13(LC) Draft Taken Off Hold
- 2024
- Sep 26(LC) Draft On Hold
- Sep 4(LC) Drafter AssignedIntroduced
Public Safety